A zen home is key to success at work

A space to fully rest and recharge after a long day at work is important for mind, body and soul. Coming home to clutter and chaos is not only uncomfortable at the time, but the stress of it is carried with you the next day.

Experts claim that a zen home can lead to benefits extending beyond bricks and mortar, with mindful homes being linked to personality traits identified as key drivers of success in the workplace. According to academic psychologists, the top five performing workplace traits are: Emotional stability, openness, extraversion, conscientiousness, and agreeableness.

For this reason, MADE.COM has crafted its SS19 collection, Now & Zen , in response to the world’s shift towards more mindful living. The benefits of creating a haven in the home are echoed by colour & design psychology expert, Karen Haller, who confirms: “Creating a home that restores and inspires is integral to how we project ourselves in the wider world of work”

MADE.COM's Design Director, Ruth Wassermann identifies four key areas to achieve a zen home environment, and how it can bolster success.

1. Bring the outside in

Emotional stability is cited as the number one marker of performance in the workplace, and the easiest way to bring up a mood is to bring nature into the home. Houseplants and flowers are powerful mood boosters, purifying the air and keeping workers happy and healthy.

Urbanites who are short on space can still reap the benefits of a green home; Pinterest has seen searches for vertical gardens soar by 287% in 20192. “Green plants are known natural healers, boosting positivity and cleaning the air. Spending time around nature is fundamental to reduce the stresses of urban living.” comments Karen Haller.

2. Declutter

Tidy home, tidy mind. Marie Kondo has taught us the art of clearing the unnecessary clutter, while keeping items that spark joy. A clear mind allows workers to be open to new challenges, another key trait of success.

Haller comments “Removing clutter can create space in the mind. Remove any distractions that create emotional clutter, which could include colours that over stimulate. Anything that creates too much noise leading to a feeling of overwhelm. Leaving the home with a restored, cleared mind helps us to tackle the day, without feeling mentally fatigued from the off.”

3. Pay attention to colour

Work and entertaining spaces, like home offices or kitchens, benefit from energetic accent colours or bold prints.

Karen Haller, said “Simply through the use of colour we can change how we feel, think and act in an instant. Surrounding ourselves with colours we love, can instantly improve positivity and motivation. Whether you prefer bright and energising colours or peaceful and serene tones, maximising on your own taste will help you perform at your best.”

4. Mood boosting scents

Scents can transform the mood of a space, stimulating the senses and bringing therapeutic qualities. Ginger oil, for example, can reduce stress, fatigue and anxiety, and enhance concentration and conscientiousness.

Pinterest has seen a surge of searches for ginger oil, up 659% on last year. Ruth Wassermann notes: “Scents are a great antidote to the sensory overload of busy urban life, and are also great triggers of emotion and memory. From personal experience, they can be harnessed to focus the mind on the task at hand, where muscle memory kicks in to get the job done.”

*The Five Factor Model of Personality and Job Performance in the European Community, Jesus Salgado.