Since the 1970s, researchers and scientists have been able to link the characteristics of a person’s environment to his or her ability to exercise creativity. This branch of psychology is called environmental psychology — at its core, this area of study explores the influence of our physical surroundings on how we think, feel, and act. Environmental psychology now plays a major role in how architects and designers work to create buildings and spaces. Yet, this concept is not only applicable to a structure’s layout. It can also apply to the elements within a space, such as furniture arrangements, decoration and lighting. Here are five ways that employees can switch up their work spaces to help boost their creativity in the office.

Decorate With Success in Mind

The more comfortable you are, the more relaxed you’ll be. When you’re not stressed, you’re able to think more creatively! Much like you decorate your bedroom with things that bring you comfort and joy  — a meaningful quote, your favorite movie poster, or a good old lava lamp — you should also decorate your workspace with items that make you feel at ease. Frame pictures of family and friends, place indoor plants at your desk or invest in unique paperweights you just like to look at. Regardless of how you make your workspace your own, by exercising some autonomy over how your office looks you’ll be able to let your creative juices flow a little more freely.

Stay Organized

Nothing is worse (or more stress inducing) than a cluttered workspace. If your desk is covered in stray papers, memos and reminders, you won’t be able to find what you’re looking for or keep up with everything you need to do. By investing in a few desktop organizing tools such as pencil, pen and paper holders, as well as a desk calendar, you’ll be able to quickly grab what you need, when you need it. The less time you spend searching for things, the more time you’ll be able to spend productively!

Break out the Paint Brush

Much like environmental psychology plays a role in workplace creativity, so too does color psychology. Different colors of varying shades and brightness have profound effects on a person’s mood and attitude. For example, red is often seen as an energizing color, whereas green has proven to promote calmness and reading speed and efficiency. While it might not always be feasible to repaint an entire office, you can help boost productivity and creativity by opting to include artwork with colors that stimulate positive emotions.

Make Meeting Spaces as Brainstorm Friendly as Possible

The best ideas often come from group brainstorming sessions. For these meeting spaces, it makes sense to have tools such as whiteboards, scratch paper and pens, markers, and pencils. Encourage your workers to put forth any and all ideas, even those that aren’t fully formed yet. Collaboration is crucial in brainstorming sessions, and it is important that these meetings feel less structured than your standard informational sessions.

All information sourced from International Paper Company, 2021 and The Alabama Forestry Commission, 2021.

Start Rearranging

You might find that sitting at the same desk day after day for 40 hours a week may become monotonous. To help combat this stagnate feeling, try a simple switch up — change the position of your computer, your chair, and any other objects that can be easily moved around in your workspace. Just a little variation can make a big difference in stimulating your senses and in turn, boosting your creativity.

Revamping your workspace to increase productivity and creativity doesn’t require expensive investments or major office overhauls. Try any (or all) of the suggestions above for relatively hassle-free improvements. Strickland offers a myriad of office decor and supplies you can shop from to give your office space that much needed makeover, from boards and easels, to desk organizers and office art. Click here to browse our product selections now!