Is your office interior ready for the demands of the modern work day? We regularly ask this question and find that most are unsure. All too often, we as workers become complacent with our current habits and products. We forget that the workplace is evolving. If you feel your outperforming your space, you're in the right place. Today we'll highlight the products and strategies needed to get your interior up date and on pace with your work style. Enjoy!
First things first, if you're outperforming your current office space, you need to know it. Start by analyzing your interior. Are you overcrowded? Are you uncomfortable? These are good indicators that you may need to make some changes.
Giving your office a thorough cleaning is always a good idea. Take the time to purge your desk drawers of old post it notes, loose paper clips, and stationary that's taking up space.
Next you'll want to move on to your larger filing cabinets, hutches, and wall cabinets. Dispose of any old documents you no longer need to be harboring and see how much available space you can create for future growth.
While you're at it, re-route any clusters of wires underneath your desk using zip ties or velcro strips. You can also vacuum your floors and reorganize the items on your desk. These simple clean-up strategies should be performed at least once a month to ensure efficient operating.
Commonly workers report being so busy that they "don't have time to worry" about getting comfortable. Does this sound like you? If so, you're probably outperforming your space as it's not ready, willing, and able to keep you at your best. Sometimes, slowing down is the best option. The time lost on a few daily tasks, can be quickly recaptured if you use it to solve your comfort issues.
Invest a little time into the synchronization of your chair and workstation. Set your chair to a height that allows your feet to be placed flat on the ground and facing forward comfortably. You'll also want to raise your monitor to eye level. A stack of books or a shoebox will act as a quick fix, but a dual screen computer screen mount is the preferred option. It will increase usable desk space and the rate at which you compute by cutting down on the time spent flipping between tabs.
If you're chair isn't getting the job done, you're probably outperforming it. Don't allow yourself to settle for subpar comfort. This year, busy workers are making the switch to self adjusting ergonomic task chairs that minimize the personal comfort learning curve by cutting down on the time spent pulling levers and twisting tension knobs to get comfortable. Popular "smart chairs" that do the adjusting for you are available from reputable brands like Global Total Office, Mayline, and RFM Preferred Seating.
Taking short breaks is very important. As you sit in your personal computer chair (regardless of how comfortable it is) for long periods of time, blood flow is restricted and muscles begin to stiffen up. Over the long haul, sitting too long without breaks can actually shorten your life span. Don't let your office space outperform you. Take a short break once every couple of hours to stretch out those muscles and stay hydrated. You'll come back refreshed and ready to tackle your tasks effectively.
If you can't find the time to take short breaks, consider investing in a sit to stand desktop attachment that makes it easy to adapt. They're the latest craze because they work! Units like the 5100 model from OFM are available for under $300.00. They attach to just about any work surface in minutes to promote continuous movement. With a sit to stand riser you'll be ready to work healthy and in harmony with your office space.
In the long run, you can't take a "set it and forget it" approach to productivity and comfort. If you're out performing your space, it's likely because you haven't take the time to adapt. Be willing to change and evolve to remain at your best. Take the necessary steps to analyze your space and the products around you. If you're outperforming them, you're likely battling fatigue and even pain on a daily basis that can be avoided. Be proactive and determined to take back your work day with healthy and efficient strategies for success.
