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Working The Right Way …
By Admin | May 15, 2008 -->184 views
Professionals in the world today have no room for errors. You have to be on your toes constantly and the best way to deal with any issue, I always say, is to be prepared! After all, all the talent in the world will never be enough to overcome the negatives of being a slob. Take the initiative and get more organized, Idenitfy your niche. It will help you function better in the office and will increase your chances of working to your optimal level at all times.
If you’re just starting out or have been at it for a while, these tips for improving your work surroundings, whether you’re at home or in an office, will help you immensely. Following them do not take much out of your schedule and actually contribute to a better working environment and increase your productivity in the long run.Make way!
When preparing a space out of which to work, always, always make sure it’s not cluttered. A mess on your table mirrors itself in your behavior whether you admit it or not. It makes a person feel on edge as opposed to refreshed and calm. If not for reasons of Feng-Shui then at least to serve common sense, make sure that you’re workstation is neat.
However much a person can argue that they are able to work with clutter around them, some part of their mind is concentrated on the unnecessary mess around and that takes away from their work.
Light it up
Some people labor under the misguided notion that if you’re working on a computer then lighting isn’t that important since the computer is enough of a light source! They couldn’t be further from the truth. Lighting helps productivity and can prevent unnecessary errors, so make it a priority!
The lighting in workplaces is supposed to be sufficient by law but since this isn’t the case is most workplaces for some reason or the other; don’t be stingy about buying an additional table lamp. Go the green way and get CFLs to do your bit for the environment.
It may not seem like much but it’ll go a long way in making work less stressful on your eyes. The light sources should preferably behind and to the left so that they’re effective whether you’re working on the computer or on paper, but what you really want to avoid are shadowy areas. There’s a certain psychological effect also of dim lighting. It dullens the atmosphere considerably.
Are you sitting right?
Invest in a good chair or at least make sure that the posture you maintain is the correct one. It may not seem that vital in the near future but you will see the effects in the long run. There is a long historic connection between severe back problems and postures maintained during long hours of work. A recent study has shown that the best way to be seated is to lean back slightly at an angle of about 135°. But a better way to ensure your safety from back problems is to intersperse work with five minute breaks every now and then to stretch your back and legs. Prolonged bouts of sitting have known to lead to cases of DVT. It may seem unlikely but you’re better off safe than sorry! (http://www.dvt.net/default.aspx)
Anti-Glare
When you’re investing in that chair, make sure you hop into the gadget store and get an anti glare screen for your computer. According to research and experience this device helps to relieve the stress on your eyes a lot! It dullens the screen a bit and absorbs the harsh glare that we get used to quickly. Plus if you’re suffering from or want to prevent stress induced headaches, its best to get an anti-glare screen ASAP!
Keep it close
Your desk should be the ultimate aide when it comes to material you require. And that means keeping the essentials within easy reach. You shouldn’t be scurrying around for a pen or a post-it while on an important phone call. It makes you seem hassled and distracted and we definitely don’t want that! Keep assorted stationery close at hand, even if it isn’t something you usually use (like a puncher or a file) because you never know when they may come in handy. Another useful but overlooked form of stationery is a corkboard. It is often seen as a novelty in the Indian setting but it actually is a very useful item to have around. Get one if you can!
Also, keep some kind of nourishment nearby. It can be juice, water, chocolates etc. If you’re working long hours or just plain working hard, you tend to have very long gaps between meals. These little items will serve as boosters and keep you refreshed.
Front and Centre
Agreed that a PC or a laptop is very important to your work but keep a space in front of you on the desk clear and free of a mess. Your computer can be to your right or left, depending on your preference. This clear space in front of you is mentally calming and is easily available when there is any kind of written work to do, however small or short-lived. (Since you will have to turn to work on the computer, this is another reason to invest in a good chair.)
And last but not the least;
Make it your own!
Putting up a few photos of loved ones and some catchy one-liner not only serve to brighten up a possibly dull environment but also serve as sources of inspiration and comfort when you’re feeling melancholy. Professionals in the creative field should pay special attention to this aspect as inspiration is paramount for their occupation.
One last thing is:
Don’t forget that mug with a catchphrase!
Now you’re good to go!
Work hard, but be at ease! Life isn’t about how much you can do in one go, it’s about how well you did that one thing that was most important
Topics: Productivity & Work-Life Balance |
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