How to create a stress-free and productive work environment
Want to increase productivity and happiness? Find out how to create a stress-free and productive work environment.
Stress at work can come from many sources – from the tasks, projects, and deadlines we all have to deal with and can’t avoid. But in many cases, the physical environment we work in can be the source of the stress we face.
A stressful work environment can affect your mood and performance, and this is why it is so important to improve your work environment if you want to see the best results.
Organize and clean your workspace
Mess and disorganization can contribute to stress. This is the reason why a lot of people have a hard time focusing and completing their tasks when there are papers, pens and other items on their desks.
There are different ways to organize your desk, and one is coming up with a filing system for important documents, and using digital storage for everything else.
Dealing with and organizing your emails is another great way to get rid of stress at work. Set some time aside to read and deal with all of your unread messages so you do not have to stress about what you might be missing by not reading your emails.
Use aromatherapy to create a relaxing environment
Aromatherapy is one of the most popular forms of stress relief, and many businesses are using it as part of their wellness program. In stressful and hectic office environments, essential oils have been shown to reduce stress and tensions.
To make aromatherapy effective, it is important to choose the right scents. For example, rosemary has been shown to reduce cortisol levels while improving mood and boating performance.
To ensure aromatherapy is effective as a stress-relieving option, you need to use the right method of distribution. Using the right method, you can use an individual or several scents to increase their effectiveness.
Direct inhalation is the most effective form of aromatherapy. Placing a few drops on the hands or on a diffuser bracelet for essential oils and inhaling is a great way to see the effects of the essential oils. But because this is not practical in a large office, using an essential oil diffuser for a large space is the better option.
Break big tasks into smaller ones
Large tasks often seem impossible to take on, and the result of this is usually procrastination. Tackling very broad tasks is a challenge for a lot of people and this ends up affecting their productivity. Breaking larger tasks into smaller, more specific tasks makes them manageable.
It is also important to set small goals for each of the tasks you have on your to-do list. By aiming for the goals that you have set, you will be completing the tasks, and this is a great way to boost your productivity.
Communicate better
Poor communication is a source of confusion and stress in the workplace. If you or the people you work with are poor communicators, try to find ways to communicate better and let your coworkers know they need to do the same.
It is also a good idea to use clear communication channels if you work in a remote team. This way, there is no confusion and there are always records you can reference in case you need clarifications.
Stress can be introduced in many ways in the office and it can lead to a decline in productivity. Fortunately, there are things you can do to create a stress-free work environment that encourages and enhances productivity.
Photo by Ryan Yao
