How to make the most out of your office space
Legacy signals
Legacy popularity: 1,641 legacy views
How often do you feel unproductive and disorganized while you working? You are fully aware that if you made some changes at work, things would improve dramatically, but you don’t know where to start so you don´t do anything. If you start by making small changes, one by one, over time you will be amazed at how much more productive you feel and how much more you are able to achieve in the same amount of time.
Imagine having an office that is free from clutter and distractions, an office that the moment you walk into it, your energy levels rise and you look forward to getting to work. It is essential to ensure that your environment promotes focus and doesn’t undermine your productivity.
Do you know that people who work at a messy desk waste on average 15 % of their time looking for things. If you can start by optimizing your work space, you’re far ahead. When you waste time because your space is not working for you, you are also wasting money, lowering your productivity and making your office space work against you. You spend the majority of your time in your office so this is really important and shouldn´t be overlooked.
You are the only one who know exactly the way you work, what you need to access often and what are the problems you face when you working. Use this information and take time to solve these problems, be proactive and not reactive towards them.
Keeping your office space in mind, ask yourself:
• What is on my desk that I actually don’t need? Including paperwork, files, etc (Anything that you don’t use regularly should be stored away.)
• What isn’t on my desk that I use regularly?
Filing system, papers, etcr
Have you separated the files you use often from the ones that are inactive? Have one central system that you work with, too many systems can be too confusing and difficult to handle. If you don´t have a filing system either, create one. Also ensure your files are labeled for easy reference.
Distractions
Do you have paper clutter on your desk? Remove this and other obsolete reading material from your desk. Get into the habit of having a clean desk and keep it organized, during the day or if you prefer, at the beginning of the day.
Sounds can also be one of the biggest distractions, block out sounds if you are in an open plan office, by using headphones for example. You can also choose to play music that is soothing but not distracting; this will help you focus when you need to.
Office furniturer
How is the layout of your desk and office? How is your furniture arranged? What is your office furniture like? Lay out your furniture so it looks more spacious and inviting. Invest in furniture that will make you more effective, ergonomics is important, how are the office chairs, your desk height, etc
Environmentr
If you are motivated by certain images or objects, have them there but don’t let it obstruct your working area. Do you have colours in your office? it is said that colours boost brain performance.
What is the temperature like in the office? If it too cold, this will affect your concentration levels and also, if it is too warm and you may feel tired and lethargic. Make sure there is natural light coming in your office. On a sunny day, this will make you feel more energized and productive.
Spend one day analyzing your space and making improvements. Implement systems that you need and eliminate systems that are redundant. Make your office space one that brings out the best in you and your work!
Want 7 Simple Strategies to Triple Your Productivity? - Free Access to E-Course - - www.topresultscoaching.com
Article author
About the Author
Kirstin O´Donovan is a Productivity Coach, helping individuals who struggle with time-management, organization and procrastination to achieve their goals and gain control over their time. She helps you to alleviate stress, be more productive, empowered and to have more time to do what you want.
Further reading
Further Reading
Video
Deep Work: How to Focus in a Distracted World
Strategies for achieving sustained focus and meaningful output in an age of constant interruption.
March 29, 2026
Article
Present Time Management
Time. We all have it. We all want more of it. Doesn't it seem like successful people always seem to have a lot of time? They work in a very focused mode, accomplishing exactly what they want to, when they want to. There's really no big secret to this, they are just managing their Present Time. ...
Related piece
Article
Tips To Tame Your Time
1,440 minutes. We are all given 1,440 minutes every single day, to do with as we decide. Regardless of age, race, gender, or financial position, one thing all humans have in common is the amount of time we are given in a single day. So why do some people seem to have so much more time than ...
Related piece
Article
Can Cash Gifting Make You A Millionaire?
Cash Gifting anyone? Anyone interested in Cash Gifting more than likely is interested in being a Millionaire as well. Obviously the cash gifting crowd would not be alone since being a Millionaire is a desirable destination for many. As with any destination, you have to choose a suitable route in ...
Related piece