As many of us have been working from home for the past two years, we have changed the way we see our office space. Long gone are the days of fluorescent lights, desk partitions and the sterile aesthetic of white walls. Instead, this has been replaced with the cosy comfort of home. Snugly cushions, soft lighting, homely decor and warm roaring fires. This has certainly been one of the key advantages to working from home, and something that we are not keen to lose if, and when, we head back into the office. So, how can you maintain that cosy and warm feeling within your office space? If you haven’t heard of the Danish art of Hygge, then you need to learn more. Here, we discuss what Hygge is and how you can apply it to your office workspace.
What Is Hygge?
Hygge (pronounced “Hue-gah) is a Danish word that proves difficult to translate directly into English. Loosely, it refers to a feeling of cosiness, a sense of warmth and comfort. The kind of atmosphere that instantly makes you feel at home and relaxed. Hygge can mean many things to many different people. For you, it may mean candlelight, a warm drink and a cosy blanket. Others may imagine a warm fire, friends and a movie. It is all about enjoying the very best things in life with your favourite people. Embracing Hygge can help to calm your mind, relieve stress and boost your mood. It can teach you to be present in the moment and to practice self-compassion.
Incorporating Hygge into your home space may be easy, but how do you Hygge-ify your office space so that you can experience the Hygge lifestyle at work?
Do I Need Hygge In My Office?
Now, you have probably been left wondering “do I really need Hygge in my office?” That's a very good question and the answer is - yes of course you do! You spend a huge proportion of your life at work - at least eight hours every day. If working from home long-term isn't possible for you, and for many of us it isn’t, the next best thing is to make your office look just like your home!
Making your office into a place where you feel comfortable and at home will make you excited to go there, happier while at work and generally more productive, creative and motivated.
Add Hygge To Your Office
1. Add personality to your desk
The concept of Hygge is all about trying to make you feel as warm and cosy as possible. Adding a touch of personality to your desk can help to make your workspace your own. You should include whatever brings you joy and makes you smile, whether that's some family photos, a motivational quote, or your favourite mug. You can even buy some colourful stationery and notepads that boost your mood every time you use them.
2. Use warm, soft lighting
Spend some time choosing the most suitable lighting for your Hygge office. You want a light source that provides a warm, orange glow but also allows you to work safely without straining your eyes.
3. Introduce some greenery
Plants add a homely and soft feel to any environment and have been proven to relieve stress and combat anxiety and depression. Choose plants for the office that are easy to maintain, ones that do not require much sunlight and can survive for a few days without water.
4. Take a break
Take regular breaks away from your desk and use them wisely to do things that make you feel good. Socialise with your co-workers, maybe go to that new restaurant in town you have been meaning to check out. Or just get outside in the fresh air and take a short walk, enjoy being at one with nature. Whatever you do, you must take some time out for yourself.
5. Use plenty of natural materials
Natural materials, such as wood, cotton and glass, help to bring nature inside. Try and utilise plenty of these materials within your office space.
6. Hot drinks are essential
Nothing says warm and cosy like snuggling up with a nice warm coffee or a hot chocolate. Set yourself up a hot drinks station within your office so that you and your colleagues can make yourselves a soothing hot drink whenever you wish. If you have the room, you could set up a cosy corner with a couple of sofas and soft cushions to help make your coffee break even more enjoyable.
Hygge your workplace today
There’s no time like the present, get to work and see how cosy and homely you can make your workplace. These tips are a great place to start, but use your imagination and be guided by your style and things that make you feel happy and content. You won’t regret it!
