Let’s Face it Your Office is Boring, Here Are 6 Ways to Make it More Interesting
IntroductionChances are if you are like most working age adults, you probably pout and groan when rolling out of bed for work. But why? It's true that maybe the best solution is to find something you love doing so that work seems like play, but it is also true that you can build elements into your routine and office space that bring, fun, interest and expectation to your working day. Let's break you out of the monotony with these suggestions! How to Make Your Office More Interesting
Style Your Space by Adding ColorWhat makes an office boring? Maybe it's the work, the lack of freedom or being in one place for 8 hours. There are many reasons. Now imagine your favorite room at your house. What does it have that makes it your favorite? It could be a bed or a TV, but personal items, the colors, the décor you want, even family pictures, are on that list as well. So, why not do the same in your office space? Office wall art can be added if you have a private office or cubicle. Gallery walls don't have to be restricted to your living room. Bring in your favorite art prints, family pics or personal drawings to liven up your space. To keep it interesting, change it up weekly or monthly. Wallpaper can offer the same but is more labor intensive and permanent. Ceiling tiles are another fun way as they can help reduce sound and add unique bits of color to an otherwise boring space.
Create Zones for Moments of RelaxationAnother thing that can make the office boring is being in one spot for hours on end. If you have a private office, be sure to create a simple lounge area, a place where you can go at moments of the day just to feel like you're moving around. Going outside on breaks can also help, but if you're usually desk bound, start simple by adding an arm chair in the corner with a shelf of your favorite books. Include a small coffee table with your favorite drinks and snacks. It's a simple way to take a few minutes, relax, get your mind out of work mode and feel like you're in another place. If you're relegated to a cubicle, do similar but on a smaller scale. Add a drawer or cabinet to the far and of your desk or cubicle, fill it with snacks and books, and when you're feeling like your mind is drained and you need a mental break in your day, scooch your chair to that side, recline and put your feet up on a comfy, stool or ottoman.
Customize Your Space with Unique Furniture PiecesWhat seems more uninteresting than going to the same grey cube, black office chair or laminate desk day after day? Well, while these items may have been provided for you, it doesn't necessarily mean that you have to stick with them. Many office chairs come with different fabrics, colors and even patterns. Desks can add visual interest too. For example, a gaming desk setup with LED lights offer interesting colors yet are made to be especially ergonomic for long hours of sitting. You'd probably need to seek permission, but as long as you were willing to provide your own items and they pose no workplace hazards, you can create a space that is comfortable and unique to your style.
Bring in an Office Pet for Cuddly MomentsStay with me. According to The University of Southern California the benefits of having an office pet include:
Not sold yet? The research also states that "most employees in the study believed that workplace pets reduced their stress levels and positively influenced their health, job satisfaction and organizational issues such as productivity and employee morale." It's surprising that so many benefits can result from such a furry solution.
Make Your Office a Tropical ParadiseWhy not make your office more interesting by making it not an office and say… a jungle? Adding plants to your workspace not only brings in lots of green and air purifying elements but nature overall helps to reduce stress. Add colorful pots with small plants to your desk. Bring in potted trees, seasonal flowers or easy to maintain hanging plants to set on shelves. This gives you something to maintain throughout the day, added color and the feeling of being outdoors.
Get an Office FriendWhether you've been with your company for a while or have just started, chances are there is someone that you've made into an acquaintance, and chances are they may also be bored from time to time. While we don't want to promote time wasting or inactivity during your job, having a person to crack jokes with or share a cup of coffee can really bring fun moments to your day. Meet a new coworker or invite someone you greet in the mornings for lunch. Get to know them more, bond over your shared loves (and hates) of your office. Send GIFs and memes that can get both of you chuckling. Having that one person in the office you're sad about when they're on vacation is a great way to make the office, and workday, less boring. ConclusionBreaking out of the mold, in reasonable ways, about what an office should look like and how your day should be structured can really help to make your workplace more interesting. Multiple factors contribute to dragging your feet in the morning and it doesn't have to be that way. Choose the suggestions that that are easiest to implement for you, ask higher-ups about the ones you're unsure about and get online inspiration from others about how they made their offices into more interesting environments. Want to take your office friendship to a new level? Checkout this blog post.
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