Your office environment plays a big role in how well you work.
The way you set up your desk and equipment can either help you focus or make your day more difficult. If you’re looking for simple office setup ideas to boost your productivity, this article has you covered.
We’ll explore ten practical tips – from taming messy cables to trying a standing desk – that can make any workspace more comfortable and efficient.
1. Tidy Up Your Cables
Messy, tangled cords around your desk can be very distracting. Spending a little time to tie up and hide your cables will instantly make your workspace feel calmer.
Cluttered environments hurt your focus and raise stress, dragging down productivity, whereas a neat, tidy desk makes it much easier to concentrate and can even spark more creativity.
Cable management is a big part of decluttering. Use cable ties, Velcro straps, or an under-desk tray to keep cords bundled and out of sight. Your desk will look neater, and you won’t waste time dealing with tangled cords during your workday.
2. Declutter Your Desk Space
After tackling cables, take a look at everything else on your desk. Is it all necessary?
Often, piles of papers and office knick-knacks just take up space and make it harder to think. Keeping only the essentials within reach gives you more room to work.
A clutter-free space reduces stress and helps you find things quickly, meaning less frustration and more focus.
Store documents in drawers or files, and keep personal items to a minimum. You don’t have to be a minimalist, but a clear desk often leads to a clearer mind.
3. Switch It Up with a Standing Desk
Standing desks let you switch between sitting and standing throughout the day. Sitting all day can make you stiff and tired, so having the option to stand and stretch is a game changer.
Studies have linked sit-stand desks to higher productivity and better concentration – in one study, 65% of employees with adjustable desks got more done and felt more focused.
You don’t need to stand all day – try alternating positions every hour or so to keep your blood flowing and stay alert. Adjust the desk to around elbow height when you stand, and use a cushioned mat to reduce strain on your legs and feet.
4. Upgrade Your Screen Setup (Dual Monitors)
If you work with multiple apps or documents, using two monitors instead of one can make a big difference.
Dual monitors give you more screen space, so you can keep, say, your email on one screen and your main work on the other without constantly switching windows. This isn’t just a gimmick – using multiple monitors has been found to boost productivity by roughly 42% on average.
And whatever your setup, keep your monitors at the same height and at a comfortable distance to avoid neck strain.
5. Sit Comfortably with an Ergonomic Chair
A good ergonomic chair supports your lower back and helps you maintain proper posture, so you’re less likely to end the day sore. Adjust your chair so your feet are flat on the floor and the backrest supports your lower back’s natural curve.
6. Position Your Monitor at Eye Level
Keeping your computer screen at eye level helps you maintain good posture while working. If you have to crane your neck up or down to see the screen, it’s set at the wrong height. Ideally, the top of your screen should line up with your eyes when you’re at your desk, so you can maintain good posture without straining your neck.
Use a monitor stand or adjust the monitor arm to raise or lower the screen as needed. Also make sure the screen is about an arm’s length away from you to reduce eye strain.
7. Use an Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse
Your keyboard and mouse can actually cause a lot of strain on your hands and wrists, especially if you use a flat keyboard or an awkward mouse all day.
Switching to an ergonomic keyboard and mouse keeps your wrists in a natural, straight position, making typing and clicking much more comfortable. Even adding a simple gel wrist rest can help reduce strain and prevent wrist pain over time.
Using an ergonomic keyboard and mouse can even boost your productivity since you’re not battling discomfort.
8. Let There Be Light
Good lighting is a simple but vital part of a productive workspace. If you can, let in natural daylight – it boosts mood and alertness, which translates into better energy and productivity.
If you don’t have much natural light, use a good lamp to brighten your area. Avoid working in a dim space that makes you strain your eyes. Proper lighting will help you stay alert, reduce eye fatigue and headaches, and generally make you feel more upbeat and focused.
9. Add Greenery for a Mood Boost
Adding a small plant to your workspace can make it more inviting and help reduce stress. One study found that bringing plants into a bare office increased employee productivity by about 15%, and it also improved concentration and overall satisfaction at work.
Even a low-maintenance desk plant like a succulent can add a touch of nature indoors. When your workspace feels more alive and comfortable, you’ll likely feel more positive and motivated to get things done.
10. Minimize Noise and Distractions
Office noise can be a serious concentration killer. Too much noise definitely hurts your concentration, so it’s worth finding ways to reduce it.
A simple solution is using noise-canceling headphones to block out background chatter (you don’t even need to play music – just silence). If possible, you could also step into a quieter area for tasks that require deep focus. By cutting down on distractions, you’ll protect your concentration and likely get more done in less time.
You don’t have to overhaul everything at once – small changes in your office setup can add up to a noticeable boost in how you feel and work. The tips above should help in almost any work setting. Try making one or two changes and see the difference in your comfort and focus. You might be surprised by how much more productive you can be once your workspace supports you.
If you want expert help, Ergo Global offers personalized ergonomic assessments, training, and solutions to improve your workspace. With our guidance, you can fine-tune your office setup to help you stay comfortable and productive.
