Your biological makeup may play a role in what's right for you. For example, some studies claim warm environments are better for creative thinking, while cooler workplaces are better for jobs that require you to stay alert during monotonous tasks. The best temperature depends on what you're trying to achieve. Many of these studies were conducted with fewer than 100 participants, which is a limited sample size at best.

But before you scan ahead for the answer to 'what's the best temperature?' here are some things to keep in mind: To prove how true this statement is, look no further than the office thermostat.Ĭountless studies have been conducted in pursuit of the best ambient temperature to boost worker productivity. TemperatureĪs the old adage goes: you can't please everyone. It's worth mentioning that peace lilies can be mildly toxic if eaten, so if your workplace has pets or small children wandering around, try cacti or aloe plants instead. If nothing else, resuscitating your plant on a regular basis might give you a small but notable sense of accomplishment. It'll even signal when it needs watering by drooping miserably (the leaves will perk right back up once watered). It's a low-maintenance plant that doesn't require direct sunlight. If your track record of keeping plants alive is…not great, try a peace lily. PlantsĬan plants actually help you get work done? It might sound silly, but yes, a plant or two in your office can prevent fatigue during attention-demanding work. For those reasons, avoid sitting directly in front of or with your back to a window unless you can draw the shades. You want uniform light so that you can work without squinting, but you don't want your light to cause a glare on your monitor. Or opt for a light therapy desk lamp that simulates daylight.Īnother thing to consider when it comes to lighting: the position of light sources. If you don't have control over the office lighting and can't claim a desk near a window, consider using your breaks to step outside to soak in that sunshine. If you have a say in where your office is, choose a room with natural light exposure.

The reason why it's so important to get regular exposure to daylight? Sunlight helps our bodies maintain our circadian rhythms (think of them as internal clocks), which affects our sleep and energy, as well as our brains' release of serotonin, a hormone that helps us feel focused and calm. The benefits of getting exposure to daylight during your working hours also extend into your overall physical activity and sleep quality. Natural light, on the other hand, tends to reduce stress, improve mood and morale, and aid concentration. Poor lighting, like the dim and harsh kind you get from overhead fluorescent lights, can cause eye strain, stress, and fatigue. The quality of your office lighting can affect your mood and well-being.

Here are five workspace features to consider adjusting in your office or at-home setup, so you can get more done with less effort. Monitor height: Place your monitor roughly an arm's length away from your eyes and just high enough that the top line of your screen is at or below your eye level.īefore we get into your desk setup, let's talk about an often-overlooked area that can impact your productivity: your work environment. Noise: Consider wearing noise-canceling headphones and pairing it with lo-fi beats or ambient noise to drown out distractions.Įrgonomic chair: Use a chair that provides lumbar support and allows you to sit comfortably with your knees at or slightly below your hip level, and rest your feet flat on the ground.ĭesk height: Position the top of your desk high enough so that your arms remain parallel to the floor when typing. Temperature: If you have control over your office thermostat, set it at a comfortable temperature-somewhere between 71.6 to 75.2☏ (22 to 24☌). Plants: Add indoor plants around your office or workspace to prevent fatigue during attention-demanding work. Lighting: Give yourself as much exposure to daylight (or a desk lamp that simulates daylight) while working to improve your mood and focus.

Office building inside desks