The latest office essentials include colorful postcards, elaborate picture frames, rich green plants, inspirational sayings, visually appealing stationery, humorous stickers, and private notes. No, they are no longer confined to a simple notebook, pen, and calendar.
Younger generations, millennials, and Gen Z are adorning their work desks with beautiful items, even if it means shelling out a substantial amount of money to do so. As it happens, the decision is really making them more productive at work in addition to being motivated by the desire to master social media.
Millennials and Gen Zers leading the trend
Pragati Sharma, 22, began adorning her desk with a “Star of the Month” plaque, which she describes as a wonderful compliment. Then, she included other personalized touches, such as a note from a friend who lived far away, some vibrant artwork she had created for work, and a line that said, “Main apni favourite hoon.”
“Having a neatly arranged and decorated desk changed everything.” It made things feel so much more enjoyable and kept me motivated. The colours and design were also a lovely visual treat when I needed a break from the television, Pragati tells India Today. She works from home right now and misses her desk terribly.
“My productivity was much increased by my desk décor. Observing my diplomas and artwork served as a reminder of my accomplishments and inspired me to aim even higher. Every time I looked over, it was like having a tiny cheerleader,” she continues.
Psychologists concur that aesthetic office design can positively influence mental well-being and efficiency. Additionally, research indicates this. A study conducted by the University of Exeter’s School of Psychology found that employees who have control over the layout of their workspace are not only happier and healthier—they’re also up to 32 per cent more productive.
According to Dr. Rahul Chandhok, head psychiatrist for mental health and behavioral science at Artemis Hospitals, “While it (decorating work desks) may seem like a really commercialized trend, the act actually has concrete cognitive and emotional benefits to the brain since it reacts positively to familiar and comforting elements and thus boosts mental well-being.”
“Creating a comfortable and authoritative environment at work can be achieved through interior design.” A person’s link with their identity is strengthened in such an atmosphere, fostering psychological confidence and emotionally less stressful conditions, boosting morale, and reducing stress at work, the speaker continues.
Mumbai-based marketing expert Parmeshwari claims that having a customized and embellished workstation gives her a sense of community within the organization. On her desk, she has arranged souvenirs from company functions, décor pieces, cosmetics, and a homemade stitching hoop.
Compared to a blank desk, she claims that her workstation “makes me feel like I belong, gives people a peek into who I am, and also cheers me up in moments when I look around.”
How pretty office desks help
Meanwhile, author and counseling psychologist Sohini Rohra explains how having a nice workstation makes people feel more productive at work:
- “Personalization of a workplace increases motivation and morale that will sustain momentum by revealing an individual’s distinct identity and fostering feelings of pride and belonging.”
- Along with a better layout and visually interesting environments that stimulate and inspire creativity, a decorated desk may assist increase productivity.
- As the room becomes calmer, personal items like flowers or photos also help to reduce stress and improve mental health.
A few bold decorative items can also serve as excellent conversation starters, drawing in new acquaintances and fostering relationships at work. The solution is found in Parmeshwari’s desk’s embroidered hoop.
There is a noticeable increase in the number of brands that specialize in fashionable office stationery, such as planners and organizers, even though many still provide a broad variety of ornamental pieces. These may be useful resources for increasing productivity at work.
“Desk organizers and planners facilitate a seamless workflow by controlling clutter and minimizing distractions in the workstation. According to psychologist Sohini Rohra, “a well-decorated desk generally equates to an enjoyable and efficient working environment and enhances productivity over time.”
A well-organized mind is correlated with a well-decorated workstation, according to Gen Zer Anisha, a writer covering entertainment.
Finding everything in its proper place and having it act as a reflection of who I am is kind of therapeutic. Additionally, I like to have a plant occupying my entire desk. She informs us that it gives a lifeless piece of organized wood value and vitality.
Boosts productivity
Productivity is increased by a neat and attractive desk for a number of reasons. It’s not just a feel-good factor. People stay more involved and attentive because it undoubtedly fosters a feeling of comfort and belonging, but that’s not all that occurs.
“Subtle cues, such as colors or objects, can help focus or inspire creativity.” Dr. Chandhok says, “It has been observed that people experience less fatigue and improved attention when they have some greenery around them. For example, plants on a desk improve mood and cognitive functions.”
In addition, personalizing a location improves mental clarity while reducing mental strain due to a less clinical and more mundane atmosphere. A workstation that is neatly arranged and clear of clutter might help develop efficient time management abilities. Thus, a well-decorated desk serves as a tool for improving concentration and productivity at work in addition to being a statement of individuality, the speaker continues.
Decorating your desk is not just a fashion statement; according to some psychologists, it’s an investment in general enjoyment and productivity.