We’re always looking for ways to boost productivity. For some, this means making drastic changes to how you work and the different tools you use. But, what if you found out that productivity can be increased by making a few tweaks to your setup at work? It sounds unbelievable, but it is true. Allow me to explain…

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Change your chair

Switching to a better chair will almost instantly improve productivity. How? Because it gets your body in the right position to avoid a slouched posture. Slouching causes back pain, which puts a constant distraction in your mind. Take a leaf out of the school’s books when choosing your next chair. If you look at all the school furniture out there, you’ll notice the chairs are designed to prevent slouching. Get something like this for your desk, be free from pain and distractions, and work a lot harder every single day.  

 

Keep your desk as empty as possible

A messy desk leads to a messy mind. I may have made that quote up, but it sounds pretty profound. When your desk is cluttered, your brain starts to become more cluttered and muddled. You’re distracted by all the different things in front of you – your phone, snacks, a little desk toy, and so on. Plus, all the clutter prevents you from finding important things on your desk. Instead of taking a document from a folder, you waste ten minutes rifling through papers to try and find what you need. A clean desk allows for more organization and fewer distractions in front of you. 

 

Turn your desk away from the window

Take it from someone who has sat at a desk right next to a window for years – it’s a distraction. Yes, the window adds in some natural light and a cool breeze. Still, it gives you an excuse to let your mind wander. Instead of focusing on your work, your eyes get drawn to what’s happening outside. The slightest sound gets your attention, and you start people-watching for a good few minutes. Also, the window can distract you on sunny days as you look longingly outside hoping to join all the people having fun. I’m not saying you should work in complete darkness – instead of having your desk face a window or be right beside it, move it further away. 

 

Get an adjustable desk

An adjustable desk is one you can raise or lower. This helps with productivity in the same way that your new chair will – it prevents pain from sitting at a desk all day. For one, you can raise it to make your screen sit at eye-level, preventing slouching. Secondly, if you start getting sore or restless, you can stand up and raise the desk higher. Now, you work while standing, instead of sitting down fidgeting. It gives your body a break and stretches out your spine without needing to stop work. 

 

Try these minor changes to increase productivity at work. If you want more advice on how to be a more efficient worker, then check out my article on streamlining your work process.