Discover How Your Office Environment Affects Your Productivity at Work

August 17, 2010 · Posted in Green Business 101 · Comments Off 

You spend so much time at work. Your office environment should be your sanctuary. A retreat that inspires and energises you – but it rarely is.

How do you feel when you sit down at your desk every day?

Is your office chair uncomfortable, causing you irritating little aches? By 10am are you feeling sleepy, drab, slightly depressed and unmotivated? Are you busy thinking of yet another reason to escape your claustrophobic cage (even just for a few minutes)?

You’re not alone. According to a recent Microsoft Hardware Poll, over 89% of employees acknowledged office space design had a direct effect on their productivity. But often we don’t notice. And subtly, our office space drains our energy – controlling who we become at work.

So, let’s eradicate petty annoyances. Change your office into positive energy – and love the place you work. Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Redesign your office space

Nothing is worse than a cramped and cluttered office. Minimise your furniture. This will unblock trapped energy so that it flows freely around the room. And do you feel on edge every time someone enters the room behind you? Rearrange so that you have a good view of the doorway – you’ll feel in control and more relaxed. And how about your focus, are you staring at a blank wall all day? You’ll gain more inspiration if you can gaze out a light-filled window.

Deal with any scattered stashes of paperwork. Looking at these first thing in the morning will have you overwhelmed and stressed in the blink of an eye. Keep your surfaces clear. This will allow you to remain focused on the task at hand.

2. Revitalise your office space

Brighten up your area naturally. You may need to get rid of glaring fluorescent lights. Use natural lighting where possible, or layered lighting – consider combining overhead lights with soft lamp lighting.

It isn’t good working in such an artificial atmosphere. We are, after all, creatures of nature. Bring the outside in. Introduce some leafy plants, a fruit bowl, or a maybe even a goldfish in a bowl. Make sure your space circulates with fresh air – open a window, or leave a fan on. Breathing in fresh energy will enliven and motivate you.

What about any noises that aggravate you? That insistent humming water filter – fix it today!

3. Personalise your office space

Spice up your area. Accessorise. Add your own personal touch so you feel comfortable and at home. A splash of red, orange or yellow will motivate you. Or maybe you would prefer a hint of blue to clear your head during busy hours. Define yourself with some personal photos, candles or your favourite trinkets – these will ground you before a stressful meeting.

4. Ergonomics in your office space

Don’t forget about ergonomics. Are you squinting at the computer screen? Tilt the screen slightly or adjust its brightness. And the less twisting and turning in your office environment – the better! Put your current job folders and stationary all within an easy arm’s reach.

Organise your professional office space consultation today!

Do you want to know more? For a professional office space consultation, contact us today.

But do yourself and your business a favour – make these small but important changes. Your office environment will transform into an inviting haven which radiates energy. Not only will your employees achieve more in their work-day, they will feel happier and healthier. With higher productivity and appreciative customers – it can only be a win-win situation!

Leah Jacobs offers both experience and knowledge after being involved in interior fitouts for the past 20 years.


Leah began working purely with designers and retail outlets. It was only when she began working with the ?end user? that she became aware of the fact that even though the product she was selling was top quality, it was not of optimum benefit to the customer unless it was installed properly, and in a suitable environment. Leah was concerned that if these things did not occur, and the customer was not given essential information and guidance that the reputation of her high quality products may suffer.


These issues, coupled with an often hark task in finding reliable and competent tradespeople pushed Leah towards the role of ?project manager?. She has been overseeing design projects ever since.


Leah is not guided by the ?latest look?. Her aim is to provide her clients with the right advice for their individuals needs. Leahs efficiency, energy, and experience often result in the client being saved both time and money. Her advice is honest, helpful, and professional.


What was once an endless list of organization, whether it be of tradespeople, equipment, or materials, can all be facilitated through Leah.


Whether you are looking at re-fitting a new office, preparing a property for buying or selling, or achieving a new ?look? in your home, Leah Jacobs is the person to speak to.

a. Have a look at Anderson Gray Worldwide – http://www.anderson-gray.com

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Take Charge of your Environment: Make your Workspace Work for you

August 6, 2010 · Posted in Green Business 101 · Comments Off 

How efficient is your workspace? You’ll be much more productive working in a pleasant, comfortable and convenient environment. As the New Year gets under way, it may be time to think about an office makeover.

Comfort

When you start a business, it’s easy to cut costs, work wherever is convenient, use extra furniture you have on hand and then simply get used to that environment. Take a fresh look at your workspace.

Pay attention to the ergonomics of your office. If you spend a significant amount of time at your desk, invest in a comfortable chair and supports your back and positions you at the correct height and angle to work. Make sure that your keyboard and monitor are at the right height and angle to avoid unnecessary physical strain.

Convenience

Design your office layout to fit the way you work. Time spent designing and setting up good filing systems (both paper and electronic) is a worthwhile investment. Make sure that these systems work for you — that they are logical, easy to access and flexible to cope with business growth and change. Designating a specific place for everything, and putting things back in their assigned place after using them, can save hours of searching for misplaced items. Keep papers, files, books and equipment you use frequently close at hand.

Often, it’s the little things that we quickly become used to, that waste our time and increase stress levels: desk drawers that don’t open properly, placement of the phone, books referred to often that are kept across the room.

If you use your vehicle as a secondary office, make sure that everything you’re likely to need is organized and within easy reach. Perhaps carry a small portable file box containing any forms or documents you might need, basic office supplies and a good flashlight. Keep it well stocked. The cover may serve as a writing surface when you need one.

Enjoyable Environment

Dave has strengths in many areas, but he isn’t naturally an organized person. Last year we noticed that he was spending less and less time in his office. It had become cluttered, confusing and it was seldom easy to find what he needed quickly. He simply didn’t enjoy working there any more. We took time out to plan and redesign the entire office. We designed a new desk, computer center, storage and shelving areas, and had them built. We created new electronic and paper filing systems. He now loves working in his office. He is organized, efficient and more productive. Our physical environment can make an enormous difference to our productivity and how we feel! Don’t underestimate the value of this.

Several years ago, I made a wish list of what was important to me in an office. My criteria included: bright light and sunshine, windows through which I could see the sky, trees and green grass, flowers around me, and all files organized and within easy reach. I have thoroughly enjoyed my ‘dream office’ for more than four years now.

During the holidays, I spent two days designing and creating a filing system that matches the growth of our business. It wasn’t a lot of fun, but the results are rewarding — knowing instantly where to find everything is a big plus. Getting organized takes time but will save time, stress and frustration in the long run.

Victoria K. Munro is co-founder (along with husband Dave Block) of Make-it-Fly? LLC, a company dedicated to creating success for small business owners through creatively designed programs and tools. Victoria has started and run nine different businesses. To receive FREE business success articles with tips to help you with your business, sign up for their award-winning ezine, ?In-Flight Refueling,? at: www.Make-it-Fly.com, and receive a free copy of the eBook, Get More Done in Less Time: 101 Quick and Easy Time Tactics & Tips.

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Oil Spill Officials Talk of Shift From Emergency Work

August 1, 2010 · Posted in Green Business Ideas · Comments Off 

Latest News:

“The focus is more on long-term recovery now that some of the urgent demands of the spill are diminishing.




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Reported in Environment follow this link for the rest of the article

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Green Business ? Go Eco Friendly At Work

July 2, 2010 · Posted in Green Business 101 · Comments Off 

It’s great news that so many people are now living a lot greener and more eco friendly. Eco friendly products like recycling bins and energy saving light-bulbs are now commonplace around the home and more and more people are investing in other eco-friendly solutions and products like energy monitors.

However, one area where we often revert back to the bad old ways is when we turn up at work. No matter how green we are at home and conscious to recycle everything we possibly can, at work, too many of us print off reams of unnecessary paper or waste energy.

Often the argument against being green at work is that it may slow our production of hamper our effectiveness to do our jobs. Yet, there are lots of ways we can work with same effectiveness and productivity but still help the environment.

Paper

The internet and email has now made a paper-free office a possibility. However, in the more practical world it is often necessary to print out a hard copy. But try and be frugal with paper, many printers have dual sided capability and even if they don’t, pape4r can be turned over. When printing from websites make sure you don’t print unnecessary pagers, many websites have printer friendly versions so look to use them.

Eco Button will turn your computer to power save mode

Energy saving

Whilst it might be difficult to convince your boss to invest in an energy monitor they it should be easy to convince them to change to energy saving bulbs as the cost savings will benefit everybody.

Also remember to use the power saving mode on your computer or use a standby saver or eco button if you are forgetful.

Work from home

It might be hard to convince your boss of the benefits of working from home but it can make a real cost saving to both parties. Not only do you not have to commute in but you won;t be using the office electricity. And with the internet and broadband connections working from home is a real possibility for many employees.

Richard N Williams is interested in green innovations and writes about them. Please visit our website if you are interested in an eco office or other eco-friendly products

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