Whether you’re currently working remotely due to the pandemic, or have remained in the office, every day you’re progressing toward improving productivity in one fashion or another. However, there are a number of obstacles that will deter said productivity that we often have no control over. Perhaps your work tasks are confusing, or don’t have enough information to progress toward the task’s goal. Maybe there’s too many responsibilities to fulfill and you have no means of completing all of these tasks within the allotted time frame. This will lead to underproduction, which can result in a backlog of tasks and the beginning of a vicious cycle.
Focusing on What Can Be Controlled
This isn’t always the case! In most instances, it will be more than manageable for employees of all professions to be able to handle their responsibilities, whether remotely from their homes or still in the office. Rather than focusing on the instances where it is not, it is better to tackle issues that can cause unproductiveness that can be controlled. The most prominent, especially in these times, has to be our remote workspaces.
The Impact of Desk Space on Productivity
Whether you have a room in the home that’s a dedicated office, or have made do with the kitchen table, our workspaces and immediate surroundings affect our productivity in a measurable way. Your desk space, for example, can often be one of the biggest distractions. Whether it be countless sheets of documents cluttering the desk and covering other, more important documents, or your phone screen lighting up to show your most recent notification, there a number of distractions that stem from what sits on your desk. Consider decluttering after every workday and organizing documents or printouts when necessary. Desk organization tools from brands like Deflecto can help streamline this process and maintain a tidy, functional space.
Positive Additions to Your Workspace
Not all things that make up the surface of one’s workspace have to be a distraction. If you’re looking to fill out the rest of your desk space, consider purchasing some small desk and house plants to sit atop the desk and surrounding work area. These plants will improve air quality and your mood by reducing stress throughout the workday.
Upgrading Equipment and Ergonomics
Other peripherals that you use while working remotely can have an effect on productivity. For example, if the chair you are using throughout the ‘normal’ eight-hour workday isn’t supporting your back enough you likely will find yourself getting up frequently to relieve the pain. An ergonomic chair that fits your preferences can have a great impact on remaining productive throughout the day. The same can be said for the hardware that you use on a daily basis as well: your work provided laptop, desktop, keyboard, mouse, etc. So be sure to upgrade when necessary!
To establish a productive home workspace, create a dedicated, clutter-free area with good lighting and ergonomic furniture. Minimize distractions, set boundaries, and personalize the space to make it comfortable and inspiring.