How to Improve a Modern Office
Whether you work from home or for a huge corporation, your office is designed to be a place where you can get as much work done as possible. But many times, distractions and poor design prevent an office from being conducive to productivity. By stepping back and reassessing your office, you can make the most of your time in the office. Your boss and your wallet will thank you for it.
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Instructions
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Add a few plants. A potted philodendron or English ivy will make your office more visually appealing and improve the quality of the air you breathe while you're working.
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Let the light in. This is not just for the plants' sake, though they'll appreciate it. By giving the room plenty of natural sunlight, you'll boost your mood and minimize the sterile feel offices tend to have. If you have only a small window, try placing a mirror on the opposite wall to amplify the sunshine.
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Stock your refrigerator with healthy options, such as fresh fruit, vegetables, 100-calorie snacks, yogurt and juice. These items will help you feel refreshed throughout the day without being weighed down by greasy or sugary food.
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Purchase a comfortable desk chair. Furniture stores offer too many affordable options to justify spending your entire day in an uncomfortable chair. Even if you don't splurge on the best of the best, you can find something that will prevent back pain.
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Arrange a separate sitting area. If you have enough room, try adding a few chairs or a sofa in one corner. Not only will this provide a comfortable place to hold meetings and interviews, it will give you a place to go if you need a change of scenery to keep your creative juices flowing. When you find you're getting stuck in a rut, just shift your workspace to your sitting area and start fresh.
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Keep the temperature comfortable. There are too many inexpensive options available for the temperature of your office to control your productivity. Bring in a fan or a space heater to keep the temperature comfortable. If you find that your feet are always freezing, invest in a heated footrest from a local office supply company.
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Control the cords. In a time of abundant technology, it's easy for the cords behind your desk to become a matted, tangled mess. Use Velcro strips, plastic ties or even the wire twist ties used with trash bags to tame the mass of cords in your office.
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Take advantage of the latest computer programs. A 2008 news article on the Web site CNET suggests using free Microsoft Word add-ons, such as TimeBridge Personal Schedule Manager, Document Inspector and Extools, to handle various aspects of your office. Google also offers helpful options, such as the Google Calendar and Google task list.
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References
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