My dad worked in an office for 35 years. 8am to 7pm. And he’s not alone – many office workers exist in a copy and paste cycle where Mondays evaporate into Fridays – and every week feels the same.
The problem with a fixed work routine
But a fixed routine can be harmful. My creativity dried up when I worked 5 office days a week for a former company. I felt irritable, uninspired and suffocated by the same four walls. And protests against return-to-office mandates suggests I’m not alone. (See Amazon’s uproar).
Changing work environment feels natural
Changing environments is in our DNA. Before Gmail and Zoom became our closest friends, humans roamed nature for food and spent time in communities. It’s why hybrid work feels refreshing – with its mix of home comforts and office community. This buzz has inspired remote workers to dwell in Lisbon, Barcelona, Indonesia, Mexico, Mauritius, and Vancouver – checking into workspaces, beach bars, cafes and restaurants – exploring nature, sharing meals and forming friendships – all while meeting their deadlines. Put simply: we are not designed for 40 hours in the same chair.
Rejuvenating ways to mix up your workplace
“The idea that everyone needs to work rigid hours in an office is an outdated concept that no longer fits the way we live and work today.” — Richard Branson
So how can we balance this need for novelty and excitement with our work commitments? I suggest purposefully varying your workspaces to boost your zest for work, creativity and productivity. For example, I write best in the mornings (usually in silence). I like to ‘Eat The Frog’ in an uninterrupted 3-hour burst. But in the afternoons, I need to be energised; and so I exit my studio flat and go to the Residence co-working space.
Here I talk to people, listen and share ideas. Suddenly I feel a jolt of energy. (Remember we are social creatures). It’s also a perfect opportunity to reply to my emails as I’ve dedicated this time for connecting and organising, rather than a focused flow state of writing.
More than this, simply putting on a shirt, adding wax to my hair and heading out gives me a surge of positivity. A reminder that we are no longer home-bound by COVID restrictions. As another example, see this post from Stephen White of Spaced Digital.
For any bosses reading this, offering your teams flexibility to go on workcations will boost morale and improve recruitment and retention.
Crucial advice for finding your work routine
But be weary: too much variety can be counterproductive. For example, changing locations 4 times a day can leak away time, leaving you without internet connection in crucial moments. Or simply exhausted. I recommend finding what feels refreshing. Try new coffee shops. Join workspace communities and events. Tinker with your work stations. For example: can you add more plants? A 2023 field study on the effects of indoor plants on office workers revealed increased workplace satisfaction, improved air quality, reduced stress and enhanced concentration among employees.
I also recommend experimenting with different work times. I am a morning person, but my friend does his best work between 6 pm and 10 pm. If that’s your sweet spot – go for it! Alternatively, to unlock a fresh jolt of inspiration, perhaps it’s time to book a workcation.
Workcations ignite inspiration
“Remote work, workcations, and changing up your environment spark creativity, boost productivity, and bring fresh perspectives. Some of my best ideas have come from working outside the office, whether on a beach or in the air!” – Richard Branson
Workcations are exhilarating because they ignite our senses with wonder and our work reaps the rewards. If this thought energises you – read about how a workcation in Cape Town changed my life, and pocket this workcation checklist to prepare for your next trip.
Where will you work tomorrow?
Switching up your workspace is more than a change of scene, it’s a psychological and spiritual mindset shift — and often the secret ingredient to loving your work again. In our flexible and evolving work landscape, it’s easy to feel stuck staying in one spot. So chase change and inspiration. And ask yourself: where will my next lighting bolt idea strike?
