Can a change of scenery improve productivity?
Yes, it can! There are multiple studies done on this – working in the same space every day, whether in an office or in your home, can get boring and stifle creativity. While it’s also true that some projects can benefit from working in a different place. We all have personal preferences when it comes to working environment and we must honor those when we are thinking of changing our routine. Some people write more easily when they are in a quiet place, like a library, while some prefer a little background bustle, like at a Starbucks.
Take me for example: I put a lot of thought in setting up my office. It reflects my personality and I love working in it. Designed around my needs and preferences, it works just right for me. It is functional while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing presence. Yet, sometimes I like to sit at my kitchen table, with the morning sunshine peeking through, giving my face a warm glow as I work. When the weather is really nice, you’ll probably find me tapping away on my keyboard outside, sitting under my gazebo or, to be honest, I’m just as likely to be in a park or outdoor cafe. In the winter, I love catching up on emails, keeping cozy in my comfy oversized chair, sipping on hot cocoa.
A change of pace can be a good thing as much as a change in scenery. I find that a new setting every now and then helps me unlock different levels of productivity. Breaking through the patterns of the day, or week, it fights boredom and restlessness, making more room for inspiration. Used strategically, an alternative office can boost creativity, productivity, satisfaction, and mood. It’s not just about getting out of the house, it’s about varying the set routines of frequenting the same spaces. If you’re working in a traditional office setting, or Starbucks is your de facto office, you simply need a break from the uniformity. The idea is to change things up from whatever the usual is for you; even a slight change makes a huge difference in how your mind interacts with the environment around.
You need the right technology to work anywhere safely and effectively, but once you’re set, you’re free to roam to your heart’s content. There are plenty of alternatives to get things done well, which do not involve sitting at a desk or a formal setting. Being prepared to work from anywhere is a competitive advantage. More recently, the pandemic has taken the “work from anywhere” model from a trendy social suggestion to widespread acceptance.
Whether you are looking for a job or carrying out tasks for the one you already have, in addition to the mental benefits that comes along with a change in routine, you can also be more flexible and responsive. Challenge yourself to reconsider your routine and try something new. You may be surprised with what a different “desk” does for you. Go ahead, try it out, change your work environment a little, and discover other settings and inspiration waiting for you. Don’t know where to start? Check out the list of recommendations below.
- Outdoors [in a home setting] - your yard, patio, balcony, or front stoop
- Outdoors [outside a home setting] - a neighborhood park, the beach
- Coffee shops and restaurants - indoors or outdoors
- Libraries - for those who need quiet
- Hotel or building lobbies - some are gorgeous places
- Colleges and Universities - student oriented so they have some great spaces you may be able to use
- Temporary or shared offices - rent by the hour, day, etc. There are lots of options.
Leah’s recommendations
Why You Should Have More Than One Office
