10 Ways Entrepreneurs Improve Their Work Environment

by Aug 29, 2024

Entrepreneurs flourish in a positive work environment. Boost productivity and foster a positive workplace culture even if you work alone. You may think of yourself as a lone wolf, but the world of entrepreneurship involves partnering effectively with vendors and customers. Motivate yourself and support your personal needs as you drive business growth.  Create office space that is effective as well as inspiring with these 10 ideas from successful entrepreneurs.  

 

10 ways entrepreneurs improve work environment

 

  

Your workplace environment inspires you to keep going. Whatever your work arrangements are, it acts as your command center. It work, but it’s also a safe space where you can focus and do your best work. You need to be productive here so boost your effectiveness, your appreciation, and your comfort in this space too.

Know yourself. Use common sense and creative thinking.

Increase your sense of belonging in your own space – make it work for you – make it yours. 

 

A friend is a physical trainer and health guru living in a very depressed area. He uses an open garage, cans, bricks, concrete blocks, old tires, and the curb. 

He is dedicated, creative, takes time to focus, and he makes a difference every day. As a result of his hard work and productivity, achievements are part of his every day.

He inspires me and hundreds of others every single day. 

Your circumstances are different but who you are inside is no different. Good people are good people, and we all have ups, downs, needs to be inspired, and have an ability to inspire others with our smiles and stories. 

 

 

personal workspace

 

 

 

 

Creating a positive work environment as an entrepreneur involves leading by example and making it part of your vision and values 🙂 

 

 

1.) Assume positive intent.

This little phrase is a game changer. 

Create a culture that values positivity. As the business owner, start with yourself. 

Example: Someone is rude.

  • Perhaps they were rushed or had no idea they were rude. If they knew, adjust how you interact with them. Email is just as effective and eliminates that issue. 

 

Example: Someone let the door close on your face.

  • Maybe they didn’t know you were behind them. Regardless, now you know how that feels, will be more aware of your surroundings, and won’t do it to others – including them.

 

Example you held the door, and they didn’t say “thank you.”

  • They genuinely may have been distracted. They might be incredibly introverted. Or they simply may not understand basic courtesy. You can simply ignore it and know you did good. Or you can say a sweet, “you’re welcome,” and continue on your day. Next time, still do the same thing. You are the better human by extending basic courtesies to others. 

 

Example: you are stuck in traffic and late.

  • Find the positive and say it out loud, “I’m late so I got to park further away and got in some extra steps today.” or “I was stuck in traffic, so I got to listen to 2 extra songs this morning.” 
  • If it’s an issue for you, note this as we move onto #2 & the mood elevator!

 

The point is to make positivity work for you and make it part of your culture of respect. 

 

 

2.) Post a mood elevator on your wall. 

Where are you on the mood elevator today? 

  • How will this impact your effectiveness today?
  • Your happiness in the workplace?
  • How can you positively impact yourself or others as a result?
  • How can you gain support that’ll move you up the ladder as you go through the day?

     


It’s a tool to improve your work environment and check your own attitude and needs. 

Use it. 

3.) Display your dream board front and center. 

Don’t have one? Make one. 

You are past the startup phase? Doesn’t matter. 

Don’t have a big piece of paper? Scissors? Glue?  Go get some. Or make virtual and use as your screen saver. 

Your dream board can be personal to you and/or something special within your organization. 

  • How you’ll reach a milestone.
  • How you’ll feel after you reach that milestone. 
  • How you will celebrate reaching that milestone.
  • Things that energize you. 
  • Reminders of a healthy work-life balance.
  • The fact that you like exercise!
  • Your endgame. 
  • Places you will go.

 

You knowing your why and having it front and center in front of your face every day is a huge morale booster. 

**If you need ideas, we have them.  www.envisionaryme.com

 

 

4.) Think work-life balance & personalize your space.

What’s your why? 

Take ownership of this and bring in reminders. 
Work is part of your life. 

Develop a workplace culture that values LIFE. 

  • Pin up pics of those close to you and fun times. 
  • Leave a sweater. 
  • Put a plant cutting in a jar. 
  • Have a basket of stress balls and fidget spinners.
  • ANYTHING meaningful but not a distraction to you or others.

 

 

5.) Celebrate the seasons. 

Don’t let time just pass you buy. This day won’t happen for another 365 days.

  • Bring in a decoration.
  • Change your lockscreen picture.
  • Use seasonal soap scents. 
  • Wax warmers. 
  • Put a flower in a vase where you can see it. 
  • Add sunrise / sunset times to your phone.
  • Add phases of the moon. 
  • Make a point to feel each day as you come in, during breaks, and/or when you leave. Enjoy the summer heat. Touch a snowflake. 

 

Let little changes in your workspace inspire you to appreciate the season. 

Maybe it’s about comfort and culture, but… 

  • Maybe it’s another way to optimize your creativity! 
  • Maybe it makes you feel happy and engaged. 
  • Maybe it sparks conversation that fosters a sense of trust, which then promotes collaboration.
  • Maybe you find yourself problem-solving and then…
  • Maybe it sparks a new business development idea!

6.) Make a comfortable office space part of your workplace culture.

The addition of small comforts makes a difference. 

  • Hand cream
  • Soft tissues
  • Scented hand sanitizer
  • A colorful wall
  • Coat hooks
  • An umbrella stand
  • Plants

 

Know what you’re working toward.

Know what you will recognize and reward.

 

 

Entrepreneur daily planning

 

 

 

7.) Every day, take time to plan.

Don’t just walk in your workspace and get into it. 

Planning significantly impacts your productivity. 

As the owner of your business, revisit your business plan and have actionable objectives. 

  • Have your space ready to go. Easy access to your calendar. A pen or keyboard. And peace. 
  • On Monday take 30 minutes to plan your week and an additional 15 to plan your day.
  • Every other day, take 15 minutes to plan out your day.
  • Focus your time on business plan execution and immediate needs.
  • Plan a wrap up time at the end of the day. 
  • Stay consistent. 
  • Work within a time block 
  • A flexible schedule is okay.

 

 

8.) Limit screen time & daytime distractions at work. 

 

While at work, focus on work.

You have goals. You’re creating a future here.  

  • Put your phone away. Silence the sound.
  • Those texting about random topics can wait. 
  • Set boundaries with family and friends. They do not need to hear from you every hour. Have an emergency code – and it only used for that purpose. No exceptions or they need a stronger boundary. It’s not about less love, it’s about focus.
  • Social media can wait. Everyone arguing about politics and religion can wait. They’ll still be arguing later. 

Empower yourself. Empower them.

You have a break at 10:30 and 3. You can text back then. Period.

Watch funny videos and send your social love on your break.  

 

Prioritize your health!

 

Entrepreneur work environment desk with water

 

 

 

9.)  Take your breaks and take them away from your desk. 

Breaktime is important. so treat it as a high-priority, and plan it into your day and use it effectively. 
The time is limited, so use it wisely and take it away from your desk. 

Use this time to momentarily disconnect and recharge, then return with boosted motivation & productivity.

  • Go to another room.
  • Go outside if possible.
  • Stand by a window.
  • Use a different electronic device

What to do?

  • Breathe, stretch, touch your toes, and clear your head.  
  • Take in healthy fuel. 
  • Answer brief texts or call someone back. 
  • View something positive – quotes, a funny video, happy posts 

Your ability to work within these blocks of time builds trust and teamwork.

It builds a lasting impression of your ability to streamline, allocate dedicated time, continue a workflow, while allowing time to be human while also placing appropriate focus on a to-do list related to the company’s success. 

 

 

10.) Have water and an inspiring drinking vessel handy. 

Actual water. Drink it. 

Hydration literally impacts your health and therefore your ability to handle your leadership role. 

Drink a glass when first get in the office. You know your body. You know your routine and access to the bathroom. Pick times of day and do it.

What’s an inspiring drinking vessel? Who even talks like that?! 

Enough said.

Onto our final thoughts: 

Let your environment inspire you and tell your story.

You are there for a reason. Make that reason work for you and let it inspire you to get to a future view you like much better. Think about it – every item we’ve listed significantly improves your productivity as improves your workspace.  

Baby steps are okay. They are steps.

You got this.

BLOG CATEGORY: Entrepreneurship

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