If you had your way, what would your office outside the home be like? While not all of us have much control over the dimensions or layout of our spaces, there are some things you can do to encourage your own productivity and well-being.
My colleague and I were moved to a new office last week, a nice large space where we moved our desks facing each other to share an expansive window. Little by little, we're making it a comfortable working space and it's directly across the hall from the person we call "Oz," not really our boss but the one with whom we work closely on our project.
The downside is that the furniture is very old, outdated and nowhere near ergonomic. One would think that in a state agency that's all about health and human services, ergonomics and a healthy workplace would be of utmost importance. Apparently not for those of us outside "the palace" of the Commissioner's offices. All the same, we're doing the best we can with what we have.
The most important elements to me are natural light, sound and lack of paper clutter. But, I also like to introduce some elements of fun, too. What are the most important elements to you in your workspace?
Here are some tips for making yours a healthy office space, among them:
- A back-friendly chair
- A well-placed (computer) monitor
- Soothing sounds
- Natural light
- Calming smells
- Temperature control (we're struggling with this!)
- Deskside stretches
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Alysia, this is a fun question. I'm thinking back over the offices (and even cubicles) I've had in my career, and trying to decide which ones made me happiest and most productive.
I agree with your requirement for light. Access to a window and daylight seems crucial to me. It makes a workspace feel open and unencumbered; the lack of a window or daylight gives me claustrophobia.
I'm sorry you don't have ergonomic furniture, because that would probably be my second requirement. Having worked on computers for more than 20 years, I know that ergonomic furniture is key to preventing a repetitive stress injury (which can be a bear to recover from.)
I think I need a quiet place where I can go to read things, so I'm not always at the desk. It can be a chair in the corner with a lamp or an outside bench -- just somewhere that is away from my normal desk.
And I really need a place that lets me -- even in small ways -- express my personality. Photos of my family, my dogs!, an art print. Perhaps a colorful card from a friend, or a whimsical toy from a coworker. Colorful file folders, a bright plastic water glass, maybe an inspirational calendar. I don't work well in a sterile place. (I admire the discipline it takes to keep one, but I fidget if a place doesn't feel personal.)
January 14, 2009 - 9:05amThis Comment