Whether you’re returning to your company’s office or are going to stay working from home, everyone benefits from a better office. You don’t realize how much it impacts your workflow and productivity.
Most of the things in your office affect how you work. This includes both your personal office and the wider office area with other people around you. You can use technology to augment your office experience, but the basics are where you should start. If you want to be more efficient and productive, start with these five ways to improve your office.
1. Get Organized
The first thing you should do for your office is to organize it. You should get rid of anything that you don’t need. Your files should be correctly filed. If it doesn’t have to do with work, remove it from the office environment.
Put all of your pens, notepads, and other supplies in the same place so you have it all together. It may sound simple, but getting and staying organized is the essential first step. Organization won’t just clear your space, it will clear your mind.
2. Clear Your Desk
While you are getting organized, you should clear your desk. Your desk should have little on it—only the tools you need to do your work. This is not just a way to clear your mind of the distractions that may keep you from getting things done, it will clear the physical space for other tools of the trade. You will make room for notepads to take notes.
You will be able to use your phone, your computer, and other devices without clutter. When you clear your desk, your work will be better and you will do it faster.
3. Change the Seating
It doesn’t matter whether you have your own office, share an office, or have a room in a wider office space, changing the seating will make a big difference. Office seating will change everything about how you work. First, having a good chair will enable you to sit longer without pain or discomfort. Your desk chair is probably the most important thing in your office. If you spend the money on a good computer chair, you will feel the difference.
Beyond the chair that you sit in at your desk, what about a chair or two for people who come in to talk to you? You want them to be comfortable also so that your conversations will be looser and more personable. How is the seating in conference rooms? Out in the break room? If you’re an office manager, remember that chairs matter. They’ll make a difference to the productivity of your employees.
4. Utilize Technology
Another thing you should do to improve your office is to utilize technology. Whether it’s another monitor, a tablet with a stylus, a USB port extender, a smart watch, or something else, technology can help you stay organized and on task. It can facilitate workflow and efficiency.
You can get work down more quickly and easily by using all the tools you need at your disposal. Wireless speakers will help you stay entertained without taking up too much space. It depends on what you do for a living and what you need to get the job done, but technology can greatly improve your office.
5. Improve Lighting
You may not realize it but lighting makes a big impact on your productivity. You need your office to be properly lighted but not too bright. You want to stay awake but you don’t want to hurt your eyes either. Lighting is one of those things you might not think about until it changes. Once you have bright, soft light in your office, you will be more comfortable and able to work harder.
The office is a huge part of your work life. It doesn’t matter whether you’re at home or in the office with others, creating a comfortable and productive environment is essential. You want to facilitate your work flow and have the tools you need to do the job that you need to get done. Making your office comfortable but conducive to the work you do is absolutely pivotal to doing the best you can do. Invest in yourself by making your office your perfect place.
