Transform the Business Offices and Increase Vibrancy
Do the business offices hinder our performance, or are they actually contributing to our success? We can, by making small changes, improve our working environment so that it channels our energies in the right direction. By making small changes we can enhance our business productivity!
To make the following changes, we will need to allocate a few days when the offices are not needed. The best bet is to make the changes over the festive season or any other long weekend.
A cluttered office leads to a cluttered mind Empty all the offices! Shampoo the carpets or replace them. Give the working environment a new lick of paint. Install blinds on all the windows if we already haven?t done so. Repair/replace all damaged cabinets, desks and filing cabinets before placing them back into the office.
If it doesn't get used, dump it There is a simple rule for what should be in the offices. Anything (files, folders, books, brochures etc) that have not been used in the last 12 months should not be brought back into the office environment. Put in storage, sell, or dump it! If it has a layer of dust on it, then it should be placed in storage!
A place for everything Designate a place for everything. The most used items must be the most accessible and nearby. The least used items can be stored higher up or further back.
Seating positions We should sit in a position that makes us feel right in the office. Make sure that the screens don't reflect the sunlight and the people have their backs to the wall. This will give them more control over their working environment and thereby empower them. Move the chairs around the room until the right spaces are found!
Keep 1 nice plant in each office Try and choose a hardy plant that will survive if not watered for a few days. Don?t overdo it with plants as this can clutter the working environment.
Use Natural Lighting Do not use fluorescent lighting as this can cause a headache and make us feel more tired. Get an adequate number of dimmer switches so that the level of lighting can suit our mood and time of day. The blinds will also help us to regulate the light.
Heating & cooling Do not use fan heaters as this can have a drying effect on our skin and the noise serves to sap away our energy. It is much better to use an oil heater that has a thermostatic control. Keep a water cooler in each office. It is surprising how much water we end up drinking and how refreshing it is when it's freely available. Water acts as a purifier, removing toxins from the body and giving us more energy. Unlike sugary drinks it doesn't lead to highs and lows in Insulin levels.
Wires and leads We can get handy little contraptions that serve to keep our wires and leads together running neatly along the wall. Where possible attach the wires to the back of each desk using wire clips and tidy up all the loose wires.
Maintain a clean desktop File anything that can be filed, instantly. Throw away anything that isn't needed. Have 3 trays on each desk. The first is labeled - To do today, the second - to do this week, the third - at a later date.
Repair or replace immediately There is nothing worse then having a punch or stapler that is not fit for the job. If the numbers on any of the calculators are faded or a drawer is damaged then fix it immediately.
Keep a couple of pictures of our nearest and dearest This serves to remind us why we are working so hard in the first place and when its time to lock up and leave.
Now that the offices have been changed, we are able to deal with all problems more efficiently and quickly. Our energy levels will increase and success should be 1 step closer!
Naz Daud is the founder of CityLocal Business Franchise Opportunity
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