Environment affects productivity
Environment affects productivity, plain and simple. Does it have complete control over how much we accomplish? Are we looking for something to blame for our lazy days? No. Can setting up the right situation and conceding that indeed environment affects productivity help us to get more done? Absolutely. How can we use this knowledge to our advantage?
We can set up an environment that is conducive to productivity. Here, we’ll cover location and physical elements. In a related post, we’ll cover what you can do with your body and time to increase your productivity.
Location of work environment affects productivity
Where you work—the physical location of your work environment—affects productivity. Creating the work space you need could be as simple as plunking your laptop down in a local coffee shop or cafe, or rearranging furniture you already have and using an existing space in your home as-is.
Alternatively, it could be as involved as converting a room into an office and furnishing it from scratch. One of my clients, Kristen Joy, aka The Book Ninja, went so far as to add on to her home and also construct an entire two-story building where she and her clients can create. Chances are, though, that you can do just fine with the space you have available.
Give the location of your work environment a little thought, but don’t let it keep you from producing work. Needing a better space is the perfect excuse for many people not to get work done. Don’t let that happen to you.
Physical elements of environment
Physical elements of your environment affect your productivity. Every one of the five senses can be used to your detriment or benefit:
- the furniture you feel
- the objects you see
- the fragrances you smell
- the sounds you hear
- the flavors you taste
Perhaps you choose a specific office chair or cushion for the comfort or the way it helps you with your posture. Perhaps you choose something simply for the look of it, because you find it pleasant and peaceful. Some of the objects you include in your environment might belong in more than one category, serving more than one purpose—and you might choose them with that fact in mind, as I talk about in an upcoming post on the candles I use and why I chose them instead of some other item. Whatever you include in your work space, remember that environment affects productivity; choose to give yourself what you need.
Tricia Prues says
I love it!!! Thanks for sharing this, Jennifer. I’ll definitely be utilizing these tips!
My work space, well, it’s not the greatest. It’s in the middle of a cluttered basement space. But I can make that better by tidying up my desk and the area closely surrounding. And one day, when I can justify the expense, you bet I’ll be buying a Varidesk!
I hadn’t thought of smells while working! Which, c’mon Tricia, you’ve read so much about essential oils and concentration while working/studying. So I’ll be taking one of my diffusers downstairs!
You rock!