Designing Your Work Space

Your "job" or work, whether performed at home or at an employer's site, probably takes up at least a third of your day. You take it seriously, give your best and follow the Biblical advise to work for others as for the Lord. Great, but you'll do an even better job of it if you add a few perks.

When I was a truck driver the guys (there weren't many women drivers then) used to tease me about the cab of my truck. It had family pictures and a bud vase screwed to the walls, a planter with phony ivy behind the passenger seat, a lighted cross on the grill, a hand made clear plastic gear shift knob with flowers in it, purple "love lights" inside the cab and many other unique (and somewhat garish) personal touches. It was hard being away from my loved ones but these additions made the work easier and the time spent more pleasant.

Now I work at home and find I need to do just the opposite. To be more productive, I had to outfit my work area in such a way that it felt and functioned more like a workplace and less like a spare bedroom. Some things were merely practical like the plastic carpet cover thingie in front of my computer desk that my office chair rolls around on. I've worn out two of these and hate to think what the carpet would look like if I hadn't used them. Also, there are all the handy little office details that cost very little but make my work life so much easier.

My friend Suzie is a waitress. She can't make many changes to her work environment, but she always wears something special, earrings, a hair clip or other item that has a unique meaning for her.

Not all workplaces can be modified to any great extent, but here are some ideas for those you can spruce up...

But before we get into that, prepare you mind with this little piece...

IF I Had My Life to Live Over (In memory of Erma Bombeck who lost her fight with cancer.)
By Erma Bombeck
Submitted by Floyd Bills, Margo Bentzler

If I had my life to live over...

• I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.
• I would have cried and laughed less while watching television - and more while watching life.
• I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
• I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.
• I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
• Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
• When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."
• I would have talked less and listened more.
• I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.
• I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
• I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
• I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
• I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
• There would have been more "I love yous".. more "I'm sorrys"... but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it... live it...and never give it back.

Now, are you ready to lighten up? Here are some hints about how to make your hours at work more pleasant and fun. Adapt them to your own style and preferences.

Music
Psychologists and medical doctors agree that music can elevate mood, increase productivity and even aid in maintaining or regaining physical health... with these exceptions: Hard or acid rock and rap do the very opposite! "Elevator music" is so bland as to have virtually no effect.

Christian music can be a rich source of blessing and inspiration so that your whole work day is spent in worship. Coworkers may also be effected as your music can be a witness for Christ. You can use it to open a conversation about the Lord... or He might just lead the coworker to open the dialogue.

So add some tunes to your work environment if you can. Depending on your situation, you could place a stereo in your office or strap a walkman to your waist. If you've got the stereo, be sure to have a remote handy to cut the sound quickly when needed. If you work where music is piped in, ask if you can have some input into the type of music played for at least part of the day.

Nature
Plants and animals can alter your mood and add a peaceful touch to any environment. Remember, God created these as part of a perfect world He lovingly prepared for man. He knew they would be good for us.

If you have a green thumb, live plants are a great enhancement to the workplace. But if you're like me and manage to kill all green things within a mile, get the well made phony variety. They're hard to detect from the genuine article unless you're really close up. You can even spray a scent on them so your man made roses smell as good - almost - as the God made ones.

An aquarium is a wonderful addition if your workplace is appropriate for one. You don't need to spend a lot to have a pretty decent aquatic serenity machine. That's what aquariums are, you know, focal points of serenity. Gazing at the fish as they glide smoothly through their liquid world is a great stress reliever, for you and your clients or associates.

Art
They say - and truthfully so - that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So gather up some things you consider beautiful and place them around your work area. Get some pictures for desks, shelves and walls; or perhaps a tapestry or other wall hanging. You can find small art objects to doll up the place, too.

You can use Christian art items as a silent witness. If others note you love the Lord, they are more prone to be open with questions or discussions about Him. So, while you bless yourself, you can bless them as well.

Home & Family
Set out photos of your loved ones. When the day gets hectic, take a wee break by looking at the reason for it all - your family. Say a quick prayer of thanks that these precious people are part of your life. All at once, you'll feel more able to tackle the issues in front of you.

Bring something special from home - a picture your 3-year old drew, your grandmother's silver bud vase, or perhaps a small romantic gift from your hubby. Scented candles are nice, too. Light them and the room takes on a whole new atmosphere.

Fun
Get one of those little peg puzzles you see on the tables in some restaurants. Or get some other fun little gadgets. Something for you and your associates to fiddle with is a great addition to any desk. It tells others you've got balance, you're not afraid to enjoy life and allow others to do the same.

A joke book or two is another good touch. I can laugh at the same joke over and over, can you?

Worship
If you have access to a computer and internet service, sign up for a daily devotional. These are e-mailed and are a great way to start every work day with a spiritual shot in the arm. One of the best I know of is specifically aimed at the working person. Check it out at TheKingsDaughter.

Old Stuff?
Yes, this is all old advice and you've seen it in use a thousand times. So why am I writing it? Because, sometimes we need to stop and take a new look at old suggestions and practices. It may just be that this is a perfect time to redo your work environment.

These ideas work best for those who have an office environment. The factory worker, the waitress or the grocery clerk won't have the freedom to add such perks to the workplace. Instead, wear something special and touch it often. I wear a silver cross from my ward, Sonja, my mother-in-law's wedding ring (in addition to my own) and a special pair of shoes. True, I work at home, but these things are an effective reminder of love to me and help bring peace especially when I'm stumped with a coding problem or I manage to delete a file I've just spent hours preparing... I touch these precious reminders that what really counts is the people, not the issue at hand. Then, renewed and refreshed I get back to work.

I hope you'll take a fresh look at your working environment and prayerfully opt for some positive change.

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Author: Iona Hoeppner
Copyright © 1999 Handmaidens4Christ. All rights reserved.
Revised: September 03, 2003.