Fact: Association management is STRESSFUL.

But stressful work environments aren’t necessarily conducive to productivity. So what’s an association professional to do? Well, it all starts with creating a more tranquil workspace.

Here’s how to make that happen:

1. Get rid of the clutter

This one’s a must. If you want to achieve even the slightest bit of tranquility, the clutter has GOT to GO. That means getting rid of old papers and filing/organizing the important ones.

Please, if you only do one thing on this list, let it be this. I promise it’ll make you feel so much better.

2. Adjust the lighting

A little lighting goes a long way. If you’re working in a darker environment, a small desk lamp can easily brighten things up. If your workspace is too bright, however, that’s a little trickier. If you have an office, you can always turn the lights off – if that’s your ideal work environment, of course. Otherwise, you may just have to deal – or work remotely, if that’s an option.

3. Invest in a space heater (or a small fan)

Unfortunately, most people don’t have the luxury of controlling their workspace temperature. But the good news is, you can always improvise! If your office strays on the side of warm, invest in a little desk fan. Or, if you’re dealing with a chillier environment, try getting a small space heater. (I’m writing beside mine as we speak!)

The more comfortable you are temperature-wise, the more you’ll be able to focus on your work.

4. Go green

Now I don’t mean you need to invest in a recycling bin and/or biodegradable office materials. (Although if you decide to go that route, that’s great!) Rather, if you have some extra space on your desk, consider adding a small plant. According to a study from the University of Queensland in Australia, office plants can actually increase productivity by 15 percent. (Hey, it’s at least worth a shot!) 

5. Personalize your space

What are some things that make you happy? Your family? Your friends? Pets? Traveling? Try decorating your desk with little reminders. Picture frames are always good, but if you have some extra room, try adding an inspirational bulletin board. You can cover it with pictures of places you’ve been, places you want to go, beautiful flowers, quotes, etc. That way, if you’re ever lacking inspiration – or feeling REALLY overwhelmed at work – you can just look up and be reminded of life’s little pleasures.

A tranquil workspace is great, but it can only do so much. If you’re still feeling stressed out at work, perhaps it’s time to consider an association management system. An AMS streamlines your day-to-day activities so that you can focus on what matters most – your members and your mission.

Want to learn more? Check out our free guide, “What Is an AMS?” below!