Irrespective of whether you typically work in a cubicle, a full office room, a home office space, or a tabletop in a nook, your workspace is your own space. This is your home away from home. It is the space you spend most of your time in other than when you are on your days off. Therefore, it is especially important to have a tastefully decorated and streamlined work area.
However, this space needs to be inspiring. Having an inspiring workspace improves focus and boosts productivity. It helps you start work as soon as you settle down at your workspace. In the vent that you find yourself dreading sitting down in your workspace, it’s clear that you need to make changes to this area. It would help if you made it more inviting and more inspiring.
Focal Point and Tone
Selecting the main focal point and the tone of your workspace is very important. This is because the focal point of the workspace is the first thing that catches your eye when you step into the workspace. Typically, the focal point is the space above the desk or the computer.
This focal point should be one that is inspiring and calming. Make the visual space clean and clear, as this is what sets the tone for your mental energy. So the focal point should tie in with the tone and color palette of your office. Find a picture, a landscape or a portrait, an interesting abstract, or a solid color that speaks to you. Find any large and inspiring piece to secure in the space that stares back at you in your workspace so that you are inspired every time you look up.
Lighting
It would help if you ideally had lighting directly over your desk at your to help you see clearly and focus on whatever is on your work desk. So many people wind up working in a small 15 inch square of space on their desk only because the lighting is best at that space. Have proper lighting across your entire desk to keep your work area practical. It is inspiring to work in a well-lit area because it gives you the sense of being alert and sharpens your concentration.
You can always have a small lamp on your desk with softer lighting should you sometimes require softer light as you work, perhaps to see clients or when you are working at later hours on something less intensive. An inspiring workspace requires you to pay attention to the materials you choose for your lamp, metal or wood, or a specific color that inspires you.
Visual Inspiration
Different things inspire people. Choose the visual inspiration for your workspace carefully. You want it to be something that helps stimulate your mind while still being tasteful and avoiding judgment from others. Visual inspiration comes from a variety of sources. This includes children’s drawings, sports memorabilia, posters, family photos, or personal quotes. Remember that your workspace is a public space. So, whatever you choose as your visual inspiration should be something that your boss or a client would approve of. When in doubt, throw it out! The last thing you want is to cause discomfort. If you have inspirational visuals you would like to see like children’s drawings, place them where only you can see them.
Goals and Vision Boards
You could have your company’s mission, your personal goals, or targets on your desk pad. All this is perfectly fine and acceptable in an office setting.
The workspace has to be functional. It also allows for materials that are inspiring and directional to motivate you. You could even have virtual vision boards, inspirational sayings, or goals set up on your desktop background. You could even set them to change every day or every hour.
Own your workspace by employing these inspirational principles in your work area. Having an inspiring workspace can help you be more focused and to accomplish more with your time, leading to improved productivity. If any of your workspace elements are out of balance, correct them. Adjust them to your preference to create the most inspiring space. It is a small investment of time and effort for large benefits!