Personalize Your Workspace
While surfing around, looking for neat workspaces, I found pictures of highly customized and very “expensive” office reconstructions and home offices with good-sized construction budgets. But I’m guessing most people (myself included) don’t have huge budgets for a complete redesign. And even more people don’t work somewhere that will allow them to completely redesign their cubicle. It’s a bummer, but that’s the world we live in.
So, what can be done to make your workspace “better” for you? It all comes down to details. A few small customizations can add with synergistic effects. There’s a good list of some larger things you can try at 12 Ways to Pimp Your Office. But here’s some more thoughts on what you can add (or take away) to personalize your office.
- Rearrange things – moving your computer and chair into a position that’s comfortable, but different from your co-workers can give a nice unique “feel” to your cubicle.
- Lighting – adding additional lights can completely change the ambiance of your cubicle. For example, including a traditional desk lamp over your writing/reading area can remove the fluorescent glow. During holiday seasons, it can be fun to string small lights around.
- More (or Less) Personal Photos – Most people have only a couple personal photos – try adding some more. Instead of portraits, include some action and “action” shots. If you already have LOTS of photos, try removing some and rotating others in and out. Mix it up.
- Accessorize – Take a stroll through Office Max or Office Depot’s accessory aisles. Or search amazon for office/cubicle accessories. You might see something that could make your office less cluttered or help your workflow. Keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to try things.
- Reevaluate your Work Process – Take a hard look at what you do most days. Is your office set up to help that process or hurt it? Do you spend a lot of time walking to other parts of the office? Can you move things closer? Can you add small accessories to help you – like putting In/Out trays near your keyboard, adding a hanging file folder near your chair, etc.
In general, be open to trying new things. If you try something that doesn’t work, it will still give you a better idea of what might make your office more personalized and comfortable, while keeping things efficient. You spend a lot of time in your workspace, so take some time each week to think about things that could make it better for you.
