8 Tips for Creating an Inspirational Workspace

Creativity and productivity are essential in the workplace, but sometimes it can be very difficult to get motivated. We have all been there, whether it is a rainy Monday morning and you are still longing for your bed or you have a big deadline but your brain just keeps going blank. If you find yourself struggling a lot more than usual lately though, it might be time to rethink the design and decoration of your workspace. The environment you work in can really have an impact on your creativity and productivity so don’t discount it. Whether it is a home office or your company offices, you want a space that inspires everyone to work their hardest.

Here are 8 tips for creating an inspirational workspace:

1. Limit Distractions

It can’t be denied that electronics rule our lives. With smartphones, tablets and laptops, there is always something to check and look at it and most of us always carry them with us so we are always connected with what is going on around us. The downside though is that when you are checking social media every 15 minutes you are not getting much work done, are you? For your own productivity in your home office, limit the electronics you keep at the ready in your workplace.

For instance, don’t set up your office near a television or in the kitchen where reality tv and hunger pains will keep distracting you. If you have employees, design the office as a more open layout so it is more noticeable if employees are playing around instead of working. If they are constantly checking their phone underneath their desk, then you know they are probably not getting much work done.

2. Keep Decorations Simple

While paintings and murals and bright colors might be inspiring to some, it can also be a distraction too. Keep the color scheme to something that is not too bold and jarring and don’t feel the need to fill every wall with a photo, poster or painting. While it might seem more inspirational to have inspirational quotes and images all over the place, sometimes simple, clean walls can be just what you need to stay focused.

3. Figure Out the Ideal Noise Level

Everyone works a little differently. Some people find music helps them work better and others need absolute quiet when they are under the pressure of a big deadline. Try to get a consensus and do what is best for the majority and then let individuals bring in headphones and noise cancellation headphones to make personal adjustments. Handsets for the phones are also a good purchase because they keep the chatter from people on the phone to a minimum.

4. Invest in Quality Furniture

With all the hours you spend working, you need to have good quality furniture to stay comfortable and healthy. Of course a comfortable chair that allows you to have support, but ensures that you sit the right way for proper back alignment is a must. The desk also must have enough space to fit the computer and still have room for writing and laying out paperwork. And because we now know that sitting too long is bad for our health, you may want to consider purchasing a treadmill or standing desk. The more you invest in your employees the harder they will want to work for you. And if this is for your home office and you don’t have the money for a fancy standing or treadmill desk, just consider taking your laptop to different parts of the house where you can stand and work. There is no one there to complain, right?

5. Bring the Outdoors In

Nothing is more soothing for the soul than natural light and a connection to the outside world. It is not healthy to stare at four walls all day and it can stifle your creativity and productivity. Try to set up your workspace where there are nice sized windows that can let the natural light in. If there is a little bit of scenery like trees and gardens, even better. Also make sure that you provide a combination of fluorescent lighting and lamps to give the space a less industrial feel.

6. Leave Room for Fun

If you have the space, carve some room out for lounging and taking a break. Taking little refreshers during the day can work wonders on your ability to focus. So have some comfy couches nearby with a little kitchenette and maybe provide magazine and crossword puzzle and coloring books (adult coloring books are big right now) for everyone to have a little fun during their breaks.

7. Keep Everything Clean & Organized

Piles of paper, clutter and dust are the anathema of creativity and productivity. Physical clutter just clutters the mind and all that dust and trash that can pile up can make it easier for bugs and virus to spread around, meaning a lot of people calling out.

8. Adds Some Personality to the Space

While clean and simple is the name of the game for workplaces, adding some personality into the space can also be inspirational. You just don’t want to feel like you were hit with a MACK truck with it. Pick a style you like, modern chic or traditional, whatever stirs your senses, and decorate accordingly. Having a desk set or an employee meeting area that you care excited about can really help your motivation and creativity.

Calf hide rugs are a great addition to any style office space. They bring a richness and warmth to an otherwise sterile space and with their variety of colors and patterns they can be a lot of fun too. Another great thing about calf hide and cowhide rugs is that they are very durable and can withstand a lot of foot traffic. They are also easy to clean. Just vacuum regularly and clean up any spills with a dry or damp cloth. Note that too much water can damage the rug. Getting motivated to be your best every day at work can be hard, but these 8 tips for creating an inspirational workspace can help.

Call Cowhide Outlet today for more information on calf hide rugs.