Why your office environment might be holding you back
Updated: Sep 13, 2021
Here at Eccentric Advisory - we highly prioritise constructing an office environment that’s conducive to success, health and positivity above all else. But why might your office environment need improvement? What makes a good office environment vs. a bad one?
I’ve compiled a list of easy points to take into consideration when constructing your ideal workplace environment:
Four easy tips to a positive workplace environment
1. Organisation
Believed to be one of the number one causes of workplace stress - lack of organisation is a trap that’s very easy to fall into. Do you have papers all over your desk? Do you have office equipment strewn everywhere with little care for where it’s supposed to be? These seem like obvious problems to solve, but it’s amazing how quickly an organised office can get out of hand. But this doesn’t just apply to the physical space - how about your computer? Do you have files pouring out of poorly categorised folders, clogging up your desktop, your storage space and your brain? It might be time to initiate project cleanup. Imagine how much more productive you’ll be if you know where everything is and don’t have to trawl through days-old files to get what you need?
2. Acceptance
Accepting others for their differences (and even their similarities) is a key component to producing a successful and positive workplace. Everyone has a right to live and be as they choose, and be true to their identity and personality - but you also have a responsibility to make them feel welcome in your office environment. Everyone deserves to be respected, and if employees feel respected, their productivity and their happiness will increase ten-fold.
3. Fun
Work is hard. That’s a sentiment that almost everybody can get behind. But the culture of overworking yourself that’s become prevalent in the last few decades is highly detrimental to productivity, mental state and wellbeing. You have to allow yourself the breaks that you’re given. You’d be surprised how many people don’t even leave their desks during lunch - and that’s a recipe for disaster. Breaking up the workday is essential, and a lunch break is the ideal way to do that. So take a break, leave your desk, sit outside even, or go to the shops. Your mental health is always a priority, and overworking yourself is going to make you less, not more productive.
4. Fresh air and hydration
This one can depend slightly on where you work - but if you work in a standard office environment, then there’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to open a window or two. Fresh, outdoor air is not only physically cleansing - helping to clear the sinuses and keep your body temperature comfortable - but also mentally cleansing. Your mind benefits greatly from a good balance. Drinking healthy amounts of still drinks like water, and keeping an open window, can have a vast positive impact on your mental wellbeing. It keeps you focused, energised and positive.
In conclusion
Following these four easy stages won’t guarantee you the ideal workplace - there are always other factors. But it’s safe to say that keeping everything I’ve said in mind will at least provide you with a fantastic starting point to build your workplace culture from. Keep in mind that your health matters more than any level of productivity or revenue generation the company may try to prioritise. You matter, and you’re worth more than a company’s pockets.