Bringing positive intent into your workplace can make all the difference. Your office can be a supportive environment where you and others cultivate smart habits. Paraphrasing the Ancient Greek philosopher, Aristotle, author Will Durant wrote, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then is not an act but a habit.”
The Journal of Neuroscience published a 2011 study that found that multiple stimuli heavily tax the brain. While some studies have defended messy desks as inspiration for creativity, more often than not, a desk is filled with things that are obsolete or inessential to your current work. Revisit your filing system and let your desk be a reflection of your mind: clear and focused.
Productivity shouldn’t always be a solo mission. The more tasks you’ve intelligently delegated, the better off you’ll be. Don’t do a specific job yourself simply because you’re the only one who knows how. If you can teach someone else or even delegate that teaching, you’ll be helping yourself and your team in the long run and freeing yourself to take on new, less familiar challenges.
Follow the simple 20-20-20 rule to reduce the eye strain that results from staring at a computer screen. Every 20 minutes, take a 20 second break and look at something 20 feet away. Not only will you be giving your eyes some much deserved rest, but you’ll be giving yourself a few moments to refresh your mind.
Cushions for back support, wrist rests, and any number of ergonomic products (chairs, keyboards, mice) are huge helps in the office. This is not a category in which to cut corners, whether it’s for you or your employees. Health and happiness: what could be more important?
Take the initiative to modify and upgrade your habits. You will increase your productivity, smooth out your work process, and keep yourself motivated.
