Workplace Satisfaction: Conduct a Self-Evaluation

This article is sponsored by Steelcase Store, a proud supporter of OfficeArrow and provider of advanced-performance work furniture for home and business.

Have you ever noticed that certain environments actually boost your productivity? Have you ever walked into a room and felt unexplainably happier? Our physical environment can have a significant impact on us, both consciously and subconsciously. Since most of us spend a minimum of 40 hours a week at work, it's worthwhile taking a look around the office to see if the environment is actually encouraging high performance or simply providing a functional work setting.

Privacy/Confidentiality

Even if we're not blessed with a secluded office, four walls and a door, most of us still appreciate at least a minimal amount of privacy. Being constantly on display can discourage risk-taking and limit creativity. Additionally, if you find yourself working on sensitive or confidential projects, a lack of privacy can cause undue anxiety as you attempt to keep things "under wraps."

Consider your tasks and personal preferences. Does your environment provide adequate privacy?

Supporting Diverse Work Styles

It's rare to find a group of people who share identical work styles. More often, you'll find entire offices where no two people are alike. Some enjoy an energetic, vibrant atmosphere, while others are easily distracted and prefer silence. Some multi-task as a way of life; others focus solely on one thing, and then methodically shift their attention to the next. A strong work environment should be able to accommodate everyone. An environment that forces you to change your personal style is only harming productivity.

Consider your personal work style. How is it similar to - or different from - that of your coworkers? Does your physical environment support everyone equally?

Inspiration

You don't have to work in a museum to find inspiration around you. Inspiration can be found in something as simple as a nice piece of art on the wall, a thriving plant, or a funky furniture design. Color, lighting and material all make a big difference in the overall look and feel of a room. Drab, boring surfaces lead to drab, boring interactions. Physical clutter begets mental clutter. If you're looking to feel inspired and motivated in the office, your environment needs to be a physical reflection of all that you find inspirational.

What inspires you? Nature? Family? Art? Does your physical environment at the office reflect these things?

Collaboration Space

It's rare to find any business that cherishes individual work over collaboration. And yet, many offices are set up with a sole focus on the individual and provide limited space for team collaboration. I've seen entire groups of people huddle into one cubicle for team meetings. Offices like this are perfect examples of environments that don't support productivity. Effective collaboration requires ample space for groups to gather comfortably and appropriate tools for collecting the ideas produced (such as whiteboards).

Does your office support or stifle a collaborative approach?

Getaway Space

The ability to just get away from work - while still being in the office - is a necessity for many of us. Breaks help keep productivity levels high; they allow you to decompress, gather your thoughts, and find your second wind. A nicely furnished, spacious break room can be a relaxing sanctuary that everyone in the office can enjoy. However, all too often break rooms are messy, out-dated, and generally unpleasant. Without a convenient and comfortable break area, many of us fail to take the necessary down time that would help us maintain productivity throughout the day.

Does your office provide space to get away? More importantly, is it a space you actually want to spend time in?

Steelcase has been providing easy access to advanced performance work furniture since 1912. For consumers and businesses who value design, comfort and convenience, the Steelcase Store has it all.