4 Key Takeaways found in the workspace:
- Define your motivations and "why" for pursuing your doctorate - this provides purpose during challenging times
- Evaluate and manage your time commitments effectively, finding balance between studies and other life obligations
- Create a dedicated, distraction-free workspace that's organized and signals to your brain it's time to focus
- Maintain open communication with family and friends about your academic journey to foster understanding and support
These elements together help create a strong foundation for doctoral success.
In the relentless pursuit of academic excellence, maximizing your workspace is non-negotiable. A well-designed environment can be the catalyst that transforms your productivity levels, especially when you're pursuing a doctorate. This rigorous academic journey demands focus, resilience, and copious amounts of time in a solitary workspace.
With this in mind, I embarked on a journey to explore how our physical environment impacts our productivity as doctoral candidates.
Discomfort in your workspace isn't just about physical unease; it can manifest as a reluctance to work, mental fog, or even an aversion to tackling complex tasks. One recent overhaul of my own office setup proved transformative, not only in terms of comfort but significantly enhancing my output as well.
Measuring productivity can be subjective, but for me, a marked increase in writing, my Achilles' heel, signaled a substantial improvement. I don't love writing 😢. So, when I start cranking out content without much friction, then you know that something has changed in my productivity level.
Leveraging the pivotal research of Oseland and Burton (2012), who conducted a robust meta-analysis of 75 studies pinpointing seven key environmental factors that influence worker comfort and productivity, I'm convinced these same elements hold the key to enhancing your doctoral workspace.
Whether you're just setting out on your doctoral journey or are facing the final push of your dissertation, it's time to reassess and optimize your space. Let's dig a little deeper.
The Seven Essential Elements
1. Lighting
Lighting is crucial in any workspace. According to the research, poor lighting can dramatically affect productivity by causing eye strain, headaches, and fatigue. I recently replaced my old, dim lightbulbs with bright, natural-light LEDs and added a task light on my desk. These additions decrease my eyestrain. I make choices about what is needed based on what I'm doing and how my vision is that day.
Questions to Consider:
- Is the lighting sufficient for your work?
- Do you have a good balance of ambient and task lighting?
- Are there any areas in your workspace that need more light?
2. Noise
Noise levels can either enhance or completely derail your productivity. Some people thrive on background noise, while others need complete silence. I discovered that a good pair of noise-canceling headphones could block out the household noise and keep me in the zone while allowing me to play music I can jam to that fits the particular type of work.
Questions to Consider:
- What level of noise is your workspace subject to?
- Does background noise distract you or help you focus?
- Do you need tools like white noise machines or headphones?
3. Temperature
The temperature of your workspace can greatly affect your comfort and productivity. According to the studies, an optimal temperature range can significantly boost cognitive performance and physical comfort. I tend to run hot, so a small desk fan was a game-changer in my old house. Now I work in a room with a ceiling fan and that is perfect.
Questions to Consider:
- Is your workspace too hot or too cold?
- Do you function better in cooler or warmer environments?
- Are there tools available, like fans or heaters, to regulate temperature?
4. Ventilation
Good air circulation is essential for maintaining a healthy and productive workspace. Poor ventilation can lead to respiratory problems, fatigue, and impaired cognitive function. Opening windows and ensuring air vents are clean can make a significant difference. In my older 1970's home, I had a company come in and do a whole house ventilation cleaning. This really helped with my allergies and asthma.
Questions to Consider:
- Is the air in your workspace fresh or stale?
- Are there any unpleasant smells or high levels of dust?
- How frequently do you ventilate your workspace?
5. Control
Your level of control over these factors often determines how comfortable and productive you can be. If you're sharing your workspace, negotiating terms for temperature, noise levels, and even lighting can be essential. Control extends to ergonomics, the capability to adjust chairs, desks, and the physical layout of your workspace.
Questions to Consider:
- Do you have control over your workspace environment?
- Are you able to make adjustments to improve comfort?
- If you share your workspace, can you negotiate compromises?
6. Furniture
Ergonomic furniture is critical. An adjustable chair and desk can prevent physical discomfort and foster an official workspace atmosphere, leading to increased productivity. Explore affordable options for ergonomic furniture to fit your needs. I recently upgraded to an adjustable standing desk, and it's been a revelation in terms of comfort and productivity.
