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As productivity has become a buzzword for millennials, everyone is looking for a way to boost it. From following a four-hour work routine to even learning to say “no”, there is no shortage of productivity hacks that promise you instant results – even promising to boost your productivity up to a staggering 400%! Despite being claimed by the productivity Gurus or lifestyle influencers, there is no sure-fire or shortcut way to achieve a certain productivity level.

However, in this wild pursuit of boosting our productivity, we tend to overlook how our immediate environment can also have an immense impact on our minds. Just a few minor adjustments in our workspace can influence our productivity in a very passive way. Let’s discuss how you can boost your productivity by adjusting your office décor.

Adapt Minimalism

Minimalism is keeping things simple and cutting out all the excess. While minimalism may sound like a millennial lifestyle trend, it has its perks when it comes to productivity. Think about all the time you have to waste just to find a document that got mixed with a hundred other useless files.

Besides, clutter also creates a distraction. For decluttering and adapting minimalism-

  • Invest in minimalistic space-saving furniture
  • Categorize things according to the necessity
  • Discard all the unessential stuff that hasn’t been used for the last few months, and you are not sure if you will need them in the future
  • Make sure all the wires and connections for your computers stay hidden from sight.

Get Ergonomic Desk and Chair

Most office work requires sedentary work. When you sit hunched over in front of the computer screen for more than 30 minutes at a stretch, your back is going to take the toll. For that reason, you need an adjustable chair and table that can support your posture. Browse online to find yourself some ergonomic office desks for sale.

As per ergonomics, there are some basic rules you need to follow for a comfortable work environment-

  • The monitor should be parallel to you at an arm’s length.
  • Adjust your monitor’s height so that you don’t have to strain your neck while working.
  • The chair should be able to support the curve of your spine. Adjust the height so that your feet can be level with the ground and your knees are at the same level as your hips.
  • While typing, your wrists should be straight and your hands at your elbow level or below.

Bring In Natural Light

Lighting is the key indicator of occupants’ satisfaction in a space. Natural light is a great way to boost your mental energy. If the interior lighting is inadequate, it will create strain in your eyes, and you will have trouble concentrating on your work for more than a few minutes. To optimize natural lighting in an office-

  • If you already have a window or other natural light source in your workspace, optimize it by opting for sheer curtains and glass panes.
  • Arrange your workspace near the perimeter, ideally within 15-20 feet of the window.
  • If you have a cubicle or glass panel dividing your workspace, keep the partition low to allow natural light.
  • Place a mirror or other shiny objects opposite the light source. Avoid placing your computer in a space that will create a glare.

Invite Greens

When you are working in front of a screen at a stretch, you need to give your eyes some break by looking at something natural. Nature is also an immediate mood lifter. As per research, indoor plants can reduce your stress level and increase your productivity.

Plants’ healing effect will help you focus on the work. Incorporate some low-maintenance houseplants in your office decor and see how wonderfully it lifts the ambiance. Here are some easy to care indoor plants that you can consider keeping at your workstation-

  • Chinese evergreen
  • Moth orchid
  • Snake plant
  • Maidenhair fern
  • Philodendrons
  • Wax plant
  • Cactus and succulents

Choose the Right Color Scheme

Selecting a perfect color scheme dictates more than just the aesthetics of a space. Color has a direct impact on our mood and thus productivity. However, the color itself does not always trigger those psychological effects on us; it’s the intensity of color that triggers it. For example, low-intensity color has a calming effect on our mind, whereas high-intensity color stimulates our mind.

To understand the intensity, you need to know about the tint shade and color tones. When you add white with a primary color, it becomes a tint of that color. When you add black with primary colors, it becomes a shade, and adding a gray will make it a tone. You can control how far you can go on the tint shade or tone scale.

There is no single color that is guaranteed to boost your productivity. Here are some basic relations of productivity with different colors.

  • If you are into creative work, yellow will be suitable for your interior. It resonates with your spirit and sparks creativity.
  • If your work is mental or analytical, blue will be most suitable for you. Blue has a cool grounding effect that will keep you motivated for mental work.
  • If your work involves physical activity, red will be more stimulating for you.
  • Green has a balancing effect and can be suitable where the activities require trusts, such as banks or a financial broker’s office.

Create a Space Where Eyes Can Rest

When you find you no longer able to look at a spreadsheet for more than a few minutes, you need a space where the eyes can rest and rejuvenate. For every twenty minutes of screen time, you need to look away for twenty seconds at something at a distance of twenty feet away. This rule is called the 20/20/20 rule, and it is essential for resting your eye muscles. It can be a space filled with potted plants or an outdoor view that keeps changing throughout the day.

Be Strategic With Storage

Being strategic with your storage can go a long way to boost the appearance of your workspace and increase your productivity. Take the following steps-

  • Reserve at least ten minutes before and after work to tidy up and organize your storage and workspace.
  • Keep frequently-used items closest to you.
  • Designate a space for each item, and keep it back in its space after use,
  • To maximize the effect of space, you can install a low-height cabinet.

The Bottom Line

You might spend at least one-third of your day in your office or workstation. Considering the amount of time, you need to find that space equally comforting and mentally stimulating. However, your office décor doesn’t have to boast high-end fixtures and furniture to make it comfortable and rejuvenating. Even a minor change in space can have a great impact on your mood. Follow these strategies, and you will be amazed how it improves your work performance!

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