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We typically spend several hours of our daily life engaged in some form of employment, and that job may place us in an office setting. If our physical workspace environment is uninviting or uncomfortable, it can negatively influence our attitude. Good design is fundamental to promoting productivity from home offices to company buildings with open office spaces.

We’ve put together a few fresh office design ideas to nurture positivity in our working environment. A few mindful adjustments will improve how we work individually and as a team.

Declutter First

Getting rid of previous years’ clutter is your first step and will give you a clearer view of your options. Donate or recycle unused or outdated furniture and accessories. Sort out cabinets and file drawers, archiving redundant files and paperwork. Give your work area a bath to freshen up surfaces and take measurements of floor space and walls for potential rearrangement or new furniture. Look at more compact storage units that will alleviate the disorder.

Ergonomic Furniture

It is essential to consider the ergonomics of your workstation. Eyesight, posture, back and neck pain, and poor circulation are linked to a poorly designed workspace and will almost certainly impact productivity. Consider these ergonomic options:

  1. Select a desk that allows you to adjust the height of the computer screen so that your eyes are approximately two feet away. The top of the monitor should ideally be located near eye level to reduce neck tension and eye strain. Use a keyboard tray or desk that allows for correct wrist placement.
  2. Find a good quality, comfortable chair with adjustable height, back, and lumbar support. Maintain a position where your feet can rest comfortably on the floor or use a footrest.
  3. Consider using an adjustable standing desk or desk converter that will allow you the flexibility of sitting or standing while you are working. There are several brands to choose from and can easily be found on the internet.

Lighting Matters

Lighting is one of the most critical elements of any workspace and can play a significant role in staying focused and productive. Poor lighting contributes to headaches, eye strain, fatigue, and influences our mood.

If you work in an office building with fluorescent lighting, ask management to consider using daylight emulating bulbs. If you can’t change fixed lighting, bring in a desk lamp.

Natural light is always best, so if you are lucky to have a window, arrange your setting to get the most from this benefit. If not, try a light therapy device.

Color Therapy

Colors stimulate our brains and subliminally affect our moods. Select a palette that enhances your positive feelings, inspires creativity, boosts your energy and productivity without triggering stress. If painting walls isn’t an option, consider painting furniture, or use artwork, flowers, and plants to add a dash of freshness, color, and greenery to the space.

If your workspace design or company office space detracts from focusing and feeling comfortable, it is time to consider a design change. Proper lighting, color, and ergonomics in furniture and accessories will help give you and your employees a fresh perspective and enhance productivity by encouraging expression and individuality.

Workspace Strategies offers management and workspace solutions in a modern, comfortable, and ergonomically enhanced setting, designed to provide a feeling of space, natural light, and energy.