How to boost work productivity at your desk

Whether you work in a city high-rise or from your couch, finding motivation is always the key to success on the job. Having the right desk and accessories is a sure-fire way to boost work productivity.

• Especially in the dead of winter, staying motivated at work can be tricky. But, finding inspiration can be all about the little things.
• Job satisfaction has many factors. The biggest is the type of work that you do and it’s no surprise that unemployment brings the most unhappiness.
• In fact, 63% of the happiest workers actually telecommute, work remotely, or have a combination. The freedom of flexibility goes a long way.

Whether you’re working in a company or trying to run one, your primary aim is to solve problems. Whether you do it in a creative or technical way is completely up to you and your job domain. But, simply having a job to do doesn’t make you automatically productive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Americans spend more time at work than sleeping. However, many of those hours are not spent doing productive work. In fact, around two working days a month are spent checking Facebook (for non-work purposes, of course!).

Employees spend 2-working days on Facebook (non-work related)

The 8-hour rule is outdated

Employees aren’t entirely to blame for the Facebook-checking. There’s a psychological thought process that goes into all those distractions. Perhaps they are bored or tired or simply looking for a short break. However, thanks to the internet, such distractions are becoming easier to access. In 1817, Welsh activist Robert Owen decided that there are “eight hours labor, eight hours recreation, eight hours rest.” Of course, this is not a slogan for workers of the 21st century. We are part of a generation where the Pomodoro cycle seems more productive than staying focused at work for 8 straight hours. From parents to movie directors, this cycle peppers in a variety of breaks at varying lengths to improve short bursts of productivity.

8-Hour Rule is overshadowed with the Pomodoro cycle

Productivity begins at your desk

Finding inspiration at work isn’t just about proper time management. It has a lot to do with how you work and from where. Here at Gadget Flow, we’ve been talking about working remotely for quite a while and how our style of work helps us stay happy and healthy. Nevertheless, it’s not just about being able to work from anywhere we want. It’s also about being organized in the way we work, despite being a part of a remote team. So, having a productive work desk is where it all begins. Whether we sit, stand, or move around, we need to make sure our desk inspires us to hit the ground running every single morning.

Foundry work desk

Find your zen

Every employee in our remote team has a different work trait. Some prefer working in the wee hours of the morning while some like the silence of the night. So, we’ve all managed to prep our work areas based on our work style. Evan, our founder and CEO, keeps his desk right next to the balcony. This provides the perfect morning light as he finds those hours to be the most productive of his day. I, on the other hand, am more of a night-owl which is why I have a calm but inspiring lamp right on my desk. Light plays an important role in keeping your mind refreshed at work and you should always arrange your desk based on your light source.

Twelve South Mac candle

With Evan at the helm, he makes sure to manage all the stress that comes with the territory with a cool anti-stress baseball. Julien, our Head of Customer Support, chooses to begin his day by lighting up a candle on his desk. It motivates him to be more productive and focused to set the tone for his day. In fact, we all believe motivation starts with a clean work desk. So, having a lot of organizers is also not a bad idea.

Composure collection by Rest

Some of us also prefer maintaining a healthy work culture with a standing desk. Mike, our COO, uses a portable standing desk which allows him to work from anywhere and be in touch with his healthier side at the same time. Cassie, our Chief Commercial Officer likes her foot resting hammock for some relaxation.

Foot resting hammock

But, when it comes to our Editor in Chief, Ashley, she prefers to use a lapdesk for total comfort everywhere.

It lets me work virtually anywhere from the couch to my bed to the floor. I can’t wait for summer so I can work outside without having to hunch over a table.

Having said that, it’s important to not stick to a single desk for productivity. As remote workers, we easily adapt to a variety of work environments. We can instantly turn a coffee table at a cafe into a productive work desk. Some of us have even worked from planes, trains, and automobiles. Our growth manager, Sara, always seems to be on the go. This is why she has a great MacBook case and stand that lets her work peacefully wherever she goes.

Portable standing desk

Choose your desk wisely

Productivity begins at your desk. But, with a remote work culture, your desk is not confined to one area. You can turn any place into your work desk provided you have the right accessories by your side. Figure out your work style and follow your instincts for which accessories suit your space.

What does your desk look like?