Productivity is often linked to factors such as knowledge and skills, tools and resources, motivation, work satisfaction, and monetary incentives. But as numerous studies have demonstrated, the physical environment also has a significant influence on performance and productivity levels. In other words, people who benefit from optimal work conditions, where they enjoy safety, comfort and support, are usually more motivated and resilient and can complete their tasks more efficiently.
All the elements that make up a work setting, from layout and furnishings to décor and the general atmosphere, have a direct impact on individuals’ professional activities. While this topic is often discussed in relation to employee productivity, the same applies to entrepreneurs.
However, for most entrepreneurs, work doesn’t end once they leave the office quarters. Modern technology and mobile tools allow them to take work wherever they go, blurring the lines between personal and professional settings. Many entrepreneurs also run their businesses partially or entirely from home, which makes it all the more challenging to create a space that caters to their needs.
Therefore, as an entrepreneur, you need a home that can support your busy lifestyle and help you stay focused, creative and productive. And that implies a lot more than having some basic work equipment crammed in a corner. So, here’s what you can do to turn your home into a hub of creativity and productivity.
Set up a dedicated workspace
When your whole life revolves around bringing ambitious ideas to life and pouring your heart and soul into different projects, you risk transforming your entire house into one big office gradually and without even realising it. That might not seem like such a bad idea if you’re living alone and running a home-based business, but it’s far from being an ideal situation since you also need to disconnect from work from time to time and live a little in between planning, organising and checking tasks off your to-do list.
Even if you have the freedom to move around the house as you please and work wherever you feel more comfortable, it’s important to choose a specific room or area where you can set up an office. Think of it as your home base for professional endeavours – a place where you can keep all your work-related equipment, documents, office supplies and other items you might require to conduct your day-to-day activities, allowing you to switch into work mode the moment you step in.
Ergonomics is key to ensuring comfort and convenience while working, so you need to invest in a suitable desk and chair. You might also want to soundproof windows and doors to reduce noise and eliminate distractions.
Establish clear boundaries
While having a dedicated workstation is a must if you want to maintain your focus and boost productivity, it takes more than some physical boundaries to keep personal and professional realms separate. When you work from home and don’t have a well-defined schedule, there is a high risk of having work-related issues bleed into your personal life and the other way around.
The only way to avoid this is to set clear boundaries from the get-go and ensure that you and everyone else around you respect them. Decide how many hours you’re going to work in a day and organise your schedule accordingly. You also need to make regular break time a priority to avoid overworking.
Get the lighting right
It’s often said that people are just houseplants with more complicated emotions, and there’s definitely some truth to that since we also need to drink water and get sunlight to thrive. Scientific research reveals that light has a profound impact on mood and behaviour, with different types of light having different psychological effects. For example, warm light can make a space more welcoming and promote relaxation, while cool light can make one feel more energised and alert.
Therefore, you need to make sure you benefit from adequate lighting all day long, not only in your office but throughout the entire house, since you won’t be spending all your time behind the desk (hopefully). If space allows it, set up your office near a window so you can enjoy the natural sunlight and all the health benefits it provides. You should also strategically install lighting fixtures around the house to ensure all areas are properly lit, allowing you to work comfortably even when the sun doesn’t shine.
Employ colour psychology
Just like lighting, colours also have the ability to influence human emotions, so you should familiarise yourself with colour psychology and choose the hues that you find appropriate in your home. Blue is known to have soothing and calming effects; yellow exudes positivity and energy; green is said to restore balance and harmony, while red and orange are associated with passion and enthusiasm.
Understanding colours and their psychological implications will help you create an environment that responds to your needs, whether you’re looking to set up a room for relaxation where you can unplug and forget about all your entrepreneurial woes or a space that stimulates your brain and boosts your energy levels.
Keep it clean and tidy
No matter what colour schemes and decorations you choose to integrate into your home or what design style you prefer, the one thing you should never overlook is cleanliness and organisation. Living in a space that is cluttered and messy will make it difficult for you to concentrate and feel creative and inspired. On the other hand, a clean and tidy home equals a tidy mind.
This means you should clean and declutter your home regularly. Choosing low-maintenance furniture can make upkeep easier and more manageable. For example, handleless kitchens are very practical as they are easier to clean and maintain. Similarly, employing smart storage solutions like cable trays, desk and shelf organisers, or file cabinets will simplify maintenance tasks considerably.
Ultimately, you need to consider your specific needs and include elements that will make your house both an oasis of peace and comfort and a space that promotes performance and productivity.