Create a Positive, Productive Work Space

Whether your office is a simple cubicle or the corner office on the top floor, you can revamp it into a space that is productive and positive. Even the renovated bedroom at home can be transformed into a work space that exudes productivity and creativity.

Be inspired by these tips to create a work space that you will love spending time in every single day.

Clear the Clutter

Piles and messes tend to breed a stressful work environment. Clutter also takes your focus away from the tasks at hand, making it difficult to finish work assignments efficiently. On a more practical level, clutter in the office makes it difficult to find the papers and supplies you need, so you spend valuable time hunting for items, rather than getting your necessary work done.

Take an afternoon to sift through the many papers and supplies that are overwhelming your workspace, and throw out all of the unnecessary items. Sort the rest into simple categories that are easy to remember, and then choose an organizational system that works well with the items you need to put in order. Label files and boxes for easy retrieval, and put as much as possible out of sight so your work station remains clean and clutter-free.

Organize for You

When you begin putting the elements of your office into place, organize for your own personal work style. An organizational system will not have the desired effect unless it is a system that makes sense to you.

Keep papers and supplies you use frequently within arm’s reach, while items used less often can be stored in a bookcase or credenza across the room. If you like to be able to reach in and grab a necessary item, use open containers for your organization. If a clean, minimal look promotes better focus for you, keep items under wraps in drawers, cabinets or covered baskets.

Avoid shopping for organizational containers and systems until you have sorted your current supplies. This helps you know precisely what type of system will work best for the items you need to store. Office supply stores offer a wide range of organizational options, but container stores and online retailers open up your prospects even more.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your organization; decorative hatboxes might be the perfect place to store larger office supplies, while smaller items may look stylish in baskets or trinket boxes.

Add Relaxation Elements

A work space that promotes relaxation and serenity is usually a productive environment. Some relaxation elements to consider include:

• Your favorite music

• Scented candles or a diffuser and your favorite essential oils

• Plants, whether real or the silk variety

• A fountain to bring in the relaxing sound of running water

• A portable fan for a comfortable temperature and white noise

• A poster of your favorite spot, like a beach or the mountains

Relaxation elements are widely personal, so what works for one person won’t have the same effect on someone else. Determine what features might make you feel calmer and then incorporate those items into your space.

Personalize It

While the relaxations elements offer a degree of personalization, you can take this concept a step further by incorporating your own personal style into your work space as well. Pictures of family members are the standard addition to most offices, but you might also add a memento of a special event, postcards from your favorite vacation destination, or a desk calendar with your favorite artist. If your office is in your home, paint one wall in your favorite color, or add a bouquet of your favorite flowers.

Because your work space is basically where you live during the day, a little personalization goes a long way in making your office feel like a home away from home. A few personal items also provide a glimpse into your identity for office mates and co-workers to enjoy. However, there is a fine line in personalization. Restrict your personalization to a few key items and forgo the loud and obnoxious for smaller, more subtle items that flaunt your style without overwhelming your space.

The right work space will help you become more positive and productive throughout your work day. You don’t have to spend a fortune to renovate your work space; a little de-cluttering and a few key personal items will be sufficient to effectively transform your work environment. Whether you work in an office with others or carve out a corner of your home for work every day, taking the time to organize and personalize your space will make your daily job much more pleasant and productive.