“Baby, it’s cold outside.”
Oct|29|2008
My office is about 12 degrees “warm” this afternoon. The sun is shining outside the window, but don’t be fooled. The winds are chilly. I believe winter has arrived; fall skipped (again).
While sitting here, nose and fingertips slightly numb, it occurred to me…
“Your work environment is as key to your productivity as a good night’s sleep.”
For as long as I can remember, I’ve heard, “Make sure you get a good night’s sleep so you can make it through the day tomorrow!”
What if I’m well rested, at 7 a.m., but completely put off by my surroundings once I’m in the office? Your home-away-from-home has to be inviting, relaxing and, dare I say, fun.
Here are a few of my favorite things…
My diplomas. They remind me of why I worked so hard at Murray State University; to get here.
My plants. When the stress is overpowering, they reassure me that life goes on.
My wooden sushi set. Who doesn’t need Velcro-fastened California rolls and ama ebi?
My family photos. Pictures of my husband and sons remind me that I work to live. I don’t live to work.
My thank you notes. Received from co-workers (and their children), these little notes remind me that random acts of kindness are important.
My 3-year-old son’s cloud mobile. It may just be paper, strings and a wire hanger, but it reminds me that there’s a higher power at work in my life.
My candy jar. It’s always nice when people wander in to say, “hello” (and swipe M&Ms).
What do you like about your office?
What makes the world go ‘round?
Oct|9|2008
Cake.
Yep, cake.
Let’s think about this for a minute. Before you were even born, chances are someone organized a baby shower and served cake. On your first birthday, and nearly every birthday thereafter, you probably blew out a candle (or several) atop a cake. When you graduated from college, cake. When you got married, cake. Need I go on?
My biggest weakness, a huge slice of cake – preferably white with extra (and I mean extra) icing – is a great way to lift someone’s spirits.
Just yesterday, my co-worker was feeling a bit blue. It was her birthday and she’d been given an assortment of sweet treats. While she was certainly thankful, she was really craving a cupcake. I bought her one at a specialty shop nearby. She immediately had a smile on her face and a fork in her hand.
In an agency environment, there’s nearly always something to celebrate – someone turning “the big 4-0,” an engagement, the announcement of a baby-to-be, having landed a new Client, an exceedingly profitable month, the agency’s founding 25 years ago.
I recommend taking every opportunity to celebrate the things that bring you together as a team. Not only will it built a sense of “family” within your group, but it’ll foster a more light-hearted and, ultimately, more productive atmosphere.
Besides, who doesn’t work faster with a sugar rush?