Is your desk impeding your productivity?

Are you a desk-worker? I definitely spend most of my working time at my desk; my phone is old and so tasks on that are not very productive and my iPad is useful but I just prefer my desktop. So when I am at my desk I really want the time to be as productive as possible … after all, I don’t want to be there all day. So how do I make this happen? 

Well, I’m going to share some tips on how you can really boost your productivity with items on and around your desk. Some of these things you may already have around you but you might not have realised that they are helping with your productivity, others might be totally new to you. But believe me what is on and around your workspace does affect your productivity … items can with distract you or help you. For example, a desk that is covered with piles of paper and notebooks will not help, a messy desk will lead to a cluttered and distracted mind and you will not be able to focus on the work/task in hand. 

So here are some items that might help your productivity …

A good desk and chair

We all know about posture but how many of us pay attention? When working at a desk for long periods of time, your posture is so important. Who is able to concentrate if their back, neck or shoulders are aching?

When setting up your workspace (or updating it) don’t just think of the aesthetics but consider the practicalities too … invest in the right desk and chair … it will be worth it!

Good lighting 

Whether this is natural light during the day or artificial ceiling and desk lights … you need good lighting in your workspace. Light can improve your alertness, concentration and mood, and consequently your productivity. So ensure that you have the best lighting to suit the tasks you do.

Plants and flowers

This is a fab one! There are real benefits to having plants and flowers in your workspace … a small plant on your desk has been shown to improve productivity, creativity and mood and flowers also improve your mood and are just gorgeous to look at and smell (go for your brand colours too 😉).

So, have some plants and flowers around and see if they help you … I love a small succulent in a pot or a little vase of flowers nearby when I’m working.

Oil diffuser/essential oils

There are many studies that have shown that having an oil diffuser on your desk/in your workspace can help boost your concentration, mood, focus and energy levels … and they smell divine! 

Here are some essential oils to try:

• Lemon for concentration and memory,

• Peppermint for focus and concentration,

• Lavender to relieve stress,

• Cedarwood to calm and soothe.

A clock or timer

If you get distracted mid-task then using a clock/timer could help you manage your time. If you set a timer then you commit to working for that full period of time on that task alone … and if you are realistic and have no other distractions this will really help your productivity by time-blocking your work.

I also find that I am actually super-focused and motivated when working with a timer and work really intensely and efficiently. Try it and let me know how you get on.

You can use this method to include short breaks too … but set the timer for when you need to get back to work!

Lists!

Yes really … having a daily To Do list can really improve your productivity. You can buy readymade To Do lists in pad form that you can fill in and have on your desk or create your own branded one. 

My daily To Do list is one of the few items that I have on my desk other than what relates to my task in hand. It really keeps me on track, stops me procrastinating and helps me visualise my day. Seriously this is a must … do you use one? If not try it!!

Download my To Do list here … hope it helps.

Sticky Notes

No matter how focused you are on the task in hand you just can’t stop thoughts popping into your head every now and then. Have some sticky notes at hand so that if this happens you can just jot something down quickly so you will remember later or if, like me, you have a To Do list with a notes section on it then jot it down there.

Pen pot

If you need more than one pen while you are working have a simple pen holder or pot with just the essentials in it … pop the rest of your pen collection in a drawer. Too many pens and other items on your desk will only lead to overwhelm and distraction.

Inspirational images

Have a few inspirational quotes on your wall or noticeboard … then when you are having a down moment read them for a super-quick pick me up and reminder that ‘You can do this!’. 

I am a member of MINT Business Club and have a card on my noticeboard from them saying ‘MINT You Really Are!’ … how inspirational is that? Any time I’m having a wobble I look to this and it really helps … as does the ‘I believe I can so I will’ card from Laura Cook.

A drink … 

Hold on! You know what I mean … a glass of water should really be beside you; staying hydrated will keep your mind clear and help you stay energised while you work (and will help relieve headaches if you are a fellow sufferer).

I’m really not good with this one and tend to have a mug of tea rather than water … what about you? I use the whole tea-making process as my time to take a break – so that’s a win-win for me.

BUT finally … a clear desk is best!

While I have gone through several things above that you could have on or around your desk to help with productivity … to be absolutely honest a clear desk is best as any clutter at all on your desk can be distracting and reduce your productivity. 

Some years ago I worked in an office where there was a ‘clear desk’ policy … I had never really considered it before as I tended to work with a clear desk anyway. Have a go … it just might be a game-changer for you.

(Sometimes you might need additional books or paperwork on your desk that relates to the job you are doing but wherever possible tidy things away and only have things that will increase your productivity on your desk.)

So, to increase your productivity and avoid distractions while working at your desk keep it clear of clutter, only have items you really, really need (and will help with your productivity and focus) to hand.

PS if you do have lots of paperwork, documents, notebooks and files in your office, and some people just can’t get away from it, then try and have things tidy on a shelf or in a filing cabinet or drawer so that they don’t distract you while working. Having your workspace tidy, calm and colour coordinated (brand colours of course) will help your productivity too.

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Cornerstone pa services is here to help YOU and your business. Do get in touch if you have admin tasks to outsource and give yourself more time to focus on other aspects of your business. No task is ever too small or too tedious.