5 Ways to Improve Focus and Productivity at Work
Whether working from home, in an office, or on the move, most people overlook how much their environment affects their ability to focus. Recently, our team has been trying a few small, practical adjustments to see whether they could improve energy levels, concentration and overall output.
The results have been encouraging, so it felt worth sharing what’s been working. The good news is that none of these require specialist equipment, and all can be put in place immediately.
1. Alternate between sitting and standing
There is no single “perfect” working position. Evidence suggests that alternating between sitting and standing is more effective than sticking to one or the other.
A practical approach is to work seated for 20 to 30 minutes, then switch to standing for a similar period. This helps reduce strain on the neck, shoulders and lower back, while also supporting sustained concentration.
There is no need to invest in expensive equipment. A simple raised surface using books or a sturdy box can work just as effectively.
Short breaks are equally important. Stepping away from the desk for five to ten minutes after around 45 minutes of work can help maintain focus throughout the day.
2. Align tasks with energy levels
Productivity is not constant throughout the day. Most people experience natural peaks and dips in alertness.
Earlier in the day tends to be better suited to analytical or demanding work, such as problem solving, financial analysis or technical tasks. As the day progresses, a more relaxed state often makes it easier to approach creative thinking, planning or broader strategy work.
Rather than forcing productivity at the wrong time, it is more effective to match the type of work to the level of mental energy available.
3. Be intentional with background sound
Some people work best in silence, while others benefit from background noise.
Low-level, consistent background noise can help maintain focus during shorter periods of work. However, it may become distracting over longer stretches.
In an office environment, this can be less practical, as any sound choice will affect those around you. In those settings, it is often best to be mindful of shared space or use headphones where appropriate. When working from home, there is far more flexibility to choose what works best on an individual level.
For tasks that require deep concentration, many find that minimal or no background noise is most effective. For more routine work, light background sound or music may help maintain momentum.
4. Position screens at the correct height
Posture plays a significant role in both comfort and concentration.
Working with a screen positioned too low encourages a downward gaze, which can lead to poor posture and reduced alertness. Raising the screen so that it sits at, or slightly above, eye level promotes a more upright position and helps maintain focus.
This simple adjustment can reduce physical strain while also supporting better engagement with the task at hand.
5. Use your environment to support the task
The physical space itself can influence how people think and work.
More open environments can encourage broader, more creative thinking, while smaller or more enclosed spaces tend to support detailed, focused work.
Of course, not everyone has the flexibility to change their surroundings, particularly in a fixed office setup. In those cases, the focus can shift to smaller adjustments, such as repositioning a desk, changing where certain tasks are done, or stepping into a different space when needed.
Where possible, it can still be useful to vary the working environment depending on the task. This might mean using different rooms, adjusting desk setups, or occasionally working in a different location altogether.
Final thoughts
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to productivity, and individual preferences will always play a role. What works well for one person may not suit someone else.
These are the approaches our team has been testing, and we hope you find some of them just as useful.
