5 ways to improve your workspace
1. Declutter your work area
Remove anything unnecessary and create a half moon area in front of you including the items you use repeatedly eg keyboard, mouse, phone etc. This will help reduce the potential for wrist and forearm issues long-term as well.
2. Conduct a H&S self-assessment
Have you ever checked your set-up or been assessed? If you work for an organisation, they do have a duty of care to ensure you are able to work comfortably but not many self-employed sole traders or freelancers consider this for themselves! Have a look at the Health & Safety Executive website and complete their self-assessment tool https://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/assessment.htm.
3. Invest in some greenery for your desk and workspace
Research has shown that having plants in the office can help increase creativity and productivity, reduce stress and sickness, clean the air, reduce noise levels and create a more attractive, appealing workspace for users and job applicants.
4. Consider the colour of your surroundings
Is the colour in your workspace helping or hindering you?
Was it chosen deliberately to match your brand or by accident?
The colours used in an office or workspace can have a significant effect in mood, productivity and motivation.
These are just a quick guide to generally considered associations of different colours:
Green: Vitality, renewal, eco-friendly and soothing.
Blue: Calming, confidence, dignity, loyalty, trustworthy, success and security.
Purple: Expensive, regal, sophisticated, strength, wisdom, spiritual, optimism.
White: Professional, clean, distraction free zone.
Red: Increased appetite and angry feelings.
Orange: Optimism.
5. Improve the overall ambience
Review your lighting to utilise natural daylight wherever possible, ensure there is a steady flow of fresh air but avoiding draughts and use diffusers to create an appealing smell, personal taste permitting!
Most of these changes can be implemented easily with limited disruption or cost but can increase productivity dramatically.
As a certified Corporate Wellness Coach and an IOSH certified Managing Occupational Health and Wellbeing please get in touch if you would like a workplace assessment conducted or just want signposting to suitable suppliers eg for ergonomic desks and accessories then please do get in touch.
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