8 Design Tricks to Help You Work Smarter and Focus Better at Work   

Workplace design is more important to your productivity than you’d ever suspect. From light to furniture, every single element of your office impacts your mood, focus and creativity. The good news is that you can apply small changes to the décor of your workspace to significantly boost your productivity and ensure that every day you get a lot done in record time. Here are a few tips to help you redesign your workplace for maximum productivity.

Ambient Noise
Some workers like background noise and find it creatively stimulating, but others are distracted and annoyed by it. Learn which group you belong to, and if it’s the latter, equip your office with objects that emit minimum noises– i.e. avoid buzzing lighting or humming printers. Loud ambient noises are known to increase general stress levels, impacting stress-related conditions ranging from coronary disease to migraine headaches.

Lighting
Research shows us that lighting is closely tied to productivity. Dim lighting will lower your daily output. Avoid using fluorescent lights at the office, since long exposure to this kind of lighting results in headaches. Natural light is good – in fact, the more of it, the better. Make sure that your office has large windows and open spaces. Create a balance between natural and artificial lighting that will help you read and focus on your tasks.

Clutter
Clutter is your worst enemy when it comes to productivity. Working at an office, strive to keep your environment clear. Spend a few minutes every morning to make sure things are organized and filed away, so they don’t distract you during the day. If you are working from home, schedule a specific time to clean up your workspace.  An organized and tidy office will likely boost your productivity.

Temperature
Studies show us that temperature is way more important for improving productivity than we give it credit for. It’s key to avoid extreme temperatures, given that both hot and cold affect your motivation and mood. In general, try to keep things on the warm side; a study from Cornell University showed low temperatures cause a 44% increase in task errors. If your heater and air conditioning break, repair them as soon as possible – potential losses in productivity and an increase in mistakes will cost you more.

Ergonomics
If you’re used to working at a desk, you know how important it is for your workspace to be comfortable. If you find yourself stretching, moving and adjusting your desk frequently, you’ll never stay focused. Your chair and desk need to be correctly fitted to boost your productivity at work.

When adjusting your seat, make sure that your eyes are located 24-36 inches from the computer screen. The top of the monitor should be at eye-level or just below it. It’s best to keep your feet on a foot-rest or on the floor. You can also minimize lower back pain and reduce pressure on your spine with a slightly reclined chair posture.

If you work in an office, on the other hand, there are still some things you can do: simply ask for an adjustable chair. If that’s impossible, add pillows for your lower back or bum. Many companies provide practical risers for computers to help employees adjust the height of their screens. You may also need a separate keyboard to keep your hands in a correct position.

Color and Decoration
Psychologists say colors have a major impact on our perceptions, moods and emotions. They can boost creativity in an instant or even provoke physiological responses such as increased heart-rate. This is something you should be aware of when decorating your office. Blue and green are colors of comfort and have a calming effect on our nerves. If you need an extra boost of energy, red will be just perfect.

If you’re a creative type, then your workspace décor should be simply aesthetically pleasing and visually attractive to both you and professionals/clients who visit.  Choose the right artwork, wall decoration and colors to make your office reflect your style – and you’ll make everyone enjoy that space!

Room Scent
Just like colors, scents have a powerful influence on our moods and productivity. Add scents to your workplace and you’ll see that you become less distracted and more focused on work. Every time you notice that you’re getting distracted, you’ll be able to ground yourself through the scent.

Use pine for increasing alertness at your office. Cinnamon is perfect if you’d like to improve your focus. Lavender and peppermint will help you to relax and improve your mood. And any citrus smell will instantly wake you up and lift your spirits, preparing you for the day ahead.

Physical surroundings in an office are often brushed off as insignificant to the job being done, but in fact they have a great impact on your productivity. Great workplace design will increase your daily output and help you maintain a high level of motivation.