Lifestyle Blog 7: How to design a functional Office Space

 Hello, my Wonderful Readers, 

Today I want to focus on creating functional office space, whether it's at home (which is more likely right now) or in an actual office. Office space is one of the important things we can control about our work environment, and make sure that we can use it to motivate ourselves. Office space can be anywhere, and for most of us working from home, we may have an actual "office" or be working from just our dining room tables. Either way, having a good design of where you're doing your work can help you to function more effectively and being more motivated. So below are my tips on how to design functional office space: 

1. Minimize Distractions 

By this I mean, make sure to put away things that might be distracting to you during your workday. This could be putting your phone on another table or in another room (unless you use it for work). This could also mean sequestering yourself to another part of the house away from distracting pets or kids. It may be difficult to put down your phone, but honestly, it'll seriously help with improving your focus and efficiency 

2. Orient your desk toward your dominant hand 

Being having your written notes and material closer towards your dominant hand makes your workflow easier and more efficient. It also allows you to reference things faster, take notes quicker, and keep working without losing your train of thought. Win-win to me! 

3. Have your reference material close by 

Whether this is notebooks or papers or any other sort of material you may reference during meetings or phone calls, having it close by saves you time and stress from having to find it in the first place. It also makes you look more professional in meetings and doesn't disrupt your workflow. 

4. Give yourself space to walk 

This is pretty easy to do if you're working at a kitchen table, but make sure that your office has enough room to pace or walk-in. This will encourage you to take breaks throughout the day so you're not sitting all day, as well as help you to refocus yourself after those breaks. If you're like me where you're a walker-talker for phone calls, this can also help you to process things better during phone meetings. 

5. Have some plants to boost your productivity 

Studies have shown that plants actually can help you boost your productivity. They also help to purify the air and make your office look nice and professional. Plants like the snake plant, jade plant, or English ivy are easy to take care of and look pretty. They're not that expensive either and are an easy way to spruce up an office space! 

I hope these tips help you to design your office space to be more functional for you and to help you boost your own productivity. Reach out on social media to let me know if these tips worked for you, as well as any tips of your own you'd like to share. 

Until next time, 

Katie