Have you ever noticed how your mood and concentration are affected by your surroundings? For instance, you might find it hard to complete a certain work task in a noisy coffee shop, but the same task can be completed in half the time when you work from the comfort and quiet of your home office. That’s why it is essential to have a workspace or office that fosters creativity and productivity. Whether you’re an employer redesigning your office space for your employees or an employee trying to zhuzh things up at your desk, we have some tips for you. These tips will brighten your workspace instantly and work wonders in lightening and boosting your mood.

#1 Let there be light

Did you know that according to a study, natural light was one of the most sought-after elements for employees? The study also revealed that 47% of those employees who did not get proper natural light at work reported feeling more exhausted at work. Since the workplace is where employees, teams and clients collaborate, it is essential to have ample light. Moreover, poor lighting also has a negative impact on the eyesight and moods of employees. A simple method is to move your desk next to a window or a place that lets the natural light in. Adding an extra layer of lighting through desk lamps is also a great idea. If you check a lot of paperwork or read from papers, this is a great way to brighten up your space and avoid eye strain and headaches. If your office space has no natural light, you can also make an effort to take a break from work and go outside for a few minutes every couple of hours.

#2 Colours to the rescue

Our office is where we spend the majority of our days. Therefore it is essential that the environment is comfortable and conducive to productivity. If you haven’t given much thought to the effect of colours on your mood, now is the time to add some hues to your space. If you’re someone who needs their creativity to be stimulated to do their work, try adding bright reds, oranges and greens to your environment. On the other hand, if you work better in a calm environment, go for pastel blues and greens. You can add these colours by using plants, colourful post-its, a painting, a planner or even a water bottle in your favourite colour. These accessories don’t need to be practical—they just need to add a little personality and character to your desk space.

#3 Go green

Is your office desk looking dull? Adding plants and greenery to your workspace might be just the thing you need to make your space look fresh. But did you know that bringing plants into your workspace also provides a host of health benefits? Studies have shown that plants can help lower stress levels, improve concentration and improve air quality, so adding them to your office could actually make you more productive. If you have limited space at home or in your cubicle, consider getting small planters for your desks that are easy to maintain and won’t take up much space.  

#4 Personalise it 

Your workspace should not only be about work. It should also reflect your personality and style. The best way to personalise your workspace is to add something that reflects your personality. Whether you have a cubicle in the office or you work from home, it should feel like your own space.

One of the easiest ways to do this is by adding photos of your favourite people and places. These can be displayed in a low-profile frame or even printed on canvas. If you’re looking for something more unique, try hanging some art you love. This doesn’t have to be expensive—you could even make it yourself! Another option is using personalised accessories like nameplates or mugs with your name on them. These will make it feel more like “your space” when you walk into the office each day. 

#5 Check that temperature

Did you know that the temperature at work can contribute to making your workdays exhausting and uncomfortable? Being too hot or too cold in the office can be a real productivity killer! It can also impact your mood, which is why it’s so important to keep the temperature at the perfect level. If you work in a shared office space, let your manager know when the temperature is too high or low. If you work from home, invest in a heater for the winters and a fan or AC unit for the summers. 

#6 Declutter it

Whether your desk is cluttered with papers and sticky notes, or you’re just looking to spruce things up a bit, decluttering your workspace can help you get organised, reduce stress, and increase productivity.

Our three-step process to a clean, tidy office desk:

Step 1: Check-in with yourself. Ask yourself: What’s the source of all of this clutter? Do I need it? Do I need to keep it here?

Step 2: Create an action plan. Decide what you need to keep, what needs to be thrown out, and where everything else will go.

Step 3: Get decluttering! You can also invest in better organisational accessories like cabinets, files, drawers and bookshelves.

ARE YOU PLANNING AN OFFICE REDESIGN?

Our interior specialists can help you plan and manage a redesign that will make the most of your current space, whether you’re planning to work in the office full-time or a hybrid capacity.

Our team works with businesses across Ireland and has extensive knowledge of working within different types of spaces. We’ll help you develop a design plan and then manage the process from concept to installation, so all you need to do is sit back and let our experts work their magic!

Why not get in touch today?