New office, newfound enthusiasm

New office, newfound enthusiasm

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.

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What Our Clients Say...

Last night, we had the opportunity to have a good chat about things, and he was (I felt for the first time in a long time), upbeat about what he needs to think about and get done.

He showed me the test results which I think has given him a real confidence boost, as well as having consolidated a lot of things for him in his own mind.

And your post call summary has also had an effect, as he seems to be much more ‘in the zone’, giving him the impetus with a plan on how he gets things done.

Heartfelt thanks from me, his mum, as it has felt like quite a difficult time for all of us!

Debbie
Mark is passionate about his work and very sensitive to the needs of his clients. I was lucky to work with Mark in the international surrounding where he shared knowledge and skills regarding career counselling with the group of youth workers coming from 8 European countries.

Through his work he challenged many limiting beliefs and helped me and others to realize our potentials in a better light and get ideas for helping others do the same.

I strongly recommend Mark for any challenging task since he proved to be flexible, process oriented but also having results in mind, and the most important of all, very positive and inspiring co-worker.
Jelena
My daughter Lucie and I both gained a lot from your talk and found your approach to finding what the right path may be, very positive.

Thank you!
Cathy
Before I contacted Mark, I didn't believe that I could pursue the career I really wanted but after a few sessions it began to feel that my dreams weren't so unrealistic after all.

By the end of the course, I had the confidence to make steps towards getting the job I always wanted.
Leah Mooney
Mark was our trainer in a 7 day International Training Course on topics of youth career guidance for youth workers from 8 countries. His work is amazing - aside from providing skills for our work, he helped us to think over our lives and things we want to do. This training course and his energy gave me a new wave of enthusiasm for both - working with youth and developing myself. I hope I will have the opportunity to work with him again.
Ana
I came to Mark to gain focus and direction as I was awash with ideas and not knowing which to follow. Mark guided me through exercises which systematically drew out my interests, skills and preferences. I am now in a position to drive forward on key ideas with clear goals on what I want to achieve and how I'll know when I have. Thanks Mark!
Jim Allen
I had no clear idea of where I wanted my career to go, except that I didn’t want to carry on with what I was doing. Working with Mark has been instrumental in giving me the right questions, and gaining a good understanding of myself so that I could change direction. His sessions were well structured whilst giving sufficient freedom for different lines of enquiry. And it’s a long time since I enjoyed homework, but I really did relish the work he suggested between meetings. I would thoroughly recommend having Mark coach you through your career conundrums.
Yvette Powell
I worked with Mark during a time of huge personal transition. He gave me invaluable insight into myself, which has had a direct impact on the course of the last 6 months of my life. The coaching sessions I had with him prompted me to take action in the direction of the career and life I really want, rather than doing what I think I 'should' be doing to please other people or fit in. He also got me thinking very differently about the options available to me, which opened doors both in my mind and externally in the world. Mark has outstanding interpersonal skills, which really helped me be at ease and take risks to be completely honest in our sessions. I highly recommend him and his service.
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