Holly O'Rourke https://www.harveysfurniture.co.uk 3m 755 #homehacks
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How To Boost Productivity Working From Home
It’s expected that 50% of the UK workforce will workremotely by 2020, with almost 1.5 million employees currently ditching theoffice for their dining table.
New research reveals that London has the highest number of remote employees, with 408,000 people using the home as their main office, and 250,000 people working from home every day of the week.
From the position of your chair to the music you listen to,there are several factors that affect how productively you work from home.
With this in mind, our experts reveal how to create theperfect setting.
Feng Shui
Feng Shui is the art of placement, teaching us how toposition objects in the space around us to balance energy and create harmony.It has had a huge impact on the aesthetics of interior design and plays a hugerole when creating a productive work space.
To follow the art of Feng Shui, you should separate yourworking and living space to encourage a good ‘work and home life’ balance.
Feng Shui expert, Priya Sher, shares how to position yourfurniture to create the most productive work space. She said: “Avoid the sofa,as this provides a space that can energetically separate your living andworking life. Position your desk so that the back of your chair has the supportof a solid wall.
“It’s also a good idea to avoid sitting with your back tothe window or open shelves. According to Feng Shui, open shelves act as arrowsin your back and a window in your back can make you feel unsupported.”
Other things to consider include the amount of clutteraround you. “Avoid placing work files and paperwork on the floor as itsignifies a deterioration of your business/career.”
“Also, avoid working from the bedroom,” Priya said, “If youhave a choice of rooms, the East and South- East rooms are great for working.”
Colour
Color Psychologist, Angela Wright, states there are fourprimary psychological colors: red, blue, yellow and green. Whether you workindoors or outside, surrounding yourself with certain colours can help boostproductivity.
She states: “If you’re in a physically demanding job, red isa great productivity booster. Workers that require a lot of physical exertionsuch as tradespeople, personal trainers, and tree surgeons may respond well tored.”
“Use blue for a productivity boost in if you’re an officeworker, it’s brilliant for completing administrative tasks or projects thatrequire maximum focus. Add a splash of orange if you need extra inspiration.”
“For innovators and entrepreneurs, yellow will help if youhave a little brain fatigue. It’s great for a productivity boost and will getyour juices flowing.”
“Finally, if you thrive in a calm environment, green is thecolour for you. It’s great for people who practice yoga or meditation.”
Music To Improve Mood
Like listening to music whilst working? Turns out it couldbe making you more productive.
The connection between listening to music you like at workand an improved mood is strong, says Teresa Lesiuk, Associate Professor ofMusic Education at the University of Miami.
Her research shows that listening to that music oftenproduces “mild, positive moods” and being in that frame of mind can be helpfulwhen attempting to get work done.
It turns out it’s not just classical music that stimulatesproductivity – however we’d avoid anything too heavy.
Teresa Lesiuk states that personal choice is important,especially in those who are moderately skilled in their jobs. Those who listento music they enjoy often complete tasks more quickly because the musicimproved their mood.
Songs which include sounds of nature can enhance cognitivefunctioning and improve levels of concentration.
If your work requires you to be more upbeat, you could trylistening to music that matches this tempo. Baroque is a good choice if youhave a lot of work to get done.
Keep It Cool
If you’ve ever worked in an office, you’ll know howdifficult it is to get the temperature right and keep everybody happy.
Working from home means this is one less thing to worryabout – as you are in full control of the thermostat.
Previous studies suggest that the perfect temperature tomaximise productivity should be between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. However, asour bodies are all different, keeping the room at a temperature that’scomfortable for you should do the trick.
Resources
https://www.harveysfurniture.co.uk/blog/working-home-hacks/ – original source
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