Your Personal Cubicle Oasis
If you’re like most people, you probably spend more time in the office than at home but give very little attention to how it actually looks and feels. People concentrate so much on the work being done that they forget how strong an effect the environment has on the work they’re so desperately trying to accomplish. Making some simple changes to your cubicle can have lasting, positive changes to mood, productivity, and teamwork!
Here are a few tips to make your cubicle your own personal sanctuary.
Plants
The benefits of having plants in your workspace are numerous. Placing plants nearby reduces stress. Even more than your mood, studies have found that people around plants make fewer mistakes, as well as complete tasks faster (probably due to the reduction in excess carbon dioxide in the air). Inviting nature into your workspace can be expansive using Biophilia or as simple as getting one or two popular plants that thrive in the office. Aloe, Cactus, Ivy, Peace Lily, Rubber Plants and Succulents make the best plant office pals!
Noise
In addition to using plants to soak up ambient sound, there are other ways to zone out the constant office noise breaking your concentration. Researchers have even found that prolonged exposure to noise may have a negative effect on health, including increased illnesses, accidents, and stress. To counteract noise disturbances, use ceiling fans, furniture, sound-masking systems and even carpet to help absorb noise. If all else fails, a simple noise-canceling headset works wonders!
Color
Think about the mood you want to manifest. Do you want to feel productive? Calm? Energized? Picking the right color scheme in your workspace is crucial for setting the right mood. Light colors are expansive and airy, making rooms feel larger and brighter. Dark colors are sophisticated and warm, giving rooms an intimate feel. Each color has characteristics that affect our moods.
Lighting
Office lighting is usually either too dim or too harsh. Dim lighting can cause eyestrain and headaches and has been found to create drowsiness and lack of focus. Harsh lighting (especially fluorescent) also causes eyestrain and, as an effect, migraine headaches. The best alternative is natural light, which has been shown to be one of the main criteria for employee satisfaction.
You’ll find with a few adjustments, creating your cubicle oasis can be simple. Think about what makes you feel happy, motivated, and calm. Is it your family? Then make sure to place pictures of loved ones throughout the space. Is it the idea of lying on a warm beach? Then place objects that remind you of paradise throughout. Whatever your idea of happiness is, recreate that in your office space. It may not be exactly the same, but the good vibes will create a more productive and nurturing environment, making you feel at ease, even under stress.
ROSI Office Systems, Inc. provides complete office solutions and has helped thousands of Houston, Austin and San Antonio businesses with FREE space planning, remanufactured cubicles, new cubicles, office furniture, and more. Contact Us at ROSI for help with your complete office.
