5 ways to love your workspace

by Rachel Smith
13 January 2017

Last week, Leo wrote about all the decidedly unsexy things we need to do to ensure our gear is in tip-top shape, our back-ups are humming along in the background, and we can actually knuckle down and get some work done.

But on top of that, I really wanted to write a post about aesthetics. I know I can’t be the only one out there who finds it easier to work when surrounded by beautiful things. I’m not saying these things have to break the bank – not at all! – but like decluttering a bedroom and adding fresh sheets makes you want to sleep in there, beautifying your office can reportedly make you more productive, too.

Maybe for you bold, bright colours get the ideas firing. Or perhaps you like a workspace that’s calm, neutral and functional so you can focus on the task at hand. It really comes down to your personal style. But other tweaks – like moving your desk near a window, if you can, so you get more light – can have an impact on how happy and how healthy you are. Here are five more tweaks to try.

daisies

Get a plant. A terracotta pot of daisies on the windowsill or next to your computer screen doesn’t just look nice – it may improve your concentration and satisfaction, according to a Cardiff University study of employees who worked in plant-filled offices. (They even said they thought the air was cleaner!) The only caveat in bringing greenery into your office? Say NO to fake plants. They’re depressing and they get dusty and only the laziest people have fake plants, I’m sure. I personally have no green thumb whatsoever but I remain optimistic that any plant I buy will have a long, happy life. Succulents and peace lilies, for example, are near impossible to kill. I speak from experience.

anglepoise

Let there be light. The sense of warmth from a lamp you love, especially if you ever work late at night or in the early morning hours, can’t be beat – and the possibilities are endless. Think salt lamps, Vintage Edison bulb lamps, art deco lady lamps, a funky anglepoise, or even a lava lamp. It’s the one aspect of your office you can’t  ignore, so do your research and really consider what you need – a dedicated lamp you can train on your work to save you straining your eyes? An ambient light that casts a warm, cosy glow? A funky shade for an overhead light? Get it right and chances are you’ll find your office an easier place to work in.

desktop organisation

Organise your desktop. There’s nothing more irritating (to me anyway) than mess when I’m trying to write. My office is what I’d call organised chaos – there’s lots of papers and folders but they’re organised into trays, magazine holders and drawers. So if you haven’t already, take some time to establish a system and head to your favourite stationery store to get the storage you need.

mug

Buy a gorgeous mug. You’re going to be drinking out of it a lot, so you may as well have something special that you love. I love anything handmade, squat, chunky or with a wonky handle. And I also like mugs that hold a large cup of tea. Or anything by Marimekko!

rubber paperclip dog

Give your workspace some personality. Clear your corkboard of all the junk so there’s space for treasured photos or pictures from your travels – for me, such things are inspirational as well as being something I never tire of looking at whenever I need to take a quick break from the screen. Buy a few novelty pens or silly office gadgets that do the job but also have that essential fun factor (I love my rubber paperclip dog that holds paperclips, pushpins and pens). Use stickers or coloured dots or letter stamps on your calendar to denote interviews and deadlines and social occasions. Just a few touches of whatever you love can only help make your office a place you want to spend time in.

What do you to to beautify your workspace – or are you the type of person who doesn’t really care, so long as your computer works and the Wifi’s speedy?

Rachel Smith

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