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.)
Comment Reply
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
Reply