Many people are attracted to a particular industry sector or type of work because it fits their personality. Others, unfortunately, are going to find themselves on a career path that is ultimately unsuitable, making them feel as though they are in a rut and in need of a new direction. Making a major career change, from one profession to a completely different one, can be hard to achieve especially in difficult times when those who have a job may feel they cannot risk losing it. There is always the possibility, of course, that the job itself may not be the problem, but rather the working environment. The office or workshop could be destroying employee contentment and as a result, adversely affecting productivity. If this is the case, there are a number of things that can be done to successfully alter an individual's attitude to their job.
A sense of home
When decorating, individuals or couples will instinctively choose unique colours and finishes, according to personal taste and also to suit the nature of the space. Generally, this means soothing colours in adult bedrooms, brighter tones in children's rooms and hardwearing finishes in main living areas. Not many people, however, apply the same attention to detail in their working environment which is surprising, since even making small changes can result in increased productivity and renewed enthusiasm for work.
Assess basic needs
Firstly, it is important to consider the nature of the work being undertaken in a workspace; do colleagues need to share a screen, for example, or quickly and easily communicate with each other? Is work conducted at an individual level, requiring quiet, private spaces rather than an open-plan layout? Research has been conducted into how an environment affects people at work and, unsurprisingly, comfortable, well-lit and well-ventilated workspaces are safer and more pleasant. In some cases creating the right atmosphere has increased productivity by as much as 16 per cent, while job satisfaction can improve by up to 24 per cent and absenteeism is greatly reduced.
Windows also make a difference; natural daylight is associated with improved concentration and windows fitted with Venetian blinds or louvered shutters mean that light control is easy to manage. Good, well-organised storage systems for documents will save time searching for papers, which can be both frustrating and stressful. Despite being typical of the modern office environment, studies of open-plan offices have been correlated with increased employee stress, poorer relations between colleagues and increased dissatisfaction with the physical layout of the space.
Décor
When it comes to wallpaper or paint colours, orange is considered to be the most stimulating option in terms of improving concentration and focus and also for promoting organisation. While it is a Feng Shui principle that orange is a "yang" colour, the intensity of the shade also makes a difference; strong and bright stimulate, while paler shades are more soothing.
The choice of furniture at work is not often an area where employees have much input, however if changing the position of desks and chairs in a workspace is likely to increase productivity, a smart employer will listen and respond accordingly.