Treadmill desks were supposed to be the answer to declining productivity among office-bound employees.

However, research suggests they do not work. A 12-week study by the University of Oregan has found they only offer a negligible boost to well-being. Although, luckily, help is at hand in the form of research from New York University which has identified five ‘simple’ desktop tools that can improve focus, ease stress and increase productivity; apparently.

Dubbed ‘fidget widgets’, these long-derided gadgets are, in fact, the answer to thinking outside the box, say the experts. So, here we go:

• Marbles (or stones or other rolling widgets);
• Pens (as long as they click or offer other interactivity);
• Stress balls;
• Puzzles (Rubik’s cubes work best); and
• Toys (including slinkys and Newton’s cradles).

My 2-Pence Worth

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Reference

People Management (2015) News and Analysis: Get Productive, Get A New Pen. People Management. April 2015, pp.9.