Left-field office productivity hacks that really work
1. Let them sleep
Many reputable studies have proven beyond doubt the beneficial effects of taking a short nap during the day. A 20-minute ‘power nap’ in the afternoon can restore worker alertness. This is especially true when productivity nosedives after lunch or after a bad night’s sleep. Did you know that many companies in China have mandatory nap times for their employees? Harness the power of the catnap; encourage staff to take 40 winks when their body tells them to. A quiet room with comfy chairs and a blackout blind may be all that’s required.2. Look at cute cat pictures
There’s plenty of serious scientific evidence to suggest that spending time looking at adorable animal photos (it doesn’t have to be cats) lowers stress and increases happy feelings. It’s all to with what the behavioural biologist Konrad Lorenz called the ‘baby schema’. Disproportionately large eyes, round faces and small noses, bring out our soft side. Interestingly, researchers at Hiroshima University also discovered that perusing images of fluffy kittens can make us more productive. So, why not tap into this insight and display baby animal pics around the office? Alternatively, use them as computer background images, and share the occasional funny puppy video. In terms of company benefits, this is a low cost, high reward strategy.3. Everybody stand up
A simple yet effective method to re-energise your workers is to get them off their office chairs to stand up. We’re constantly told that sitting down all day is bad for our health. Some of the serious long-term consequences include shoulder and back pain, obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer. On a daily basis, it also makes you more tired than being up and about. One solution is to equip your office with standing desks. These are now gaining popularity as a convenient way to switch between sitting and standing at work. An ergonomically adjusted desk will allow you to stand with the correct posture. And continuous small movements will keep your body energised and the brain cells activated. If your office set-up isn’t suitable or the budget doesn’t stretch, how about investing in standing meeting tables or schedule walking meetings as an alternative?4. Let the dogs in
Most people tend to relax around pet animals, so what could be a better productivity boost than bringing your dog into work? Pets in the office have a calming and relaxing influence, while taking an interest in the animal provides an excellent opportunity for the whole team to bond and better co-worker relationships to develop. Several studies show that taking a pet to work can have substantial benefits including increased motivation and better productivity. Researchers at the International Journal of Workplace Health Management also found that pets at work boost morale and lower stress levels, regardless of who the animal belongs to. While the introduction of a ‘pet at work’ policy needs careful consideration, particularly in the context of pet allergies or fear of animals among your staff, it could be the perfect solution for your company.5. Make it fun
According to a recent survey, over 90% of executives thought that a sense of humour is important for career progression, while 84% thought that a GSOH help you do a better job. Workers who are up for more laughs, along with managers who encourage them, are more motivated and productive. A bit of banter in the office goes a long way. Did you know that a good belly laugh works as an effective stress reliever, offering some welcome light relief from the daily grind? If you’re feeling overwhelmed, sharing your favourite funny YouTube video has the power to lift the mood in the entire office. And once you have restored the upbeat atmosphere, productivity will be at a high!6. Declutter
The less clutter there is in your office, the more productive you can be. You can even make sure there are fewer distractions because of it. Going with a more minimalist office helps, so get rid of what you don’t want or need. If you don’t have somewhere to put these belongings, but still want to keep them, Radical Storage London can be a great option for storing them.Related reading
- 6 Things That Undermine Productivity
- Productivity Building Hacks for Remote Teams
- 7 Reasons Why Great Office Furniture Increases Productivity
- Data Analytics Tools To Help Make Your Life Easier
- the best AI tools for small business
Related: What Is AI Implementation? A Practitioner's Honest Definition (2026)
Bottom line: The productivity hacks nobody talks about, like scheduling deep work before checking email or using a timer to make boring tasks feel like a game, tend to outperform the popular advice you've already tried. Small, odd-sounding tweaks to your environment and habits often beat another app or planner.
Frequently asked questions
What is a left-field productivity hack?
It's a technique that isn't part of mainstream productivity advice, such as working in a different room for each type of task or setting a fake deadline earlier than the real one. These hacks work because they interrupt habits that quietly waste time.
Do these unconventional methods really save time?
Yes, for many people they save more time than standard tips because they target specific personal habits rather than offering generic advice. The key is testing a few and keeping only the ones that fit how you naturally work.
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Can these hacks work for remote teams too?
Many of them translate well to remote setups, especially ones involving communication boundaries and focus blocks. Teams that adapt them to their own tools and schedules tend to see the biggest gains.
How long does it take to notice a difference?
Some hacks show results within a day, like batching notifications, while habit-based ones may take a couple of weeks to feel natural. Consistency matters more than intensity when testing new routines.
