While it’s great to have a home office that is cute and comfortable, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice efficiency. The right office layout and equipment can help you get everything done as quickly as possible, without dealing with extra stress.

Here are a few office space upgrades you can make to improve productivity.

5 Office Space Ideas That Will Improve Your Productivity

1. Get A Work-Only Computer

If you don’t already have a separate computer for your work activities, you need to invest in one. It might seem excessive to have more than one but it will help keep you focused.

Plus, it’s good for tax purposes. By having a work-only computer you can write it off as a business expense.

To really kick your productivity up a notch, get an external monitor for your laptop. Having two screens to work with doesn’t necessarily double your output but it certainly makes it easier to work as efficiently as possible.

2. Switch It Up With A Standing Desk

It’s no secret that sitting down all day can be uncomfortable, which can actually be very distracting. When your train of thought is broken by an aching back or sore hips, it takes you away from what you’re doing and can make it harder to get back to business.

All those walks around the house and coffee breaks you have to take to get up and stretch your legs waste even more time. Of course, nobody is saying that you should be sitting in the same room all day, getting some different perspective can actually improve your workflow.

However, there is a better alternative than your traditional sitting desk — the sit-to-stand desk. A standing desk allows you to switch between being seated and standing up so that you’re more comfortable. It’s also better for your health.

3. Invest In Ergonomics

A poorly set up workspace can have a lasting impact on your body. You might have already noticed pain in your hands, wrists, arms, back, and neck. This is probably because your work station is not ergonomically correct for your body. To create an ergonomic workspace, you need to:

Invest in a chair that is adjustable and supportive. You should be able to customize the height, recline, and armrests.

Recalibrate your desk height. If your desk is too high or too low, it could be causing unnecessary strain on your body. In general, your feet should be flat on the floor and your arms should be resting somewhere between a 90 and 110-degree angle.

Position your monitor correctly. The top of your screen should be eye level. Your monitor needs to be set about 20 inches away and at a 10 to 20-degree angle. To achieve these ideal conditions, you’ll likely need a stand for your laptop.

These changes might seem pretty small but they can dramatically improve your comfort and protect you from work injuries. Having a comfortable work station means you can spend more time focused and less time wondering where you put that bottle of pain reliever.

4. Bring In Some Greenery

Studies have shown that fresh plants and flowers can help improve the mood in your office, reduce stress, and help with memory retention — all of which contribute to your workday efficiency.  They might even help you stave off the latest bug going around so you won’t have to take time out of your busy schedule to recover. Don’t go overboard though, just one plant or bouquet on your desk and the one-floor plant should do the trick.

5. Introduce High-Quality Lighting

While natural sunlight is ideal, it might not always be possible depending on where your office space is set up. If little to no daylight is streaming into your workspace, you’ll want to diversify your in-office lighting.

Try to find a bulb that replicates the qualities of daylight. In general, you want something that offers bright task lighting but isn’t so bright that it is going to hurt your eyes or make you feel drained.

You’ll Notice the Impact Immediately

Even just one of these office space upgrades will have you feeling and working better. Decide to implement all five and you can rest assured that you will become a master of productivity for days that truly contribute to your success.