A busy entrepreneur is constantly juggling tasks and deadlines, but for many, this doesn’t actually represent the most productive way to work. Indeed, in many cases, a distraction demanding work atmosphere diverts our attention, not only from getting the job done but also from focusing on your wellbeing and workplace contentment.
This is where creating a zen office space comes in.
Creating a zen office space that promotes calm and focus can have significant benefits for a company, encouraging better mental health in the workplace and at home, and ensuring employees are content and productive.
Indeed, according to the Fellowes Workplace Wellness Trend Report, via Forbes, ‘’93% of workers in the tech industry said they would stay longer at a company who would offer healthier workspace benefits with options ranging from wellness rooms, company fitness benefits, sit-stands, healthy lunch options and ergonomic seating’’ and it seems like other industries possess a similar perspective.
Since we spend the majority of our time (when not sleeping, obvs) in the office, our work-life imbalance and an increasingly sedentary lifestyle needs to be addressed, and such changes as those identified in the above report can go a long way to helping with that.
With that in mind, here are some ways to create a zen office space to improve workplace wellbeing.
Firstly, What Exactly Is ‘Zen’?
“Zen is not a state of ecstasy, but rather a focus on our daily lives.“ ~ Shunryu Suzuki (Sōtō Zen monk)
Indeed, though the term has been co-opted by the wellness industry, ‘zen’ is a Buddhist ideology that emphasises meditation, tranquility, and life insights.
Zen Buddhist philosophy emphasises living in the now rather than the past, though that shouldn’t be an excuse to delete all of yesterday’s emails without reading them! Zen practice motivates its devotees to live a lifestyle that relies on instinct and intuition harnessed by meditative practice.
Of course, in today’s terms, zen means something altogether different to many; a form of peace and tranquillity achieved through calming surroundings. And that’s where these useful tips come in…
Soundtrack Your Office Sanctuary
A pleasant workplace is a productive workplace. In fact, in 2019, the University of Oxford published a study that found happy workers were 13% more productive. It makes sense, then, to ensure that your office space is peaceful and encouraging of contentment.
One way of doing this is through noise. Or rather, controlled, meditative ‘noise’, which is particularly important to manage if your desk (whether that’s at home or in a central office space) is in a high-traffic location. Natural sounds, such as gentle birdsong or even the sound of raindrops or the trickle of a fountain can all help, but even better is deliberate ‘white’ noise (or pink, or brown…).
Initially cited as a soothing balm for babies, the power of white noise to aid focus and concentration now cuts across all age groups, and it’s recently been suggested that background white noise helps children with ADHD succeed academically, as well as boosting memory. You’ll find the low hum of brown noise playing at the IDEAL offices constantly. Or is our fridge on the blink again?
Select A Soothing Colour Scheme
The effect of colour on your mood shouldn’t be overlooked. Imagine completing your emails and deadlines in a room rendered in black for a moment…it makes us feel a little unsettled just thinking about it.
But give your office space a lick of paint in a soothing shade, and greater concentration and output will surely follow. This thing isn’t speculative; numerous reports have pointed to the profound impact that colour can have on productivity, with blue said to possess calming qualities, green able to encourage creativity, red having energising properties and yellow able to lift the overall mood of the office.
Whilst we’re on the subject of the aesthetics of your office, the power of natural light shouldn’t be overlooked. Check out these tips on how to boost the natural light in your home office for more on that.
Go Green
Indoor plants are not only beautiful to look at, but they also give a touch of nature to the office, and we all know how essential nature is in lifting mood and boosting workplace wellbeing.
Certain house plants can also assist in enhancing interior air quality, which may help in the alleviation of the symptoms of sick building syndrome.
An office setting with air-purifying plants, such as spider plants and chrysanthemum, can improve the atmosphere in more ways than one. And even if the science behind the air purifying qualities of plants sometimes grows out of shaky ground, the aesthetic lift they bring can’t be denied. For something simple to care for and attractive, too, you can’t go wrong with succulents.
Make An Encouraging Wall
A little creative motivation may go a long way, regardless of the size of your workspace. Hang or display inspirational words on a particular wall or in a particular section of the office to give you a lift on those dreaded Mondays where the weekend has been a little on the heavy side and you’re in need of a pick-me-up and a productivity boost.
Choose objects that radiate serenity and reverence, as well as those that have particular significance to you. Design your inspiration wall in a way that makes you happy. Framed art, printed mantras, or even a vision board can be some awesome alternatives.
Set Up Tranquil Office Decor
“This is the real secret of life – to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And instead of calling it work, realize it is play” – Alan Watts.
Sometimes, something as simple as reading the right motivational wellness quote can make all the difference to your working day. Consider framing some inspiring zen sayings and hanging them in your home office. Observing visual zen quotes can help promote calmness and bring positivity to your working space.
Instead of buying zen artwork for your walls, consider printing out different Zen proverbs and framing them yourself each week to keep you motivated – online poster printing is affordable and efficient, and easily customisable, too!
Just be sure to use recycled paper, which produces lower carbon emissions than the manufacturing of non-recycled paper and also reduces the amount of waste you’re producing and helps your business strive for greater sustainability.
To ensure your office is a tranquil space, whenever you start decorating your desk, make sure it’s free of clutter. Remove anything that isn’t required and add a couple of features that bring you joy.
Rather than keep you from your work any longer by wittering on, we’ll redirect you to these 5 tips for the IDEAL home office desk setup. Bookmark it for later, and prove those doubters wrong regarding your productivity!
The Bottom Line
Everyone has a distinct concept of what it means to be zen, ranging from traditional interpretations to the broader, looser definition that seems to prevail today. Regardless, creating a workplace environment that channels a zen ethos can encourage contentment and creativity, and we all know how important that is.