Whether you work from home or in a cubicle, your desk is the focal point of your workday. It’s where you draft emails, brainstorm projects, and create new solutions. However, it can also be where you stare out the window, get distracted by desk accessories, and lose important papers. At these unproductive times, your desk can feel more like a prison of unfinished work than a the place to actually accomplish your tasks.
Although you may not realize it, the way you work is directly impacted by how you organize your desk space. It can be difficult to stay focused when you sit in the same place for eight hours, and when your desk is uninspiring, being motivated is even more difficult. However, it’s completely possible to have a workspace that helps you power through the day.
Since our team has a lot of creative individuals, I decided to seek their help. I asked the members of our team to describe how they organize their desks to maximize their productivity. Read on for tips, tricks, and ideas for how you can make your space a place that will inspire your creativity, productivity, and enthusiasm.
Heather: Since I’m easily distracted by clutter, I like to have a clean space that’s minimalistic and lets me focus. I love plants (fake of course, because I can’t keep the real ones alive) and natural light (fluorescent lights suck). I also keep a ton of sticky notes because I have to write EVERYTHING down.
Molly: I’m with Heather on this one. I can’t have a ton of things on my desk or I get distracted. My must-haves are notebooks (I’m kind of notebook obsessed) and pens within easy reach since I like to take my notes by hand. I always keep live plants too because they make me happy—and mine just started blooming! I usually have a coffee cup on my desk as well because I tend to caffeinate a few times a day. (The kitten calendar was a gift from my brother-in-law).
Marianna: I like to have decorations that reflect my taste so that I feel my personality and style are reflected in the office space. I set my desk up where all important things are on the right side since I am right handed. My trackpad, keyboard, notebook, and water bottle are all there. Also, I try to keep all pictures of friends and family on that side too—I love having pictures around to look at and snap me back to reality when I get too consumed in a task!
Evans: I like to keep my area clean of clutter, but decorated to bring some of my personality in my work space. As soon as i move into a new work space I set up some kind of decorations…I want to feel at home! I’m a big fan of cute desktop backgrounds— I change mine at least once a month, if not more, and I also enjoy a good motivational quote. I also like to keep the essentials close so that if i need chapstick, peanuts, water, or lotion, I don’t have to get up and break my workflow (I also like to snack, so to keep from snacking on other things I keep peppermints beside me too).
Each of our desks inspire us because we surround ourselves not only with what we need to do our jobs well, but also with reminders of the things that make us happy. Whether it’s plants, pictures of friends and loved ones, or cute desk accessories, our workspaces show who we are as individuals. So think about the things that make you happy, and how you can incorporate those things into your workspace. It’s also important to have an understanding of how and when you do your best work (not sure of your best work environment? Try this quiz ) so you can set up your desk to reflect your personal and working style.