A brand new year brings on all those well-intentioned resolutions about productivity. But if you’re coming to work to the same old space, it might get hard to break out of the rut and pick up some new practices. There’s nothing like a brand new workspace to get you in the mood for a change, but those things can be expensive, so we’re offering the next best thing: a few hacks that cost almost nothing but can give you that new-office feel.
Green it up
If you want to breathe some life into where you work, and soak up those nasty toxins that come from indoor pollution at the same time, add some greenery to the area. Plants have been proven to reduce stress and purify the air. Keeping in mind that access to light may be limited, and you’re always pressed for time in the office, opt for low-maintenance plants like the Spider Plant, the Snake Plant, or succulents. Look for containers that allow for drainage when you water them without spilling all over your desk. If you have room for it, you could consider creating a terrarium, or invest in colourful succulents. You’ll be amazed at how much better you feel.
Clean it up
There’s absolutely no moving forward if you’re still weighed down by the refuse of the past year, so do yourself a solid and give your desk a good spring cleaning. Toss away those old invoices, throw out the packets of ketchup that have accumulated from your regular calls to Foodpanda or Hungrynaki, and file those memos and charts so that they’re not collecting dust in front of you. You’ll feel lighter, work better, and get more done.
We spend more time at work than anywhere else in Dhaka, so might as well make it as painless as possible.
Move it around
While this may be a little tricky if you work in a cubicle, consider rearranging the furniture. Maybe angling the computer in another way, or repositioning the moving parts so that the final set up looks different, can help give you a new perspective. If you’re not confined to a cubicle, you have more flexibility to reorganise your area. Don’t forget to make sure you’re not cramping things for your colleagues, though.
Make it cosy
You might like things minimalist, but adding a small personal curio or conversation piece can make your space feel more you, and even spark ideas when you least expect it. Other options include a small cushion for your chair to make things more comfy, or even adding a little footstool, can turn those crunch deadlines into less torture. We spend more time at work than anywhere else in Dhaka, so might as well make it as painless as possible.
Break out the art
Throwing some art into the mix can provide visual stimulation and give you reason to give your eyes a break from staring at the screen. If you don’t have extra money to drop on some expensive artwork, pin some postcards, throw in some origami, maybe print out some motivational quotes and frame them; in short, get creative and it will get your juices flowing.
Make this the year you reach all your work goals without a hitch!
