Work Environment Matters | Focus Three — Environment & Distraction

I’m in the middle of a short series all about our work environment. We’ve considered why it matters and our actual workstation itself. Today in our mini-series work environment matters | Focus Three — Environment & distraction. What we are trying to do here is, as far as we able, to optimise our work environment to make it as easy as possible to get things done and be effective. Tomorrow, we will think about what to do about all the different things we cannot control.

The Environment around you

The key things to consider are heat, light, noise and space. Ideally you want a room that is not too hot or cold. Depending on what you are working on, well lit is also a must. For this, I’d recommend a lamp with different light settings and also a blind for sunny days if the light could hinder your ability to see.

When it comes to noise we all know that quiet can be good, but also a background hubbub or some music can really help us concentrate and focus. What’s hard is when there is noise that draws you in. It is easy to focus on and be distracted by. It’s easier to work in a cafe with 50 people talking around you than it is in a room with two people talking to each other.