According to the Department of Labor, American adults spend more time working than they do on any other activity during the day, including sleeping. It is imperative that we understand how to maximize our productivity while working so we can achieve a more reasonable work/life balance. Creating an office space that helps maintain focus, work more efficiently, and remain comfortable should be a priority for employers and individual employees alike. Regardless of whether you work at home or in an office, here are some tips that work.

The Right Lighting

You may not think about it much, but the right lighting in your workspace is critical for your performance. Bright, unforgiving fluorescent lights have been a staple of many office buildings, but they don’t help anyone be more productive. The best type of lighting for the office is natural lighting, so make use of windows. Otherwise, use new, softer lighting options such as LED.

Ergonomic Design

The way we sit affects our ability to perform our jobs well. Your desk chair should be comfortable with good back support. When you sit, both of your feet should be able to rest flat on the floor. Your computer monitor should be at eye-level so you do not strain your neck or your eyes when typing or reading the screen. You may also want to experiment with a standing desk configuration.

Improve Organization

Clutter is a productivity blocker. If you’re not certain where things are for your current project, you’ll spend more time looking for them than completing the task. Create a system that is easy for you to use every day. At the end of the work day, put everything away where it belongs so you don’t risk losing them before the next day even starts.

The Psychology of Color

Another aspect of the office that most people don’t consider is the choice of colors. Colors have psychological associations and their use in your environment is essential for the right level of productivity. For example, red is often associated with anger so many offices avoid it. But it can also be a color of activity encouraging people to take initiative. Blue is calming. Yellow is uplifting. Choose a color palate for your office that best suits your environment.

How do you feel about your office space? Visit the VincentBenjamin offices located in Phoenix, Denver, Los Angeles and Orange County to learn more.