Many people don’t realize just how much of an impact their work environment has on their mental and physical health. It’s no secret that working in an office (even a home office) can be taxing on the mind and body for a number of different reasons, which in and of itself can be enough to cause some unwanted stress. Improving your work environment isn’t actually as difficult as you might think, and there are ways that you can make some major differences that will lead to enhanced productivity and efficiency. Western Union has some great tips for you below!

1. Focus on Lighting

Lighting is so important when it comes to creating a comfortable, healthy work environment. Poor lighting can lead to a lack of excitement, tiredness and a host of other issues that can affect productivity in a negative manner. Ideally, you should strive to work in a space that features an abundance of natural light. If this isn’t a possibility, not all hope is lost—light fixtures that feature adjustable filters can be an excellent alternative.

2. Personalize Your Space

Whether you’re working in a cubicle, behind a counter or otherwise, a little bit of personalization can go a long way. This could be as simple as hanging some photographs or as elaborate as carving out your very own unique style at your workstation with bright colors and designs. The goal is to create a work environment you can identify with and feel comfortable in.

3. Incorporate Plant Life

Is your office environment looking a bit dry and muted? It’s a common issue, and one of the best ways to deal with it is to incorporate some plant life into the mix. There are countless different options for plants that make sense in office environments, many of which happen to be very easy to care for. Choose a wide variety of plants to get the best effect, as this will also help to boost the amount of oxygen they add to the air within your work environment.

4. Be Friendly

Your co-workers aren’t just your peers; they are your new family! Once you’ve started a new job, make sure to introduce yourself and be friendly with others in the office. It’s always easier to work when you have others around you who believe in you, inspire you and help you, so don’t be afraid to make a new work friend if you can. Chances are these new work friendships will extend to outside of the office and will make your life more fun in general!

 5. Play Music

Music can be very helpful for setting the mood of a work environment. Depending upon how you like to get things done, you could listen to practically anything while at work. Most people find that classical music or instrumentals tend to be best at keeping distractions at bay, however. If you’re working alongside others, be sure to be as respectful as possible when it comes to playing music—headphones may be a wise option. Put the work into improving your office environment, and the benefits will come soon after. If you want to experience a friendly and positive work environment, maybe Western Union is the right place for you to work. Find out more about us at our WU Careers site!