Thrive in Your Remote Workspace with These 4 Tips

Working from home can either be a catalyst for productivity or a den of distraction, depending on your personality type. Your remote workspace can also play a huge part in how your remote work experience goes. How you design your space—from visual elements to physical items—can help you with focus and productivity in your remote office.

Thrive Global recently posted about ways to create an environment that helps you thrive. Its main point: “By keeping the core elements that impact mood and energy in mind, we can create spaces that support our needs and enhance our performance.”

We’ve taken a few of these ideas and applied them to the remote workspace.

Below we’ve listed four ways to thrive in your remote workspace:

1. Include natural elements.

Bring some of the outdoors into your office by incorporating natural elements such as plants, windows, wood, or stones. Open windows as much as possible, as natural light and air flow can provide peace and calm.

Plants can improve air quality and are even known to reduce stress. Or try an indoor tabletop fountain to add the sound of a babbling brook. Avoiding closed, dark spaces with harsh lighting will do wonders for your ability to thrive in your remote workspace.

2. Choose color wisely.

It’s no secret that color can affect our emotions. Choosing the best colors for your office can create an environment that makes you feel calm, creative, or energized.

Look for bright colors that speak to you to invoke cheerfulness and intensity. Lighter colors will provide a calm and productive environment.

If you’re unable to paint your workspace, look for other ways to incorporate color such as fabric, wall art, rugs, and wallpaper.

3. Create a quiet space.

Thriving in your remote workspace will require some quiet times. Even if you prefer some noise while you work, there will likely be times when silence is needed. Anything from noisy neighbors to road noise to distracting family members can impact your productivity.

Use items such as rugs, curtains, pillows, or acoustic panels to absorb and block out sound. Noise-canceling headphones, white noise apps, or music can also help. Designating a small, cozy space in your office for meditation, naps, or a mental break will help you create a quiet space.

4. Use visuals.

Sensory stimulation is a unique way to thrive in your remote workspace. According to the Thrive Global post, “An environment that lacks elements of material variation and sensorial stimulation can drain energy and confuse your natural circadian rhythm.”

You can achieve sensory stimulation by using different materials and textures in your office decor, having a window in your office for an outdoor view, and incorporating candles or oil diffusers for aroma. These elements can increase your energy levels.

Thriving in your remote workspace is essential to a productive and positive remote working experience. Paying attention to the environment you work in will lead to an overall happier and healthier work life.