Get excited about getting back to work

Clear out the old

Here in Australia, January is a traditionally quiet month as most people extend their Christmas holidays until the school term starts. Without the usual distractions, you can clear out the old clutter, ready to start the new year fresh. By removing the junk, you are creating a blank canvas for new projects and ideas to launch from.

You may wish to start small and clear off surfaces by archiving papers and recycling. This enables you to set up your working space with ease, putting the things you use frequently close to the body, and the items used occasionally within reaching distance. This is a simple ergonomic trick that optimises space to avoid strain injuries and promotes good work practices. 

Once the small things are out of the way, tackle the big things. Without people around to stop you, throw away what is no longer needed, like the rickety old chairs stashed in the storeroom. Get a stunning iconic brands like Herman Miller, Herman Miller Aeron Chair Remastered or a good reliable value brand like a Pulo ergonomic chair Pulo Zero Pressure Mesh Ergonomic Chair, with hundreds of chair to choose from and more importantly some good advice on what’s right for you. At any point during the year, if someone uses that piece of furniture and becomes hurt, they may serve you with a liability claim. Do the best thing you can to prevent a back injury and stressful legal action, and discard furniture that is no longer fit for purpose.

Mix up the seating arrangements

With all the old chairs gone, you have created an opportunity for flexible seating arrangements. In the United States, select primary schools have begun trialing flexible seating arrangements in their classrooms because students can decide how to engage in their environment rather than being forced into a one-fits-all approach. Instead of desks and chairs, these classrooms are filled with wobble stools, exercise balls, standing desks, couches, peddle desks, and even rocking chairs! As they say, variety is the spice of life.

While it may not be realistic to deck out your workplace or classroom like this just yet, be inspired by their bold seating choices and choose furniture that will actually enable you to work in comfort and health over a 12 month period.

In a corporate environment you may want to start with Sit-Stand Desks with Electric Adjustment, however the badbacks.com.au website is filled with options.

Create productive spaces with light and colour

Light has a crucial role to play in creating the best atmosphere for learning or working. Sunlight is preferred because the human body is geared for it. Our inbuilt, circadian rhythms respond to seeing sunlight during the day, energising us. If we spend most of days in places without windows, our bodies need to work harder to stay alert during the day.

If it is practicable, rearrange your home, classroom or workplace so people can access natural light. Of course, the need for light must be balanced with other factors at play such as heat and glare. If sufficient sunlight can’t be accessed, suitable task lighting and overhead lights will be needed.

Colour has a strong influence over mood. Once you have decided what the purpose of a room is, use paint and textures to align the space. For example, if you want people to concentrate on challenging tasks – try soft, dark tones. Or, if you want people to socialise or collaborate on assignments – paint in light, bright colours.

Be aware that sombre greys, beiges and old whites that we tend associate with institutions actually lower mood and can be harmful over long periods of time. Whereas, good colour choices enliven the atmosphere, subtly encouraging people to positively engage within the environment.

The places where we spend most of our time have a big impact on our health and happiness. Using the features within our built environment as tools to help feel at ease will not only generate a positive mindset, but equip us for success.