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Your work environment leaves an impression...of you

Written by: Russell DeWitt

Article Overview: Like it or not, many do "judge a book by its cover." In many ways, our work environment is a reflection of who we are, how we work, and how we may treat others. This article addresses the work environment as well as providing tips on sprucing it up.

Your work environment leaves an impression...of you

A machining company in Cooperstown, North Dakota is proud of its facilities. On their web site, they invite the public to "...take a tour of our facilities..." and they say, "We are proud of our open, spacious, and clean work areas..."

In some situations, space allotted to us may not afford a lot of room. That is something we may not control. However. we definitely have control over "clean." By seizing the opportunity to keep our work areas clean, we may have some influence over the appearance of spaciousness.

Consider the following -

Wall decorations

• Do the wall decorations consist of tasteful framed photos, prints, or artwork?
• Are there so many decorationsthat the wall cannot be seen?

Furnishings

• If there is an extra chair in your work area, ask, "How often does someone come in and sit there?"
• Would you or your co-workers suffer greatly if that extra chair were removed?
• Do the furnishings in your work area match? If not, can you seek ways to correct the differences?

Items on your desk

• Photos of loved ones are certainly acceptable.
• o Are they framed? Unframed pictures tend to curl and appear unbecoming.
• o Are there a lot of them?
• § Let's remember that we primarily represent the company
• § Let's remember that we are at work and not home
• Office supplies (staplers, tape dispensers, paper clips, etc.)
• o Are there items used only three to five times per week (or less)?
• § Can they be stored in a drawer?
• § Can they be removed altogether, but kept close to your work area (closet)?
• o Do these items have their place or are could they be found anywhere on your desk?

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Article Tags: appearance, artwork, co workers, cooperstown north dakota, desk, li li, machining company, match, nbsp, office supplies, photos, prints, sect, span style, style text, tape dispensers, text decoration, ul, wall decorations, work areas



Related Forum Posts
Men and Women, or Republican vs Democrat? - >>I don't know many men who talk about the environment so I think you're right that it probably wouldn't be in their top ten It all depends on what you mean by the environment. Global warming? Yes...men such as Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannitty and Neal Boortz say it's not happening and that it's just an anti-capitalist plot. And I think the Republicans prefer to believe that while Democrats - male, ie Al Gore - are pushing it for all its worth. Meanwhile female Sheryl Crowe is telling us to use one square of bathroom tissue a piece... that's just plain silly! If American Women were that concerned about the environment they'd all be riding their bikes to work instead of driving those big old SUVs...
Re: Why aren't there more women entrepreneurs? - My opinion on this (being a women, and being disabled), is; Women in general like security. Women are the caretakers, in general. In the work environment we are the one to have children. We are the ones who leave work to do this. We deal with a stigma that we are bad mothers if we work, but we are a bad mother if we do not work. I feel there is no way a man could ever understand this. Sure they can try, and some do a good job of it, however they truly do not understand. How could they?? Being a entrepreneur is throwing cation to the wind. It takes believing in yourself. It takes a women who can have someone say no, put us down or just plan old negativity and for us to turn it around. Women who can do this are called names, while men in the business world are just expected to have a thick skin. Studies show in the work environment that women are more apt to be bullies. Women are more apt to turn on each other. We expect more out of each other. Many women also use the work environment to socialize and to find a mate. Men and women are not created equal. Once we understand this and take what we are and "run" with it; the better all of us will be. Women business owners, women entrepreneurs are still considered a minority. Since there are more women then men in this world, some day this will turn around. This too is why men need to protect themselves and keep us under some kind of control. What bothers me to no end is when women give in to the mans world using sex as a selling tool. We need strong women leaders, not those who use their bodies as a step up. This is just my opinion on this subject.
Working Environment - Probably you should have a separate place and good work environment, its very essential to have work focused atmosphere and also you should enjoy whatever work you do.
Re: What is Your Favorite Thing About Owning A Business? - Yes, that is a good reason, Topeyinka. One reason I have been moving towards doing business at home on the Internet is because my wife has a full time job and is out of the house from before 7am until after 6pm so I want to be around when my daughter leaves for school in the morning and comes back in the afternoon... She starts Japanese elementary school in April... As things stand, I'll be in the house 4 mornings when she leaves, and 3 afternoons when she comes back... DH
Re: Should you hire ambitious workers or employees with no goals - Good question Kevin. I would tend to hire people based on what they love to do. I prefer to work with employees who are highly motivated in their work because they are doing things they find fulfilling. It also creates a more positive and productive work environment. [Link removed by forum admin]


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