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8 Key Tips For Boosting Productivity In A Furnished Apartment Workspace

In this guide, we share eight tips to help you design a workspace that enhances productivity, from choosing the right office furniture to mastering time management techniques.

Blog / Travel Tips / 2025 April 28, 2025
apartment workspace

Your workspace plays an important role in how productive, focused, and efficient you are throughout the day. A well-designed office isn't just about aesthetics – it influences your concentration, energy levels, and overall work performance. We here at vidaXL understand the importance of creating a work environment that supports deep focus and seamless workflow. In this guide, we share eight tips to help you design a workspace that enhances productivity, from choosing the right office furniture to mastering time management techniques.

Whether you're setting up a home office or staying in temporary accommodation such as Corporate Keys furnished apartments in Melbourne, where fully equipped workspaces are thoughtfully designed for comfort and focus, these tips will help you maximise productivity wherever you are.

1. Prioritise your work and tasks

In a busy work environment, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by an ever-growing to-do list. Without a clear sense of priority, productivity suffers, and important tasks can get lost in the shuffle. The key to staying on track is learning how to prioritise effectively, ensuring that you focus on the most impactful tasks first.

Use the Eisenhower Matrix for smarter decisions

One of the best ways to prioritise your tasks is by using the Eisenhower Matrix, a simple but powerful tool that categorises tasks into four quadrants:

  • Urgent and important: Tasks that require immediate attention (for example, a deadline-driven project)
  • Important but not urgent: Tasks that contribute to long-term success (for example, strategic planning, skill development)
  • Urgent but not important: Tasks that demand attention but don’t add much value (for example, some meetings, emails)
  • Neither urgent nor important: Distractions that should be minimised or eliminated (for example, unnecessary scrolling on social media)

By using this method, you can ensure that your time is spent on tasks that truly move the needle while reducing time wasted on low-value activities.

The power of the ‘Big Three’ approach

Each day, identify the three most important tasks that will have the biggest impact on your goals. These are the non-negotiables – the things that, if completed, will make the biggest difference. Focusing on these ensures that even on busy days, you’ve accomplished something meaningful.

Prioritisation isn’t about doing everything – it’s about doing the right things at the right time. Once you master this skill, you’ll find yourself accomplishing more while feeling less overwhelmed.

2. Learn to say no

In a world where emails, meetings, and last-minute requests pile up daily, knowing when – and how – to say no is an essential skill. Without clear boundaries, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with tasks that don’t align with your goals, draining your time and energy. Saying no isn’t about being difficult; it’s about protecting your priorities and ensuring that your work remains productive and meaningful.

Why saying no is crucial for productivity

Every time you say yes to something, you’re saying no to something else – often without realising it. If your day is filled with unnecessary meetings, small favours, and low-priority tasks, there’s little room left for deep, focused work. Learning to decline requests that don’t serve your priorities allows you to focus on what truly matters.

How to say no gracefully

Saying no doesn’t have to be awkward or confrontational. Here are a few ways to decline requests professionally while maintaining good relationships:

  • Be direct but polite: Instead of over-explaining, simply say, "I appreciate the offer, but I won’t be able to take this on right now."
  • Offer an alternative (if appropriate): If you can’t help, suggest someone else who might be available. "I don’t have the capacity for this project, but perhaps a colleague could assist?"
  • Use time-based boundaries: If you need to delay rather than decline, try: "I’m fully booked this week, but I’d be happy to revisit this next month."
  • Remind them of your priorities: If the request comes from a superior or colleague, link it back to your current workload: "I’d love to help, but I’m currently focused on another project. Would you like me to deprioritise something else to fit this in?"

When to say no

Not every request is a distraction, but some are simply unnecessary. Consider saying no when:

  • The task doesn’t align with your responsibilities or goals
  • You already have too much on your plate
  • Someone else is better suited to the task
  • The request is unclear, vague, or last-minute without justification

Saying no is a skill that takes practice, but once you master it, you’ll free up time for meaningful work rather than getting stuck in endless busyness

3. Avoid multitasking and focus on deep work

Multitasking might seem like a productivity booster, but in reality, it leads to decreased efficiency and more mistakes. Constantly switching between tasks disrupts focus, increases mental fatigue, and reduces the quality of work. Instead of trying to juggle multiple things at once, embrace deep work – the practice of giving full attention to a single task for an extended period.

To implement deep work:

  • Eliminate distractions: Turn off notifications, close unnecessary tabs, and set boundaries to protect your focus time
  • Work in time blocks: Dedicate specific periods to concentrated work, allowing for uninterrupted progress
  • Use the Pomodoro technique: Work for 25–50 minutes, then take a short break to recharge before diving back in
  • Batch similar tasks: Group emails, calls, and administrative work into designated time slots rather than scattering them throughout the day.

By working with intention and removing distractions, you’ll complete tasks faster and with better results. Prioritising deep work over multitasking leads to increased efficiency, reduced stress, and higher-quality output.

4. Use time blocking to structure your day

Time blocking is a simple yet powerful technique that helps you take control of your workday. Instead of reacting to tasks as they come, you allocate specific time slots for focused work, meetings, and even breaks. This method prevents distractions, reduces procrastination, and ensures that important tasks get the attention they deserve.

To implement time blocking effectively:

  • Plan your day in advance: Allocate time slots for deep work, admin tasks, and breaks
  • Batch similar tasks: Answer emails in one block rather than checking throughout the day
  • Protect your focus time: Treat deep work sessions like appointments – non-negotiable and distraction-free
  • Be realistic: Don’t overfill your schedule. Allow buffer time between tasks for flexibility

For even better results, try task batching (grouping similar activities together) and theme days (dedicating full days to specific types of work). By following a structured schedule, you’ll increase efficiency, avoid burnout, and maintain better work-life balance. Time blocking turns your to-do list into an action plan – one that ensures your most important work actually gets done.

5. Invest in the right office furniture

Your workspace plays a significant role in how productive and comfortable you feel throughout the day. The right office furniture from vidaXL doesn’t just enhance the aesthetics of your workspace – it also impacts your posture, energy levels, and ability to focus. Investing in a good desk, ergonomic chair, and practical storage solutions can make a world of difference in your daily work routine, ensuring both comfort and efficiency.

Choose a desk that supports productivity

A well-designed desk from vidaXL is the foundation of any office setup. Consider factors like size, layout, and functionality when choosing the right one. A spacious surface allows room for a computer, documents, and office essentials without feeling cluttered. If you like flexibility, an adjustable standing desk can help you switch between sitting and standing, improving circulation and reducing fatigue. A good desk should provide enough space to keep your essentials organised while allowing for a clutter-free work area.

Ergonomic seating for long work hours

Sitting for extended periods can lead to discomfort and even long-term health issues. An ergonomic office chair provides proper back support, encourages good posture, and reduces strain on your neck and shoulders. Look for adjustable height, lumbar support, and padded armrests to ensure all-day comfort. Investing in an ergonomic chair helps prevent back pain and increases overall productivity.

Smart storage for a clutter-free space

A tidy workspace helps maintain focus and reduces distractions. Use filing cabinets, shelves, or desk organisers to keep essential documents and supplies within reach but out of the way. A clutter-free environment promotes mental clarity and efficiency, making it easier to stay on top of tasks.

At vidaXL, we offer a wide selection of office furniture, including desks, chairs, and storage solutions that combine style with functionality.

6. Add greenery to enhance focus and productivity

Bringing plants into your workspace isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about creating an environment that promotes focus, reduces stress, and boosts overall well-being. Studies have shown that office greenery can improve concentration, enhance creativity, and even reduce mental fatigue, making it a simple yet powerful way to optimise your workspace for productivity.

The science behind plants and productivity

Research suggests that natural elements in a workspace can enhance cognitive function, lower stress levels, and increase overall job satisfaction. This is because greenery helps create a sense of calm, reducing anxiety and mental clutter. When your mind feels less overwhelmed, it’s easier to stay focused on the task at hand.

Plants also improve air quality by absorbing toxins and releasing oxygen, making your workspace feel fresher and more energising. A well-oxygenated space contributes to better brain function, helping you stay alert and productive throughout the day.

Best plants for the office

Not all plants require constant care – many thrive in office environments with minimal maintenance. Some great options include:

  • Snake plant: Excellent air purifier and thrives in low light.
  • Pothos: Easy to care for and adds a lush, cascading greenery effect.
  • Peace lily: Helps reduce indoor pollutants and requires little sunlight.
  • Aloe vera: A hardy plant that improves air quality and adds a modern touch.

Bringing greenery into your workspace

If you’re short on space, desk plants or small potted succulents can be great additions. If you have more room, consider floor plants, wall-mounted greenery, or even a small vertical garden to create a calming atmosphere.

Adding greenery isn’t just about looks – it’s a natural way to create a more focused, energised, and enjoyable work environment. A few well-placed plants can make all the difference in turning your office into a space that supports productivity and well-being.

7. Create a clutter-free workspace

A cluttered workspace can lead to a cluttered mind. When your desk is overflowing with paperwork, cables, and office supplies, it becomes harder to focus, making even simple tasks feel overwhelming. Creating a clean and organised workspace can improve mental clarity, reduce stress, and boost productivity.

How clutter affects productivity

Studies have shown that physical clutter competes for your attention, making it more difficult to concentrate on the task at hand. A messy environment can also increase feelings of stress and anxiety, leading to reduced efficiency. In contrast, a well-organised workspace fosters a sense of control, allowing you to focus on what truly matters.

Practical tips for a tidy office

Adopt a "less is more" approach. Keep only essential items on your desk and store everything else in drawers or shelves.

  • Use smart storage solutions. Filing cabinets, desk organisers, and shelving units help keep important documents and supplies neatly arranged
  • Go digital where possible. Scan documents and store them digitally to minimise paper clutter
  • Declutter daily. Spend five minutes at the end of each day tidying up to maintain an organised space

A clutter-free workspace isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about creating an environment that supports productivity, focus, and peace of mind. By keeping your office organised, you can work more efficiently and with greater ease every day.

8. Take breaks to stay productive

Productivity isn’t about working nonstop – it’s about working efficiently. Taking regular breaks helps prevent burnout, improve focus, and boost creativity. Studies show that stepping away from your desk, even for a few minutes, allows your brain to recharge, making it easier to maintain concentration throughout the day.

To make breaks effective:

  • Follow the 52/17 rule – work for 52 minutes, then take a 17-minute break
  • Step away from screens to give your eyes and mind a rest
  • Move your body – stretch, take a walk, or do a few deep breaths

Short, intentional breaks help you return to work refreshed and ready to focus.

We here at vidaXL hope that these strategies can help you create a focused, efficient, and enjoyable workspace that supports productivity, reduces stress, and helps you achieve your best work every day.



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