Is your work space working against you?
(myorganizedbiz.com) - Jennifer is on her honeymoon and thrilled to be featuring guest bloggers in her absence. They’re answering a single question: What’s your most important organizing “rule” that helps you enjoy your work more? You’re encouraged to respond as they’ll be awaiting your comments.
Post by Alison Marks
Most likely, there are ways that your work environment makes you have to work harder than you need to. Try these ideas to turn your work space into a powerful tool to support you and your productivity:
Fresh Eyes. Come in from outside with “fresh eyes,” as though you were visiting for the first time. What do you notice? How do you feel? What can you tell about the person or people who work here?
Declutter. The #1 most powerful tool for creating a supportive space! Give your eye fewer things to look at. This brings clarity, helping you to really appreciate and utilize what’s there.
Yin/Yang Balance. Yang is active and energetic – bright colors, movement, electronics, loud music or noises. Yin is soft, calming and restful – pastels, soft light, textiles. Give yourself enough yang to keep you motivated, enough yin to feel nurtured.
5 Senses. There’s no reason not to bring pleasure to work. What delights your senses? Sometimes one small change can make a huge difference. Some ideas to try: use aromatherapy, add a soft rug, bring in a fountain, or play soft music.
Making some of the changes suggested here will bring satisfaction and flow into your day. Good luck!
Alison Marks helps busy women create sanctuaries in their homes and peace of mind in their workplaces. She is a San Francisco-based design coach, Certified Feng Shui Consultant and professional organizer. For more information and articles, visit her at InsideOutDesignCoaching.com.
In what ways does your work space support you and not? What’s one small (or large) change you will make?
Tags: alison marks, business, clutter, declutter, environment, feng shui, home business, Jennifer Hofmann, office, Organize, small business, work, yang, yinRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Declutter and downsize, Green Office, Series
5 opinions for Is your work space working against you?
Ann
May 27, 2008 at 12:50 pm
The clutter is what gets to me. I just can’t think when I’m surrounded by piles of paper and other assorted stuff. I try to make a habit of clearing my desk each evening for a fresh start in the morning; it just feels so good to start the day that way.
Alison Marks
May 28, 2008 at 8:49 am
That’s an excellent habit, Ann! Something interesting about desks — most people don’t need 90% of the stuff they keep on their desk surfaces. You can empty that pen jar into a bin in the front of your top drawer, next to your post-it notes, move the stapler to the front of the second drawer, etc. What should stay? Your computer, a coaster, and maybe one loved photo or a nice green plant. It’s an amazing feeling!
Michael
May 28, 2008 at 10:49 am
Terrific article … Definitely easy to fall into a “rut” of NOT seeing what our workspaces really look like. I love the idea of coming in with fresh eyes, and creating soft touches at work, like a soft rug or fountain. Thanks for the posting!
Ann
May 28, 2008 at 9:46 pm
Alison, I actually took everything off my desk a few weeks ago as an experiment. I wanted to see what I reached for on a daily basis - you won’t be surprised to learn it was very few items!
Alison Marks
May 29, 2008 at 7:30 pm
Hey Michael - Let me know how it goes!
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