Your office, your space - how to have fun with accessories

If you are fortunate enough to work at a company that respects your individuality, you may be allowed to create a space that lets you exude your personal style onto your desk. After all, most full time employees work 40 hours a week (if not more) out of 168 hours possible in 7 days: 24% of our time devoted to our companies. It only seems fair that having some accessories to perk us up during those long hours be allowed in our areas.

Personal Pictures and Photography!

I prefer showing off people I love and places I've been to. It reminds me why I work so hard - so I can spend more time with them. Have one picture of you and your family, friends or as many as you need to stay motivated! Also, enjoy some witty phrases and design to keep your space fun! 

Plants!

Something about a plant makes your space feel better. Maybe it's the extra oxygen? Or that small feeling that you're closer to the outdoors? Whatever it is, if you enjoy the thought of living organisms creating a clean and green aura around your desk, adopt a plant today!

Supporting Your Local Teams!

That first trophy on the left is from my team in La Liga - I proudly support my local soccer leagues. The second? You are in "dawg country" in our Seattle Showroom, as well as Sounders, Seahawks, and Mariners. Show your pride to the office! Sports are a huge part of our culture - I'm sure you may have a favorite in some league?

Add some color!

Sometimes adding bright colors to your space can beat those rainy day blues (or a "case of the Moondays" ~ Office Space). Adding pinks, blues, greens and yellows throughout can make your drab space look fab!

Trinkets and Personal Creations

I work in a creative office. Our front desk admin, Mary, made the cupcake tier to the left. Cyndi, one of our sales associates, found this angel at a craft fair to the right. Knick-knacks, homemade art, pieces that make you feel more comfortable at work help promote your personal happiness and overall can help with your productivity. Explore pieces that make your desk feel homey without over-cluttering.

By being allowed to express yourself, a company shows its flexibility to their employees. Bring in a few pieces to make your space your own! Have any pieces I'm missing? Let us know in the comment section!

~ Kendal



Staying in this weekend? Rent a classic "office" film?

It's hump day. And though Friday and the weekend seems rather far away, it's not a bad idea to start thinking about ways to kick back and enjoy. For my west coast friends. it's supposed to be sunny and 70' this weekend, so make sure you get out and enjoy the sunshine! But in the evening (when it's down to 55), grab some popcorn, a couple of sodas, and consider watching a movie or two in the "office" genre.

An article by Christopher Null (2003) from CNN Money has a great overview of classic office films with some words of wisdom and insights. You can find that here. He lists the following:

1. The Fountainhead (1949)
2. The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit (1956)
3. The Apartment (1960)
4. How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (1967)
5. Save the Tiger (1973)
6. 9 to 5 (1980)
7. Brazil (1985)
8. Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
9. Time Out (L'Emploi du Temps) 2001

To be honest, I have seen one and heard of two of these films. So might I suggest these four additional films about the office/work:

1. Office Space (1999)
2. The Firm (1993)
3. Gung Ho (1986)
4. Disclosure (1994)

These, too, have lessons about trust, hard work, cultural diversity, ethics, power, etc. Do you have any suggestions that can fit in to the "office" category?

~ Kendal

Is your workplace evolving with current trends and technology?

We are working in an interconnected global world. As technology continues to improve and global marketplaces become easier to get to, the need to develop and offer the most current trends in office space and tools becomes a necessity to retain the best employees. Steelcase has written a great  informational blog/white paper on the importance of having an interconnected workplace. Here are a few interesting excerpts from the article:

This new workplace must address the diverse ways people are working today. It must support enhanced collaboration, the essence of knowledge work. It needs to inspire and attract people to work at the office instead of the coffee shop. It should nurture personal wellbeing, and leverage organizational culture and the company’s brand. Overall, this workplace must make the most of every square inch of an organization’s real estate.

An Interconnected Workplace will:
- Optimize every square foot of real estate
- Enhance collaboration as a natural way of working
- Attract, develop, and engage great talent; people really want to work there
- Build the company brand and culture
- Help improve a person’s wellbeing


For more insights, please read the whole article here.

Thought of the Day - Organizational Communication

There have been many times over the last 8 months that I have needed to remind myself I am no longer a sprightly young undergrad with nothing to worry about except soccer practice and not oversleeping for that 8am class. Last night was one of those evenings...and as I finished the last paper of the semester for my Masters program in the wee hours of the morning, I gave into thoughts about my favorite topic of recent days, organizational communication, and how differently it can be approached and received.

“Communication is the glue that holds organizations together; it is the chief means by which people relate to one another. The aim of organizational communications is to ensure that everyone understands both external and internal issues facing the organization and what the individuals must do to contribute to the organization’s success” - John Baldino, Great Communication Secrets of Great Leaders 

Completing a communication audit can be quite exhilarating. You are evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of a company based on how well they communicate to each other and to the outside world. It affects every aspect of the business - from HR to IT, Marketing to Operations. Understanding the important role communication plays inside the organization and reveiling ineffective or poor practices can save a business time and money, as well as improve employee satisfaction and productivity. 

 “Communication belongs to everyone in the organization; it is not a functional responsibility limited to marketing, public relations, or human resources. Communications must become a core competency…”  - John Baldino, Great Communication Secrets of Great Leaders 

For more information on steps to performing a communication audit for your company, check out this great two page overview from Urban Words Group. Click Here!

~ Kendal