The Myers-Briggs personality test can provide powerful insights into your working method and productivity levels (if you haven’t already taken it, you can take a mock version here). For example, I’m an INFP, which means I do best when I tackle a project solo, and work that makes me feel passionate is when I’m at my most prolific.
Personality also comes heavily into play when you design your ideal workstation, too. Different mindsets need different decor and organizational systems to be at their happiest and most productive. These tips will help you create a work area that suits your mental approach, whether you’re an executive (aka ENTJ) or a mechanic (ISTP).
Related: This Is the Ideal Workplace for Your Personality
ISTJ—The Inspector
Traits:
- Serious, quiet, responsible and hardworking, ISTJs like to work steadily toward a finite goal.
How to organize the ISTJ’s office:
- STJs work best in tranquil, peaceful environments where they feel everything is proceeding in an orderly manner.
- Calming blues and neutral tones paired with symmetrical furnishings work best for these duty-bound workers.
- If you’re an ISTJ, invest in drawer organizers for your desk so that everything has its proper place.
ISTP—The Mechanic
Traits:
- As the name suggests, they like to see how things work.
- Risk-takers and rule-breakers who approach work with practical solutions.
- This is the person on the team who can solve practical problems, such as why your computer’s hard drive won’t turn on.
How to organize the ISTP’s office:
- ISTPs go crazy when they feel trapped, so opt for an office arrangement with different stations—a desk for highly focused work, a more energetic space.
- Release yourself from the “rules” of the right work room—if you feel like going big and bold, crazy or controlled, give yourself the permission.
ISFJ—The Protector
Traits:
- Quiet, thoughtful and conscientious—they’re the first to answer your emails, and the ones who bring brownies and coffee to an all-nighter.
How to organize the ISFJ’s office:
- Allow for controlled chaos. ISFJ’s appreciate order, but are also ruled by their emotions, which makes them somewhat messy, so they shouldn’t fret too much about a chaotic desk.
- A decor scheme with organic elements mixed with some repeating patterns works best for this personality type.
ISFP—The Artist
Traits:
- Artistic souls who abhor conflict, these flexible and sensitive workers have little interest in leading anything except their many daydreams.
How to organize the ISFP’s office:
- Because their ability to feel comfortable is so greatly ruled by the senses, ISFPs need a room that feels harmonious and airy.
- Open windows, natural elements and plenty of light are the hallmarks of a good ISFP office. Look for spaces with plenty of natural light, and if you can’t get the real thing, use a lamp fit with daylighting bulbs.
INFJ—The Counselor
Traits:
- Intuitive and quiet, INFJs often can’t understand exactly why something feels right—it just does.
- Caring and moral, INFJs always try to do the right thing.
How to organize the INFJ’s office:
- Focus on functionality—INFJs can use their intuition to their advantage, tweaking a room’s design until it has the perfect flow.
- Be sure to stock your desk with plenty of photos of loved ones, and meaningful artwork and trinkets that inspire you—INFJs are driven by their feelings for others.
INFP—The Idealist
Traits:
- Tend to be easygoing and idealistic, but with a highly developed moral compass.
- Excel at reflective tasks, like writing.
- Motivated to serve humanity.
How to organize the INFP’s office:
- Go for organic pieces, with minimal environmental impact, or fair-trade artisan works.
- Make sure to adjust for the INFP’s natural perfectionism—not everything has to be perfect for good work to come out of a space!
INTJ—The Scientist
Traits:
- Analytical and rational, INTJs are able to transform complicated theories into action.
- Value competence and organization.
- Born leaders.
How to organize the INTJ’s office:
- Deck your work area with a large shelf full of books that both inspire you and reflect your natural reverence of competence as an INTJ.
- Use patterns and transitions to add structure to an area—INTJs excel in areas with plenty of control.
INTP—The Thinker
Traits:
- Deep thinkers with a local side, INTPs are driven by abstract ideas and theories.
- Private and quiet individuals who tend to go their own way.
How to organize the INTP’s office:
- Focus on making your workspace a retreat—ideally, you should have a way to shut yourself off from the noise of the rest of your home.
- Decorate your room with items that stir your emotions and energize your thoughts.
ESTP—The Doer
Traits:
- Risk-taking ESTPs love people and action and consider long planning sessions or goal reviews to be tedious at best
- ESTPs like to “break the rules”—both in positive and negative ways.
How to organize the ESTP’s office:
- Ditch your typical, muted office decor for bright bold colors that reflect your thinking as a doer.
- You likely already have a job where you have to answer to clients or other groups already—or more likely, they have to answer to you! Create a space with plenty of personality that can hold their interest.
ESTJ—The Guardian
Traits:
- Traditional and highly organized, ESTJs tend to know exactly how they want things to be.
- ESTJs are moral and place security and harmony above all else.
How to organize the ESTJ’s office:
- ESTJs are likely to value traditional office spaces and decor, so stick with the tried-and-true, but don’t be afraid to pump up the volume just a hair.
ESFP—The Performer
Traits:
- Fluid and improvisational, ESFPs love acting on the spur of the moment.
- As their name implies, they crave attention and enjoy being the center of any party or social gathering.
How to organize the ESFP’s office:
- Be flexible and open to change! Put heavy furniture like desks or drawers on casters so it can be moved around and rearranged easily—ESFPs love to try out a variety of options before they find the perfect solution.
- Choose elegant and refined—but fun—furniture that reflects the big, bold ESFP personality.
ESFJ—The Caregiver
Traits:
- Caring, and popular, ESFJs just adore other people.
- ESFJs crave both space, function and beauty.
How to organize the ESFJ’s office:
- ESFJs will do best with luxe, glamorous pieces—an expensive glass desk that communicates a sense of comfort and luxury.
- Create an area with room for meetings and discussions—with your popularity, you’ll likely have more than a few.
ENFP—The Inspirer
Traits:
- Creative and thoughtful ENFPs can do almost any task they set their mind to.
- Tend to get frustrated with details and have a large range of passions and skillsets.
How to organize the ENFP’s office:
- Stay flexible—allow for spaces that can accommodate different moods and mindsets.
- Inexpensive, modular pieces will be your friend, as you’ll likely redo your space often with new items that can be easily assembled and moved around.
ENFJ—The Giver
Traits:
- Sensitive and caring, ENFJs crave plenty of time to socialize—sometimes to their own detriment. In their quest to take care of others, they may neglect their own needs.
- ENFJs have a personal touch that makes them perfect for solving interpersonal conflicts.
How to organize the ENFJ’s office:
- Ask some friends for help decorating—as an ENFJ, you probably love hearing their thoughts and opinions
- Make sure your workspace helps you work the way that is best for you. A good office should have a “retreat” element that can help you recharge and focus.
ENTP—The Visionary
Traits:
- Outspoken and dominant, ENTPs just love coming up with a new idea.
- Might be somewhat competitive.
How to organize the ENTP’s office:
- Allow for out-of-the-box decor that suits your needs—a desk made from a reclaimed bicycle? Why not!
- Make sure not to neglect the details in any remodeling projects—picking out drawer pulls may be tedious, but it’s necessary.
ENTJ—The Executive
Traits:
- Assertive and positive, ENTJs are natural leaders.
- ENTJs instinctively solve problems, and abhor disorganized, ineffective systems and groups.
How to organize the ENTJ’s office:
- Make your office into the ideal meeting place, with graceful and comfortable seating for your taking a quick conference in your space.
- Use sophisticated and even slightly intimidating elements—traditional, imposing wood furniture, with leather upholstery, for example.
