The environment where we work affects who we are and how we act. This impacts our psychological well-being and creativity. Because we spend so much time at work, it is important to make meaningful changes to our workspace.
So what’s the balance between beauty and function for interiors that work? Based on recent psychology and neuroscience findings, these steps could improve your productivity for years:
The benefits of a messy desk
Einstein once pondered “If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?”
In fact people in a messy room or desk covered with paper came up with more imaginative uses for a given object. Messes also increase the chances for serendipity or the moment you stumble upon an old note that could solve a new problem.
Lighting affects how you think
Blue and green light help idea generation while red improves attention to detail. Twilight helps creativity and bright lights help analytical thought. Even a high ceiling helps play a part in boosting the freedom to think and be creative.
Design and own your space at work
Having your own creative input on the look and feel of your workspace empowers you and motivates you to work better.
People who were given the option to decorate and arrange their workspace went on the be more productive and loyal to their employer.
Embrace the power of curvature
Curved environments and objects such as furniture are associated with positive emotions which improve creativity and productivity.
Be connected to the natural world
Plants in the workplace reduce stress and have no evidence of causing air pollution. Even a window with a view to a landscape has shown to improve work.
The design of workplaces must receive serious attention. It affects us psychologically, influencing our levels of creativity and productivity considerably. We can all benefit by making time to shape our workplace to make it work for us for once.
