Steve Pavilina shares 10 suggestions for creating a more relaxing workspace.  Though most of the tips are to make your office more relaxing for you, some of the same suggestions would help “relaxify” (his word) your office for your clients:

2.  Clear out the clutter.  One look at a cluttered workspace, and you get a sense that the person working there is stressed, overwhelmed, and disorganized.  Years ago I read about a study that concluded most managers will not promote a person with a messy workspace into a position of responsibility.  It’s assumed that if you can’t organize your physical environment, you’re probably incompetent to a certain degree and can’t be trusted.  And if layoffs happen, you can imagine who the most obvious targets are.

But even more critical is the effect a cluttered workspace has on your focus.  It’s difficult to feel centered when you’re surrounded by unfinished tasks that constantly remind you of what you haven’t done yet.  Ideally the only paper items on your desk should be directly related to the current task at hand.  Store everything else in drawers, shelves, or cabinets.  Many people notice a dramatic improvement to their productivity when they try this.

If managers won’t promote a person with a messy workspace into a position of responsibility, why should you think your clients will trust you with even more of their business if you work in a pig sty.

4.  Make it smell good.  Australian dentist Paddy Lund has his staff bake fresh muffins for his patients daily.  Think about how a dentist’s office usually smells.  Now imagine walking into one that smells of blueberry muffins.  Along with other changes, this reportedly helped Lund increase his income by a factor of 10.  I’m not suggesting you add a Holly Hobby Easy Bake Oven to your workspace, but there are plenty of practical ways to make it smell better than cleaning supplies.

Personally, I’d choose chocolate chip cookies. 

9.  Personalize your space.  Does your workspace look like an automaton works there, or does it include elements that are uniquely you?  Remember that your workspace is your living space for much of your day, so make it livable and not just workable.  A good way to accomplish this is by adding items that hold emotional significance for you.

Photographs are an easy way to personalize your space.  I have some typical family photos in my office and the requisite wedding picture, but there’s one particular photo from when my wife and I first met that was taken by my (now deceased) grandfather that’s very special to me.  I like being able to see it when I work.  It also reminds me that I’m not alone — my wife and I are sharing a wonderful path together, and I’ve seen plenty of signs that my grandfather is watching over us.

For lawyers, “personalize” doesn’t mean “display your diplomas.”  Instead, make sure you have some family photos and things that hint that you are a regular person.  These are great conversation starters, though I’d be a bit careful with golf stuff and your membership certificate in the BMW Owners Group, as these really play into many client’s negative stereotypes of lawyers.

In a final tip (and my favorite, to boot) Steve suggests we:

10.  Establish uninterruptible periods.  Negotiate a period of time each day where you turn off all outside communication, and encase yourself in a cocoon of concentration.  Put up a “Do Not Disturb” sign, turn off your phone, disable your instant messenger, and don’t check email either.  Use this time to work on the tasks that would cause you the greatest stress or which require your utmost concentration.  It’s easier to relax and focus when you know you won’t be interrupted.

Some jobs obviously require more solo concentration time than others.  A computer programmer may need a lot, while a receptionist may need virtually none.  Determine how much you need to be productive, and do whatever is necessary to get it.