Whether working from home, in an office, or on the move, most people overlook how much their environment affects their ability to focus. Recently, our team has been trying a few small, practical adjustments to see whether they could improve energy levels, concentration and overall output. The results have been encouraging, so it felt worth sharing what’s been working. The good news is that none of these require specialist equipment, and all can be put in place immediately. 1. Alternate between sitting and standing There is no single “perfect” working position. Evidence suggests that alternating between sitting and standing is more effective than sticking to one or the other. A practical approach is to work seated for 20 to 30 minutes, then switch to standing for a similar period. This helps reduce strain on the neck, shoulders and lower back, while also supporting sustained concentration. There is no need to invest in expensive equipment. A simple raised surface using books or a sturdy box can work just as effectively. Short breaks are equally important. Stepping away from the desk for five to ten minutes after around 45 minutes of work can help maintain focus throughout the day. 2. Align tasks with energy levels Productivity is not constant throughout the day. Most people experience natural peaks and dips in alertness. Earlier in the day tends to be better suited to analytical or demanding work, such as problem solving, financial analysis or technical tasks. As the day progresses, a more relaxed state often makes it easier to approach creative thinking, planning or broader strategy work. Rather than forcing productivity at the wrong time, it is more effective to match the type of work to the level of mental energy available. 3. Be intentional with background sound Some people work best in silence, while others benefit from background noise. Low-level, consistent background noise can help maintain focus during shorter periods of work. However, it may become distracting over longer stretches. In an office environment, this can be less practical, as any sound choice will affect those around you. In those settings, it is often best to be mindful of shared space or use headphones where appropriate. When working from home, there is far more flexibility to choose what works best on an individual level. For tasks that require deep concentration, many find that minimal or no background noise is most effective. For more routine work, light background sound or music may help maintain momentum. 4. Position screens at the correct height Posture plays a significant role in both comfort and concentration. Working with a screen positioned too low encourages a downward gaze, which can lead to poor posture and reduced alertness. Raising the screen so that it sits at, or slightly above, eye level promotes a more upright position and helps maintain focus. This simple adjustment can reduce physical strain while also supporting better engagement with the task at hand. 5. Use your environment to support the task The physical space itself can influence how people think and work. More open environments can encourage broader, more creative thinking, while smaller or more enclosed spaces tend to support detailed, focused work. Of course, not everyone has the flexibility to change their surroundings, particularly in a fixed office setup. In those cases, the focus can shift to smaller adjustments, such as repositioning a desk, changing where certain tasks are done, or stepping into a different space when needed. Where possible, it can still be useful to vary the working environment depending on the task. This might mean using different rooms, adjusting desk setups, or occasionally working in a different location altogether. Final thoughts There is no one-size-fits-all approach to productivity, and individual preferences will always play a role. What works well for one person may not suit someone else. These are the approaches our team has been testing, and we hope you find some of them just as useful. 

Much attention has been given recently to the government’s continued freeze on personal tax thresholds. However, there are other frozen thresholds that are equally important but receive far less attention. Automatic enrolment pension thresholds have also remained largely unchanged for several years. As wages have risen over time, this freeze is having a growing impact on how much people are saving into workplace pensions. A major success for workplace pensions Automatic enrolment is widely regarded as one of the most successful pension policy changes of the past decade. Introduced in 2012, the system requires employers to automatically enrol eligible employees into a workplace pension scheme and make contributions alongside the employee. The policy began under the previous Labour government and was implemented by the Conservative government that followed. Since then, participation in workplace pensions has increased significantly. Government data shows that more than 22 million people are now saving into workplace pensions, an increase of over 10 million since automatic enrolment was first introduced. How the automatic enrolment thresholds work To be automatically enrolled into a workplace pension, workers must currently: be aged between 22 and State Pension age earn at least £10,000 per year from a single employer work in the UK Employees who earn less than £10,000 can still choose to opt in and receive employer contributions. Once a worker meets the automatic enrolment threshold, pension contributions are calculated on a band of qualifying earnings rather than total salary. For the 2025/26 and 2026/27 tax years, the qualifying earnings band remains: £6,240 – lower limit £50,270 – upper limit The £10,000 earnings trigger has remained unchanged since 2014/15, while the lower and upper limits of the earnings band have also remained frozen in recent years. Earnings have risen but thresholds have not Since automatic enrolment was introduced in 2012, average weekly earnings in the UK have increased significantly. Data from the Office for National Statistics suggests that nominal average earnings have risen by roughly 60% over that period. If automatic enrolment thresholds had increased in line with earnings growth, the entry threshold today might be closer to £13,000, with the qualifying earnings band stretching to somewhere in the region of £8,900 to £68,000. Instead, the current thresholds mean that the range of earnings on which mandatory pension contributions are calculated has effectively shrunk in real terms. What this means for higher earners One consequence of the frozen thresholds is that a smaller proportion of higher salaries now falls within the qualifying earnings band used for automatic enrolment contributions. When the scheme began in 2012, the upper earnings limit represented a much larger proportion of average earnings than it does today. As wages have grown but the limits have remained largely static, automatic enrolment contributions now cover a smaller share of higher incomes. The government’s position has been that higher earners are more likely to make additional personal pension contributions outside the automatic enrolment system. For many individuals, this means that relying solely on automatic enrolment contributions may not be enough to build the retirement savings they need. Planning ahead for retirement Automatic enrolment has significantly improved pension participation across the UK. However, the frozen thresholds mean that both employees and employers may need to think more carefully about long-term retirement planning. For higher earners in particular, it may be worth reviewing whether additional pension contributions or other retirement savings strategies are appropriate. Need advice on pensions or retirement planning? Understanding how workplace pensions, tax relief and contribution limits interact can be difficult. At Inglis Accountancy, we help individuals and business owners understand their pension options and make informed decisions about long-term financial planning. If you would like advice on workplace pensions, retirement planning or tax-efficient savings, get in touch on 01904 787 973 or book a call with our team .