Work Happy - Hack Your Workspace With These Simple Tips
During a typical working week, we spend an average of 5.7 hours seated at our desks, and it’s much more for some of us. With that figure in mind, it’s quite surprising how few workspaces are tweaked and improved to make them a more comfortable and pleasant place to be!
So, what can you do to create an oasis of calm, somewhere you can boost your productivity and happiness and actually enjoy the area in which you work? Take a look at our workspace hacks for some tips on making your working life more enjoyable.
Colour Me Happy
You may not be in control of the office decor, but you can certainly bring some happy and uplifting elements to your workspace. Need to think more clearly? Light shades of blue and green can stimulate the thought process. Need more creativity? Try some yellow. It can be just the thing for getting the creative juices flowing and can really lift the spirits - perfect for those dreaded Monday mornings!
Desk accessories, plants, posters and photographs are just some of the ways you can bring a little colour into your life. If you are able to, why not change the colour of your computer desktop, your screensaver and your software colours? Sneaking a little colour into your workspace can make so much difference and actually put a smile on your face. Try it!
See The Light - Ditch Those Fluorescents!
According to a study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, natural light could boost productivity by up to 15 per cent. If you are seated by the window, lucky you! However, many people are stuck sitting under artificial lighting for the entire day and this could be detrimental to both their health and their productivity.
If you can’t change the lighting dynamic within the office, why not opt for a few lamps that imitate natural light? These are relatively inexpensive and the payoff can be huge across your workforce.
Are They Sitting Comfortably?
Have you carried out a workspace review recently? Do you or your staff members regularly complain of pain in the lower back, shoulders or wrists. Repetitive strain and posture injuries are very common in the workplace, and most can be avoided with the right chair or desk.
We offer a wide range of office furniture hire options that are fully adjustable and which will ensure everybody is seated in the correct position and less likely to suffer from these injuries.
Smells Like Team Spirit
Yes, you read that right - we said “smells”. A study carried out by the Takasago Corporation in Japan found that scents around the office had a dramatic impact on productivity, serenity and creativity. The study found that lemon and lavender scents were great at reducing typing errors, grapefruit was great for creativity and sandalwood was great for creating a relaxing and still productive atmosphere.
Want to make a DIY air freshener for your desk or reception area? Candles are probably not a good idea, but you could pop a few drops of essential oil into a dish of water or a spray bottle to diffuse or mist around your workplace.
Be At One With Nature
One of the easiest ways to boost your workspace and productivity is to invest in plants. Whether it’s a single potted plant on your desk or a foyer filled with lush foliage, the power of nature should not be overlooked. Studies from the University of Exeter confirmed that plants can boost creativity by up to 45% and general well-being by up to 47%. Not bad! And what’s more, plants help to clean the air and remove nasties such as bacteria and pollutants.
Get Moving!
You can reduce the amount of time you or other staff members spend at their desks by creating a more flexible working environment. For example, why not create some more relaxing seating environments with the use of sofas and low level coffee tables? Why not use an empty conference room when you need to get away from the hubbub of an open-plan office?
These are just some of the ways you can hack your workspace and bring a little happiness, light and nature into your surroundings. And with our great furniture range, you have everything you need to tick the style and comfort boxes too!