Colorful postcards, ornate photo frames, lush planters, inspirational quotes, aesthetically pleasing stationery, unique stickers and personalized notes are now the main elements of the new work. No, they are no longer limited to a boring calendar, a pen, and a notepad.

Millennials and Gen Zers are decorating their work desks with all things pretty, even if it involves spending significant money. And it turns out the move isn’t entirely motivated by a motive to get ahead in the social media game; This is also helping them be more productive at work.

Millennials and Gen Zers are leading this trend

Pragati Sharma, 22, started decorating her desk with ‘Star of the Month’ certificates, which she says is a great acceptance. She then added more personalized items such as a letter from a distant friend, some colorful creatives she designed while at work and ‘I am my favorite’ dialogue.

“Having a well-decorated and organized desk was a complete game changer. It inspired me and made everything feel much more pleasant. And when I needed a break from the screen, the colors and decorations were a nice visual delight,” explains Pragati. India TodayShe currently works from home and misses her work desk a lot.

“My decorated desk definitely increased my productivity. Seeing my certificates and designs reminded me of my achievements and motivated me to strive even harder. Whenever I looked at him it was like being a little cheerleader,” she adds.

Psychologists agree that beautifying the workplace can actually have a positive impact on mental health and productivity. Research also suggests the same. A study conducted by the University of Exeter School of Psychology found that employees who have control over the layout of their workspace are not only happier and healthier – they are also up to 32 percent more productive.

Dr. Rahul Chandhok says, “While it (decorating the work desk) may actually seem like a business trend, this act actually has solid cognitive and emotional benefits for the brain because it responds positively to familiar and comforting elements.” and thus promote mental well-being.” , Chief Psychiatrist Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, Artemis Hospital.

“Decorating a workplace helps a person create a relaxing space where they are in charge. Such an environment strengthens the connection between a person and their identity, creating psychologically confident and emotionally less stressful situations, improving morale and making them less stressed in the workplace,” he adds.

Parameshwari, a Mumbai-based marketing professional, says a personalized and decorated work desk makes her feel like she belongs to the company. She has memorabilia collected from work events, decorative items, beauty products, and a DIY embroidery hoop on her desk.

“My desk makes me feel like I belong, gives people a glimpse of who I am, and also makes me happier when I look around than an empty desk,” she says.

How beautiful office desks help

Meanwhile, Sohini Rohra, a counseling psychologist and author, explains how a beautiful desk helps people at work:

• “Personalization of the workplace helps reveal an individual’s unique identity, fostering feelings of belonging and pride, increasing the motivation and morale that will sustain momentum.
• A decorated desk can help boost productivity along with a better organization and a visually stimulating environment that energizes and inspires creativity.
• Personal items like flowers or pictures also contribute to reduced stress and better mental health as the space becomes relaxing.

Some decorative pieces also make great conversation starters, attract new people’s attention and help build relationships at work. The embroidered circle on Parameshwari’s table works wonders.

While many brands offer a wide range of decorative items, there has been a significant increase in the number of ones specializing in stylish office stationery, such as planners and organizers. These can be effective tools for becoming more productive in the workplace.

“Desk organizers and planners help control clutter and reduce distractions in the workplace for a smooth flow of work. In general, a well-decorated desk is synonymous with an enjoyable and efficient working environment and increases productivity in the long run,” says psychologist Sohini Rohra.

Anisha, a Gen Zer and an entertainment journalist, shares that a well-decorated desk is synonymous with a well-organized mind.

“It’s kind of therapeutic to find everything in its place and serve as a reflection of what defines me. I also love having a plant as a part of my entire desk. This arrangement adds value and life to a lifeless piece of wood,” she tells us.

increases productivity

A beautiful and organized desk increases productivity due to many factors. This goes beyond the feel-good factor. It certainly creates a sense of comfort and belonging that keeps people more engaged and focused, but that’s not all.

“Subtle suggestions like objects or colors can stimulate creativity or concentration. For example, plants on desks improve mood and cognitive function; It has been found that when people have some greenery around, they experience less fatigue and better concentration,” explains Dr Chandhok.

“Additionally, personalizing spaces is less stressful on the brain as the ambiance is less clinical and more worldly, increasing mental clarity. An aesthetically organized and clutter-free desk can also inculcate organizational and effective time management skills. Therefore, an artfully decorated desk is not only an expression of personality but also a tool to focus better on work and become more efficient,” he adds.

It’s not without reason that some psychologists believe that decorating your work desk is “not just a fashion statement but an investment in overall satisfaction and productivity.”