Organizing an office environment is crucial for achieving high productivity levels and avoiding distractions during work. Whether your new work environment is your home office space or a designated area in the corporate office, the surroundings you are surrounded by have a huge impact on your focus and motivation.
Indeed, the working atmosphere, a conducive and properly arranged office environment, implies a better work output and improved satisfaction. In this detailed article, you will learn how to create a work environment that is fit for an office.
5 Tips for Establishing a Productive Work Environment
Without the right working environment, your productivity will be low. Here are some strategies that guarantees an efficient place of work:
Pick the right location
First, determine the right location for a productive office space. If you are to work from home, choose a less noisy place that does not easily distract the mind. Due to excessive noise, do not place your workplace near frequently used areas such as the kitchen or living room.
If possible, select a cubicle with an enclosed door so you can close it during the call to reduce disturbance. It is advisable to place your desk in an area with minimal noise, preferably in a corporate office away from kitchen spaces or heavily trafficked areas.
This place should be illuminated; natural light enhances workers’ morale, productivity, and health. If no window can provide the necessary amount of light, adding a lamp that can imitate the daylight is recommended to avoid rubbing eyes.
Use ergonomic furniture
Comfort is paramount in sustaining efficiency, especially when one is stuck in a single position for most of the working day. Reducing factors like back pain or RSIs requires ergonomic chairs, such as adjustable chairs and ergonomic desks; therefore, it is necessary to invest in ergonomic furniture.
An ergonomic chair supports the lumbar region and has features that allow one to adjust the chair’s height so that the user’s feet touch the floor. It should be an ideal workplace where your arms can comfortably extend in a 90-degree angle while typing. Another piece of office furniture that could be essential is the standing desk or the sit-stand desk converter. This will help you switch from sitting to standing and vice versa throughout the day, enhancing your posture and reducing fatigue.
Optimize your desk layout
Working in a cluttered environment often discourages the organization of the workplace and, consequently, the organization of thoughts. Regarding the organization of the physical environment, it is essential to ensure that only the required things are placed at the desk. This may include your computer, a notebook, a pen, and other equipment you often use.
Papers, stationery, cables, etc., should be stored as much as possible in a desk organizer, tray, or drawer to avoid clutter in the working area. This format should also observe ergonomic practices in the design of the desk.
To avoid leaning your neck forward or backward, you must place the computer monitor 20-30 inches away from your eyes. If you use more than one screen, position the devices in a curved form to reduce the strain on your neck. Opt for work relations mobile applications that will increase productivity. For example, Lemcal offers tools that increase productivity.
Utilize adequate lighting
It cannot be overemphasized how important it is to ensure the workplace is well-lit to avoid eye-straining. Your office should also have natural lighting and artificial or permanent lighting.
Position your desk near a window to maximize natural light to solve this. However, screen glare must be avoided because it can lead to eye strain and reduce productivity when working on a computer. Shades or curtains should also close or open depending on the required light.
Decrease distractions
Delays are one of the leading factors in lost productivity in organizations. The area chosen for work should not have distractions that can affect employees. Don’t take your smartphone with you or turn off the notifications and put it in ‘Airplane Mode’ so that it doesn’t ring out loud. If you work in a noisy environment, it is advisable to use hearing aids to minimize or have some background noise to work over.
If many tasks entail using a computer, then minimize computer interruptions by organizing the home page, limiting access to entertaining sites, and timing the intervals when you can freely read emails and notifications.
Conclusion
Furniture and office equipment placement is one aspect of managing the workplace environment that must be addressed. It is all about arranging an environment that will allow you to concentrate for a long time and be free from conflicts that could harm your health.
Thus, the overall work environment can be guaranteed effective and fulfilling if location, ergonomics, lighting, and organization are considered when designing an office. Therefore, no matter the nature of your job—whether in an office building or from home—these guidelines will help make the office suitable.
