Your Office: Your Home Away from Home
Walk into someone’s office and you can tell a lot about them. Interests, organizational type, plant lover? There is a plethora of information out there on the ergonomics of a healthy work environment, but what about making it a personal space? What helps us express a commitment to our workplace and its purpose? Here are some of our tips for a positive, healthy work environment.
In 2008 we moved into a new facility. Careful consideration went into color choices and office setup for the best work environment. We found out in our research that there is a whole psychology of color. The psychology of color differs from the symbolism of color. It is measured by our reaction to our environment based on color. Due to our research we chose blue as the predominant color in our office areas, and yellow in our common break room. Blue is considered a color of clear communication, something we cherish at Maple Ridge Farms. Strong blues stimulate clear thought while lighter, soft blues calm the mind and aid in concentration. The color yellow has the longest wavelength and thus is the most stimulating color. The right yellow will lift your spirits and your self-esteem. It is the color of confidence and optimism. It also is associated with emotional strength, friendliness and creativity. Many friendly, creative conversations happen in our bright yellow common area!
Do you have a green thumb? Studies have found that green plants in the workplace can increase creativity by 15%. Green plants are also associated with reducing stress, enhancing good attitudes, increasing productivity, and improving air quality. If you don’t have a green thumb consider getting a forgiving plant, such as a peace lily which requires little light, a small amount of care, and improves air quality.
What clutters your workspace and what does it say about you? 70-90% of the American workforce personalize their offices. At the most basic level, personalization maybe a way of saying “This workspace is mine.” For new employees, it can foster an emotional connection or bond to their new environment. Perhaps it helps you cope with stress by relaxing or inspiring you. Surrounding yourself with your own items provides comfort and a sense of “home.” It also helps express individuality. After all who doesn’t want to feel like an individual rather than just another employee? Surrounding yourself with personal items helps convey your unique personality and provides the basis for friendly conversations with coworkers.
There can be too much of a good thing, though; many people can get distracted by too many personal items. Try limiting yourself to 3 personal items within your line of site, until you determine what interferes with your train of thought. Move other items outside of your direct line of sight. Try only including items on your desk that are useful, necessary, or bring you joy! We encourage individuality at Maple Ridge Farms, so a quick peak into anyone’s office will show personal touches that make it their home away from home.
This topic would not be complete without mentioning all the cool office promotional products that bring joy to the worker! Whether your preference is for a quirky bobblehead or a stress ball that is always in sight (just in case), our industry covers it all! Certificates and awards, branded desk accessories, wooden collector trucks, personal journals, and funky desk toys are just a few.
Stop by and visit us at Maple Ridge Farms and see what you can learn about our staff from their choices to personalize their offices! Walk into someone’s office and you can tell a lot about them. Interests, organizational type, plant lover? There is a plethora of information out there on the ergonomics of a healthy work environment, but what about making it a personal space? What helps us express a commitment to our workplace and its purpose? Here are some of our tips for a positive, healthy work environment.
