Most people in an office setting dream of having their own office, but when my opportunity arrived, I didn’t take it, and I’ll tell you why.
They Called Me Crazy
When my manager retired, I was offered his office. It was the best office in our division! It was closest to the windows, had no shared walls and had the most amount of sunlight as well as square footage. Coming into our wing, it was the first office you came to. So why didn’t I take it?
Many reasons.
What I Needed
I was still dealing with the after effects of a bicycle accident in 2011 resulting in many issues including PTSD. I knew I had to be careful of the type of environment I chose to put myself in.
By knowing my values and priorities that kept me healthy and focused, they helped guide my list of wants and needs. No energy would be wasted debating or regretting if I just honored myself and my health.
Here are some of the things I needed.
Let the Sun Shine In
I’m “solar powered.” By that I mean I LOVE the sun on my face. (Being a redhead makes this tricky. Eww sunburns.) The sunshine is something that keeps me happy and healthy. I would start my day in my cubicle with sunlight helping to wake me up, feel energized and reset my internal clock so I could sleep better at night.
The plants would not grow in the offices so they were in and around my cubicle, basking in the natural light from the wall of windows. Caring for them and watching them grow helped me to ground myself and feel calm even at times of chaos & when deadlines were approaching.
Having a wall of windows not only brings in the sunlight, but provides views to rest the mind and body. Staring at a computer screen for hours requires us to look out into the landscape to readjust our eyes and reset our thoughts.
Functionality & Relationships
“The functionality of a space depends on how you interact and interpret the space.” - Laura Lake
Creative types thrive by thinking outside the box, even though most of us aren’t fond of the idiom. Having higher ceilings and open spaces releases the boundaries and opens up the mind to think creatively.
My career required a lot of collaboration with both individuals in house and all over the world. My cubicle gave me the freedom to easily communicate with everyone in the architectural wing, as I prefer to talk face to face with my neighbours. Being the first face people saw coming around the corner fostered better relationships with guests & clients.
“The functionality of a space depends on how you interact and interpret the space.” - Laura Lake
Key Takeaways - Your Space
Workplace performance improves with natural light, plants, art, social interaction, etc. Knowing what you need to keep you healthy and productive is a big part in making a decision on your working environment.
Get clear on your priorities – What is important to you? What do you need? Honor your priorities.
Sunlight – Brightens mood, helps with sleep & relaxation, source of vitamin D, lessens use of artificial light,
Plants – Helps with air quality, comfort, ease of mind & focus; nature promotes healthier choices
Functionality & Relationships – Communication & collaboration work better in open spaces
Comfort – What makes you feel good? Safe? At ease? What is functional for your work?
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