Return to office timing may remain in flux, but it’s the looming reality for millions of workers across the nation. While some people truly prefer a Spartan office, there are good reasons that you may want to decorate your office. It can boost your productivity for one. It’s also a good way to maintain a bit of sanity as deadlines loom, supervisors push, or coworkers make you think putting Xanax in the coffee machine is a great idea. Not sure how you should decorate? Keep reading for 6 great ways you personalize your office space.
1. Add a Bit of Greenery
No, your office shouldn’t look like a studio set for the latest jungle movie, but adding a bit of plant life can prove good for your mental well-being. With that said, remember that there is a near certainty that someone in your office has allergies that flowers will set off. Think in terms of plants like a peace lily or a snake plant. They may even help clean the air in your office.
2. Lamp from Home
One easy way you add a little personalization to your office and boost the light quotient is with a lamp you bring in from home. The lamp should be offensive or bizarre, think the leg lamp from A Christmas Story. Beyond that though, pick something you like. Simply seeing it on your desk should add a little boost of happiness to your day. Plus, a well-lit desktop is a good way to help you avoid eye strain. If you’re feeling a little Vitamin D deficient, you can even pop in a full spectrum bulb for the winter season.
3. Personalized Stationery
It’s not appropriate for every single office. For example, you probably won’t be able to get personalized printer paper if your business has a fixed letterhead. That doesn’t mean you can’t personalize a little. You can get personalized notepads and memo pads that you can use for casual notetaking or reminders. As long as they don’t make it into any official presentation, you can make them as bright or silly as you like.
4. Vision Board
Assuming you don’t work somewhere that takes professionalism to the nth degree, a vision board is a great way to personalize your office. It adds some color and imagery to your office for one thing. That can help break up the neutral colors that dominate most office walls. Plus, people respond better to visual cues. Seeing your goals in a visual format can help keep you inspired. Plus, you can always add to it during breaks to help you decompress a little before you jump back into the grind.
5. Artwork
Artwork is a subjective subject. Not everyone likes the same things. Most people, however, can look at a piece of art and know instinctively whether or not it’s likely to offend their coworkers. Use a little common sense and pick something that falls into that non-offensive category. Think landscapes, abstract paintings, or even something motivational if your office leans in that direction. If you know a good photographer, you can even get some framed prints to put on the walls. There is always the tried and true standby of a picture of your family on your desk.
6. A Few Personal Items
Most people have at least one or two hobbies that aren’t likely to raise any eyebrows. While you probably don’t want to bring your guitar to work, you could get music note bookends for a shelf. Love comic books in your spare time? You can probably get away with a Batman coffee mug. Do you travel on your vacations? Keep a memento or two from your most recent trip on a shelf or side table. Just keep your primary workspace clear of clutter.
Your office is a professional space, but that doesn’t mean it must look or feel antiseptic. It’s good for your productivity and your mental health to add some personal touches to your space. Just make sure you aim for a balance that ensures the space suggests that work comes first. Put plants near the window. Leave mementos on shelves. Keep things tasteful or inspirational. Your office isn’t the place to shock people sensibilities after all. If your office becomes controversial, that’s a problem for everyone.
Authors Bio.: Elizabeth HOWARD
Lizzie Howard is a Colorado native who after graduating from the University of Colorado spends her time as a freelance writer. When Lizzie isn’t writing, she enjoys going on hikes, baking for her friends and family, and spending time with her beloved yellow lab, Sparky.
