Having problems getting in the zone and focusing at work? Having problems staying motivated on projects or work tasks? Feeling like you aren’t being productive but don’t know what to do to fix it?

While you may need to do some self motivation to jumpstart your mentality, your environment plays a huge role in your productivity as well. In this short article we will identify several environmental factors that could be contributing to your productivity or lack thereof.

How Lighting Affects Productivity 

Arguably one of the biggest factors affecting your work productivity, and one of the most researched, is lighting. Hundreds of employee surveys have pinpointed workspace lighting as a major contributor to work productivity. Research and controlled studies have shown that workers in well lit rooms flooded with light will outperform workers in poorly lit rooms. The studies even go into detail about what kind of lighting works the best! 

Here’s what you need to know: when your workspace is well lit, you will tend to be more productive. So if you are having problems focusing, make sure those lights are cranked all the way up!

How Workspace Furniture Affects Productivity

Another highly researched factor when it comes to worker productivity is the furniture used in work settings. Comfortability plays a huge role in your performance in many facets of life and the same is true for your productivity at work. Employee surveys show discomfort at work to be a leading deterrent of productivity. Studies on ergonomic functionality of office furniture further validate that a little goes a long way when it comes to the furnishings in your work environment. 

Here’s what you need to know: Finding a chair and desk combination that provides you with comfortability and proper ergonomics will support strong productivity habits. Invest in yourself and your business when it comes to these things! An added bonus is a desk that can elevate into a standing desk. Standing while working is not only healthier, but scientifically speaking it’s a more active position for the brain which may impact work output.

How Privacy Affects Productivity

Privacy can be an important factor when you need to zone in and crush some work. When you are trying to complete a task or project but are being continually interrupted by your coworkers, things get much, much harder. With recent changes to office layouts, employees are finding it harder to focus on their work and are getting less done. To read about this recent transition to open workspaces and its effect on productivity, check out our previous blog post that goes in depth on this topic.

Here’s what you need to know: An open workspace in an office setting has shown to be more detrimental than positive when it comes to work productivity due to increased interruptions. If you work remotely, create a work environment that is private and augments focus during work hours.

How Decorations Affect Productivity

It may sound trivial, but the decorations and colors in your work environment can go a long way when it comes to putting you into a focused mood. For example, a study conducted by the University of Texas at Austin found that employees who worked in predominantly white, blue, and green environments reported higher perceived job satisfaction and performance than those who worked in predominantly red offices. Decorations like art and plants can also play a part in your productivity; employee surveys have cited art and plant decorations as a source of comfortability and vibrancy that can boost productivity.

Here’s what you need to know: creating a workspace with an uplifting atmosphere filled with the right colors and decorations will inspire your productivity. It may also earn you bonus points and complements from your colleague or while on Zoom calls.

How Music Affects Productivity

There is some convincing science when it comes to music and its effects on the brain. You may have heard about how listening to rain and Mozart symphonies can increase your focus when studying or working. You may already know that you have some favorite artists, songs, or playlists to listen to while working. Contrarily, you may know some music types that make it harder for you to work. The research on music and how it affects productivity is expansive… check out this great article on Medium that takes a deeper dive into this productivity factor.

Here’s what you need to know: Music can be a potent catalyst to spurring productivity. It can also be a powerful inhibitor. Everyone is different, so use it to your advantage by playing songs or playlists that enhance your focus.

While this is not a complete list of all the factors affecting your productivity, this list contains some of the biggest contributors to productivity based on sound research. Ultimately, you should know what helps get you into a state of hyper-focus and what prevents you from doing so. By identifying these unique factors, you will be able to create a more hospitable environment for your productivity to thrive.