The fourth quarter is upon us, and as entrepreneurs, we know that means growing to-do lists with less time to get everything done.

While you likely have an effective team, clear objectives and all the necessary resources, the reality is that the holiday season can be a distraction that causes productivity decline. Fortunately, if we take a moment to proactively plan ahead, we can combat these lulls by making some changes in the workplace.

Our physical environment plays a crucial role in productivity, so improving working conditions for more efficiency and comfort can help your team get closer to their tasks. When everyone feels physically comfortable, they are more likely to stay psychologically engaged. But where should you start?

These strategies will help you create and foster workspaces that keep your teams up and energized throughout the day. All it takes is a little intention.

1. Include movement in workspaces

Prolonged SITTING has been linked to several health problems, and it's no wonder that many people compare sitting to smoking. Both can have many negative effects, such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes and even a shorter lifespan. On the work side, all this downsizing also affects day-to-day productivity.

Remember the last time you sat at your desk for three hours straight? Everything could have felt normal, as usual, until the fourth hour. You're probably starting to feel a little lethargic, less focused, or maybe a little foggy. This is because prolonged hours of sitting reduce blood flow to the brain, which negatively affects cognitive abilities. Remember that movement is essential for brain function.

Invest in standing desks or sit-down converters; these are proven to help desk workers feel and work more effectively. Encourage your team to alternate from sitting to standing every two hours or so. Not only will this keep your team sharp, but it also helps increase energy, reduce stiffness and ease discomfort. In fact, major technology companies are leaps and bounds ahead of this realization. Google uses standing desks as a component of its corporate wellness program to help mitigate the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle.

Related: How to make your office comfortable and full of positive energy

2. Create spaces conducive to focused work and teamwork

Open offices were once seen as the perfect answer to teamwork. The aim was to break down barriers to foster communication and spark innovation. Although initially popular, many business leaders eventually realized that open plans do not necessarily promote productivity. Due to the lack of privacy, constant interruptions and noise, employees can become tired and demotivated. However, working alone for a long time can be just as harmful.

Collaborative efforts and morale can take a hit when employees congregate in cubicles with walls or other enclosed spaces. So how do you find the optimal placement? A well-designed ergonomic workspace balances private places for focused work with open, defined spaces that encourage teamwork. For example, having semi-private workstations helps employees focus when needed, while shared areas like open lounges or conference rooms create great environments for team meetings and brainstorming sessions.

Modular office models hit in this case. With removable partitions, glass cubicles, adjustable desks and soundproof stands, everyone can customize their workspace to fit whatever they're working on. When they need to focus, they can find a quieter place with less stuff around them. When they're taking on a team project, they can easily switch to a co-working space equipped with comfortable seating and whiteboards. When we give our team control over where and how they work, they handle different tasks more effectively and productively.

3. Encourage customization

Allowing workers to dress their workstations however they want is still seen as an attractive perk for many businesses. However, customization extends beyond just appearance. Employees should be free to arrange their workspace according to their preferences for better mental and physical support.

Work styles vary from person to person. While some people work better in bright, open areas, others work better in quiet, low-light environments. Some like furniture with an extra leg or lumbar support; others choose standing desks or ergonomic seats with removable backrests.

Support your team in arranging their spaces to meet their unique requirements. A wrist rest, adjustable lighting, or a monitor elevated at eye level are additional easy ways to alleviate eye fatigue and strain. From a business perspective, this equates to improved focus and fewer breaks.

Related: Hybrid workers were put to the test against fully office workers – here's who came out on top

The competitive advantage of ergonomics

Ergonomics is a strategic advantage for businesses looking to increase productivity. Addressing the physical needs of your team doesn't just create a more pleasant workplace; you're setting the stage for better performance, less energy depletion, and sustained focus throughout the workday.

Although a total office remodel isn't necessary to implement these improvements, you should seriously consider your team's workflow in light of these considerations. When employees are physically supported, they can devote their mental resources to the tasks that really matter. Investing in ergonomic solutions is a long-term investment in your team's performance and productivity, not just a bet on comfort.