They say the devil’s in the detail. But then so is appeal, the beauty of being able to tailor a situation to your personal needs and tastes. And your workspace is no exception. Creating a work environment that is uniquely beneficial to our wellbeing, productivity and happiness is an important, and yet often underrated or overlooked feature of our daily activities.
Surroundings do matter. Some people prioritise them more than others. But we are all subject to sensory influences on every single level, regardless of whether or not we are fully aware of their impact on us. Sometimes we just accept them without really considering how minimal changes to our environment – that are truly in tune with our senses – will boost both energy levels and overall job satisfaction.
Consider your current workspace. How does it look, sound, feel, smell and taste?
Ok, taste might seem a bit of an odd one on the surface, but do you have access to favourite refreshments, a certain type of coffee, tea or snack that helps you settle into your workload, fuels you and provides a welcome break you look forward to? Just imagine how you could adjust your workspace to please all your senses. Remember you’re a whole, not just a brain. Every part of you requires the right stimulation.
Consciously exploring what satisfies you on a sensory level might appear trivial in contrast to the professional activities you’re involved in. However, the way you feel in your body during the working day is anything but. Don’t treat your body as a second thought. How much smoother might your day go, if you pay closer attention to what motivates and distresses your senses in your place of work?
How much more productive and happier would you be, if you crafted your surroundings to your needs, instead of merely tolerating them as given?
You commit the largest proportion of your day to work, so you absolutely must create the conditions you require to make the most of that experience, which in turn enhances your productivity and performance, as well as your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.
7 Aspects of your workspace you can tailor to your senses
Noise – How do you find the noise levels around you: colleagues, family members, passers-by, building and road works? Would you be better off moving to quieter corner? Or is it too quiet? Do you work better with or without music? Do you concentrate better surrounded by others or alone?
Deco – How do you feel within your workspace walls? Do you have enough light? Natural light? How does the wall colour make you feel? Could paintings, plants, inspiration boards or furnishings breathe new life into your space?
Your desk – Do you have everything you need to hand? Do you have too much clutter? Would a photo of family, friends or a favourite experience make you smile more? Do you have something haptic in reach: a stress ball or doodle pad to help relax your mind and focus?
Seating – Do you have comfortable a seating or standing arrangement? How does the chair beneath you feel? What does your body need – your spine, joints and limbs? Do you have alternative seating options to vary not only your posture, but your perspective?
Aroma – How fresh is the air around you? Offices with air-con are ok, but nothing beats a good dose of fresh air to wake you up if you have windows. Would flowers, potpourri, incense, air fresheners or candles make your workspace a more appealing place to work?
Refreshment – Drinking sufficient liquids helps you stay alert, particularly crucial if you have a role where you’re talking a lot. So, stay hydrated! We often forget to drink enough. Make sure you have a bottle of water, pot of tea or coffee within reach!
Nutrition – You work hard. Ensuring you’re getting the right nutrients is vital to keeping up your energy levels during the working day. But enjoyment is also key: Knowing that you have something both tasty and nutritious to eat for break or lunch can prove a great incentive when tackling your morning workload!
If you’re struggling to prioritise your basic needs, get in touch with me at Freeflow Coaching to talk more.