Three Ways to Improve Your Workspace and Skyrocket Productivity

Posted by Admin on November 26, 2008 under Productivity | Be the First to Comment

Quick, what do you think of when you hear about improving your productivity?

If you’re like most folks, the first things that spring to mind likely include productivity-boosting activities like prioritizing your tasks, making to-do lists, careful planning and so on.

These are all important, yes. But here’s one that some people overlook: Creating  an environment that’s conducive to high productivity. Here’s how to create your own productive workspace:

* Create a cone of silence. If you’re having to stop continuously to answer the  phone, answer the door, answer email and answer your child’s questions, you won’t get anything done. That’s why you need to clear out the distractions and create a “cone of silence” in your workspace.

If you’re working from home and you others living in the house, it’s probably  next to impossible to have an entirely distraction-free day. Instead, set up specific hours where family members and friends can’t interrupt you. Tell them it’s no different than if you worked away from home at an office.

* Clear the clutter. One person’s idea of clean is another person’s idea of chaotic clutter. And that’s ok. The idea here isn’t to create a workspace that meets someone else’s idea of clutter-free. Instead, you should strive to create a workspace that’s organized in such a way that you can find things fast.

If that means you use shoe boxes stacked five feet high in lieu of a file cabinet, so be it. As long as you can quickly get to the papers you need when you need them – and as long as you’re comfortable with the LOOK of your workspace – then that’s all that matters.

>>> Bottom line: Create your workspace for you, not to impress someone else. <<<

* Own your workspace. Another thing you can do to make it easier to get things  done in your workspace is to “own” it. That means you put up pictures, knick-knacks, and whatever else makes you feel like this is YOUR workspace.

If there are other people living in your house, ask that this space be truly yours. That way other people’s papers, books and other items don’t take over your area, nor do your resources and other items get pushed aside.

If you don’t feel good about your workspace (and if your workspace doesn’t make  you feel good, creative and energetic), then you need to make changes. Sometimes it’s as simple as making sure your room is the right color and that you’re getting the right amount of lighting (including natural light).

Make these small changes, and I guarantee your productivity will soar!