Feature Article: Office Observations
What the Look of Your Office Says about You
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
Betsy Hoye, Advertising & Public Relations Manager,563.272.5690, HoyeB@honcompany.com
Jennifer Allanson or Kristi Stolarski,Robert Falls & Co. Public Relations, 216.696.0229,jallanson@robertfalls.com or kstolarski@robertfalls.com
Wondering why you were passed up for that last promotion? Feel like your boss never takes your ideas seriously? The presentation of your workspace could be influencing these decisions.
“Most companies give employees the freedom to customize their own workspaces with personal belongings,” said Jerry Dittmer, president of The HON Company, a leading office furniture manufacturer. “It’s up to the employee to make quality choices and put their best foot forward.”
“People draw opinions about who we are and how we operate based on what our space looks like, sounds like and even smells like,” Jen Zobel Bieber, a New York-based life coach said in a recent article for Forbes.com.
Don’t hinder your chances of a promotion. Be sure your office doesn’t fall into one of these classic cube categories:
• Kidding Around
After countless exams, term papers and internships, you’ve finally earned your diploma and started your first “real” job. But photos of your “glory days” or posters of your favorite rock band hanging from your walls could be telling your boss that you’re still not ready to grow up.
• Mommy Mania
They are your pride and joy, but be careful that your work area doesn’t look like a shrine to your family. A few tastefully framed photos are a wonderful way to add a personal touch to your workspace. Just be sure not to overload your area, as this may indicate that your mind is at home, instead of on your work.
• Sloppy Sue
Will your boss be able to find you behind your piles of files or stacks of sticky notes? While you may think that your boss will understand that you’re working diligently and don’t have time to organize amidst your many tasks, they may see things differently. Instead of dedication, your boss may view you as a person who can’t keep their files straight – much less a big project.
• Clean as a Whistle
On the other end of the spectrum, does your office look too organized? While you may think that a perfectly clean work area indicates that you’re amazingly efficient and organized, think again. A completely clear desk may leave your boss thinking that you have a clear calendar, as well.
Uh Oh! Did we describe your office? Don’t worry – with a few suggestions from The HON Company, you can easily make your office functional… and on the fast track for success.
• Power Position
Ever see a small, tattered chair in the President’s office? Of course not! A quality chair is a status symbol for power – not to mention the key to a comfortable and effective work environment.
“’If it’s not broke, don’t fix it’ is often the motto when it comes to office chairs,” says Brian Miller, HON’s vice president, seating. “Unfortunately, this means that many offices are equipped with old, uncomfortable chairs.”
To show your boss that you mean business, place a request for budget to update your seat with a new quality option, such as HON’s F3 chair, which offers a comfortable fit, function and stylishly affluent form at an affordable price.”
Or, if you’re not ready to ask the boss for a new seating budget, take a stroll around the office to see there are any other chairs available to swap into your workstation. Or, even if you really want to make an impression, purchase a chair for yourself.
• Organize Your Organization
Good habits are hard to form. But by establishing a few rules, you can raise your organization levels significantly. First, determine how you tend to organize (if at all). If you lean more toward manila file folders, The HON Company offers a variety of vertical and lateral filing cabinets to help you get organized or even rolling pedestal files if your work area is space-challenged.
“Try using multi-colored file folders to separate different clients or projects within file cabinets,” says Fred Colony, HON’s vice president, metal casegoods. “This provides an easy-to-implement way to keep files organized without extravagant labeling.”
Or, if your desk or floor tends to have stacks of papers, add bookcases or other storage units to keep paper off the floor and out of sight. Once you have your organizational system in place, set time aside each quarter to purge unnecessary clutter – making sure to recycle any old documents.
• Work-Life Balance
You spend more time at the office than you do at home, so it makes sense that your workstation should reflect your personality and be an enjoyable place to spend your time. But before you begin decorating to the hilt – remember to keep some “work-life balance.”
Instead of displaying photos for the whole office to see, choose a few of your favorites and place them facing inward for you to enjoy. These happy reflections will help you make it through the day until you are with your loved ones again—while maintaining a professional office aura.
Plants are also an ideal addition to your office décor. While making your office more “homey,” personality researchers also say that plants in the office indicate that you are establishing roots at work – literally and figuratively!
So, before chastising your boss for passing you by for the latest promotion, take a look around. Beyond your work skills, your boss may be taking note of your current cube or office décor. Be sure that your surroundings are giving off the personality that you want to portray. With a few quick updates to your décor and organization, you will be in the boss’ good graces in no time.
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About The HON Company
The HON Company is a leader in the design and manufacturing of workplace furniture including chairs, storage, panel systems, tables and desks. Headquartered in Muscatine, Iowa, The HON Company has numerous manufacturing facilities strategically located throughout the United States, and markets its products through a nationwide network of dealers and retailers. The HON Company is an operating company of HNI Corporation (formerly HON INDUSTRIES). For more information, visit www.HON.com.