How to Make an Office Personal Yet Professional
Do you ever wonder what people think when they walk into your office?
- Do they see a desk cluttered with books and papers or a well-organized space with only the necessary items visible?
- Are there chairs for guests to sit on with reading materials if they have to wait?
- Do you have good lighting?
- Is the temperature comfortable?
- What would they smell?
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Do you have collectibles sitting around?
Your work space tells a tale about who you are. Let's look at some of the things people see.
What color is your office?
Color helps to set the mood in the office. Bright colors create excitement. Red is often used in restaurants to encourage talking, but it also can represent a strong-willed and decisive person. Earth tones reflect trustworthiness, but are often seen as unsophisticated. Yellows represent people who are emotional and talkative. Greens are cautious and serious. Grays are conservative and reliable. People who like blue usually dislike change and may have a difficult time making a decision; however, navy is an expression of organization, creativity, and trustworthiness. Pastels are seen as feminine and warm, but unimportant. You may want to paint the walls a neutral color and use colors in the accent pieces, such as borders, furniture, rugs, and pictures.
Is music playing?
Music brings people together and creates a sense of community. It can reduce stress, improve communication, and increase productivity. By changing the rhythmic patterns at different times during the day, you can prolong concentration, enhance physical strength, and deepen relaxation. Let moods determine what kind of music you play. One caution: continuous background noise, such as a radio, will soon be ignored by those who have to listen to it all day. You may want to have quiet time in the morning when it is most easy to concentrate; but in the afternoon, you may want to play spirited music to help you stay productive.
Do you have growing plants in your office?
Plants provide color for your office, as well as helping to clean the air you breathe. Place plants on a table, the corner of your desk, or hang from the ceiling. Don’t have a green thumb? Then why not use artificial plants for color.
What do your pictures say about you?
Kevin Kelleghan in an article from Office Hours shares the following insights. If you like to socialize, you probably have inspirational messages or cartoons everywhere. You may also display framed awards and certificates. If you are a team player, you probably have snapshots of your family and close friends. The organized person may have only one picture on the wall. The take-charge person will have a museum of trophies and pictures of achievements. Most of us are a combination of these.¹
All of these things are important in making an office professional and yet personal. Use discretion in choosing colors for walls and/or curtains or drapes. Be careful not to go overboard with collectibles or cutesy items. Don’t use work space for items that are not essential.
Our offices reflect how we view our ministry. Take a minute to look around your office and assess what others see. Are you portraying a professional environment? If not, maybe you need to take some time to make some changes.
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