Adding a personal touch to your home or office workspace can substantially boost your mood and lead to a major increase in productivity. There are many ways to personalize your space, and the impact on how you feel may surprise you! Here are 4 unexpected ways you can personalize your workspace that will boost your mood!
Add Color
We may not understand how much of an impact color truly has on our daily life. It can have an impact on our bodies, thoughts, and general mood. Red, orange, and yellow are examples of warmer hues that are near to the red spectrum. These warm hues provoke feelings of warmth and comfort. In contrast, blue hues like purple and green are known to induce sentiments of serenity and melancholy. Before adding color to your workspace, consider the existing color scheme. Choose a palette of complementary or contrasting colors that will work well with the existing color scheme. You might want to consider the mood or atmosphere you want to create, as different colors can evoke different emotions. Adding colorful accessories such as a small artwork or decorative object to your home office or picking your next notebook in a bold hue, can be a simple and inexpensive way to introduce color into your workspace. Consider using brightly colored objects that might give your workspace a vibrant feel unique to you.
Incorporate Something Personal
Having personal items in the office can have several benefits, both for employees and the organization as a whole. Whether at your home office, or your hot desk in head office, adding a personal touch can go a long way in boosting your mood! For your home office, think pictures, plants, and personal trinkets to make your workspace somewhere you enjoy being. This can help to reduce stress, increase comfort, and improve overall well-being, leading to better performance and job satisfaction. In the office, consider changing your screensaver to a family photo or vacation snapshot. This can create a warm and welcoming atmosphere and help employees feel more connected to each other and their lives outside of work. Employees could also display something personal, such as books, or sports memorabilia, in office common areas. This can be a great way to add a touch of personality and encourage employees to share their interests and passions.
Bring in Nature
Bringing elements of nature into your workspace can have a number of benefits, both for your well-being and productivity. Studies have shown that exposure to nature can reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and increase feelings of calm and relaxation. Having plants or other natural elements in your workspace can help create a more peaceful and serene environment that supports your mental health and well-being. Equally plants are natural air purifiers, absorbing pollutants and releasing clean, fresh air. By adding plants to your workspace, you can help improve the quality of the air you breathe, reducing exposure to potentially harmful toxins and chemicals. For in-office days, consider adopting a team plant to bring the benefits of nature inside. Just make sure you rotate watering duties to line up with your team’s hybrid working schedule!
Optimize Lighting
Lighting has a significant impact on mood and can greatly affect how people feel in a space. The type, intensity, and color of light can all contribute to the mood and atmosphere in a room. Understanding how different types, intensities, and colors of light can impact mood can help you create a more comfortable and inviting environment that supports your well-being and productivity. Before making any changes, take a look at the current lighting setup in your workspace, both at home and in the office. Note the type and location of lights, as well as the brightness and color temperature of the light they emit. If possible, position your workspace at home near a window, and for in-office days, grab a hot desk near natural lighting. If natural light is not available, consider investing in a daylight lamp for home that simulates natural light. Taking a quick fresh air break outside can also help, especially if window spots are limited at home, or for hot desks in the office. The color temperature of light can also have a big impact on your mood and productivity. Warmer light can help create a cozy and relaxed atmosphere, while cooler light can help you stay alert and focused. When possible, choose a light that best fits your needs and work style.
In conclusion, personalizing your workspace is important for many reasons, including increased productivity, improved mental health, enhanced creativity, better work-life balance, and increased motivation. Whether it’s through adding personal touches, choosing a color scheme, or finding ways to incorporate nature and fresh air, personalizing your workspace can help create an environment that is both comfortable and conducive to success.
Written by Luke Kavanagh