Any place where you spend several hours should be comfortable, inviting and a space that you look forward to entering. Most of us look forward to getting off work each day, but if you’re spending your entire day fantasizing about how to escape your workspace, it’s time to make some changes. Making your desk a happy place can reduce stress while increasing creativity and productivity.
Personalize It
Photos are standard desk decorations, but you don’t need to stop there. Your favorite figurine or bobble-head can make a great addition. Or get your feng shui on with a Neko cat. Make sure it’s something you love or that means something to you. Don’t pick something at random just for decoration.
Ramp up the customization by replacing boring utility items with things you love. Replace that plain, gray stapler with a dragon head stapler. If you want to go with something more subtle, at least switch to a color you love.
Give it Life
Add a plant. In 2014, psychologists from Exeter University published a study in which they found that employees in workspaces with plants were 15% more productive than those in bare, minimalist spaces. If you are worried about keeping it alive, try something forgiving like a spider plant, succulent, or an air plant.
Want to get even livelier? Get a fish. Just make sure to choose a type of fish that can live comfortably in a small bowl with minimal maintenance.
Organize Your Way
You can find thousands of articles on the benefits of a clean desk, but that doesn’t mean your desk needs to look bare. You do work there, right? Organization is a good thing, but only if you use a system that works for you. If you need everything out in front of you where you can see it, that’s great. Just make sure you take the time to get rid of the excess clutter, like candy wrappers and junk mail, on a regular basis. Daily if possible.
Of course, your desk and chair should be comfortable and ergonomic. A painful desk is not a happy place, no matter how great you make it. And while you’re making your space great, do keep in mind basic Office Safety.
About Sandra Dalton
