Even those who like their job would probably rather be elsewhere than working. Like Tahiti. Or at home sleeping. The fact is that those with jobs spend a good portion of their lives at work. While retreating home at the end of the day is a great treat, it doesn’t hurt to have a workspace that makes the eight hour grind a little more welcoming.
Many jobs will allow their employees to personalize their own workspace to boost morale and keep workers happy. Whether it’s a cubicle, a workstation, or an office, personalizing your workspace, while not completely eliminating the stress of the job, can make being there for so many hours more bearable.
Good personalization can make you more comfortable without being tacky. Here are some ideas for making your workspace your own. Just be sure to check with your boss and your company’s handbook before playing interior designer around your station.
1.Display pictures of loved ones – The people you care about can bring you comfort in times of stress. So why not have them there to remind you of how loved you are on a regular basis? Wallet sized portrait pictures are perfect to tape in the corners of a monitor. Fun picture strips taken at a photo booth remind you of good times with a significant other or best friend. If you have extra desk space, a few framed pictures will give your workspace the feel of home.
2.Give your space a mini “library” – Books can be very comforting. Taking a few moments to read a chapter in a good novel or a few passages from an inspirational book can ease regular workday stress. If you have your own office, invest in a small bookshelf to keep some of your favorite volumes displayed. If you’re limited to a cubicle, find an open corner and some cheap book ends to house three or four of your favorites. Not only will these books add to your space, they’ll show off your own personal flair to your co-workers.
3.Bring a well loved afghan for your chair – Nothing shouts comfort like wrapping up on your favorite knitted afghan. In the same way you’d drape one over your couch or recliner to give a living room a lived in feel, bring one to work and drape it over the back of your chair. Workplaces that are more informal may even let you drape it around your shoulders or over your lap on a colder day.
4.Play music at a low level – If you work with a computer, you’re bound to have speakers and a media player. Bring some of your own CDs from home, or burn a few in your spare time specifically for your workstation. Keep it tasteful; no graphic lyrics are loud thrash metal sounds. Opt for softer music, like adult contemporary or classical. If headphones are out of the question, keep the volume low enough so that it reaches only your ears. The right music can ease work stress and even spark the sides of your brain needed to be more productive at certain projects.
5.Put a pair of slippers under your desk – Even if your work place is formal, you may be able to get away with this one. A comfy pair of house shoes or fuzzy slippers hidden under your desk will not only give your workstation a personal feel, you’ll also be able to slip out of your work shoes and into something more comfy when you’re all alone and working at your desk. Just don’t forget to change back to your regular shoes when you need to go somewhere else in the workplace.
Remember to keep your décor within company taste limits and have fun setting up your own unique area. A comfortable workspace will make your job a little easier.
