Not so relaxed (but still working)

Lifehacker – Relax at work (and still be productive)

StevePavlina.com – 10 Ways to relaxify your workspace 

I was reading a post on Lifehacker, from stevepavlina.com. about 10 ways to turn your workspace into a more relaxed environment so I decided to use these 10 ideas as a baseline to evaluate my own work environment.

First of all let me say I like most of these ideas. If you can implement all of them then you are working for a progressive company, or yourself. Are you hiring I.T. people?

Now, lets get down to business and evaluate my workspace against these ten ideas.

1. Make your workspace look attractive to you – Can't do it. Everyone has a standard work area that for the most part looks the same. Company Rules.
2. Clear out the clutter – Already done. Company Rules about 5S, good house keeping. They recommend that at the end of each day you desk should be cleared of all materials. When it's a rule it's not so relaxing!
3. Add plants – I have a plant, but I'm the exception. Normally plants are not encouraged but there is no direct company rule against it.
4. Make it smell good – Discouraged. We have an open office so that smells can drift throughout the office. Believe me they do!
5. Play Relaxing Music – Open Office, Company Rule, No Way!
6. Get a decent chair – We are issued a chair the same as everyone in our office, selected mainly by price. Do I need to say more?
7. Add a portable fan – Some people have them. But it's the portable heaters that cause all kinds of headaches for I.T. , tripped circuit breakers, etc. Discouraged.
8. Add a fountain – Open Office, Company Rule, No Way!
9. Personalize your space – This can been done within reason using small personal objects and pictures. But the rules about standard work areas prevent this in any large measure.
10. Establish Uninterrupted Periods. – Open Office, No Way!

Bottom line: Of the ten I can maybe meet two, I have a plant in my area and my desk is clean at the end of most days.

Now I'm really stressed…excuse me, I'm going to need a few uninterrupted moments here! :)

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