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Blend Your Worlds: Focus on Work-Life Integration
July 31, 2009 Office Insight, Steelcase News, Trends
When I was a kid, I refused to let the different types of food on my plate touch each other. No peas in my mashed potatoes!
For a while, as an adult, I actually tried to do the same thing, creating a proverbial “divided plate” to separate the various components of my world. No work at home! No home at work! But, you know what? That’s just not realistic. Sadly, they don’t make those cute plastic plates for life…
You Can Run, but You Can’t Hide
In today’s world, the lines between work and life have blurred for two obvious reasons:
- Technology. With Smartphones, email and Instant Messenger, we’re always reachable. Private networks, remote computer access and collaboration tools mean we’re never more than a mouse-click away from our offices.
- Expanded Hours. Research shows that the average American work week is 54 hours. In an average week, only 14 percent of us work 40 hours or less.
I’m not saying that this is necessarily a bad thing; it’s just the pace of the world in which we live. But it does mean we have to change the way we think about the separation between work and life. Instead of viewing them as opposing forces, we need to focus on work-life integration.
We should start by asking ourselves: What kind of environment can we create at home and at work to maximize our productivity – and ultimately, our satisfaction – with both?
For one thing, we can stop thinking of “the office” as a boring, stiff, drab place where fluorescent lights flicker and the smell of burnt coffee fills the air. We spend far too much time at the office to be surrounded by such unpleasantness.
And let’s start creating a home office that helps facilitate productivity, so that – when we have to bring work home – it’s comfortable. Yes, office furniture can be both stylish and functional. You don’t have to hide it away in a back room somewhere.
Here’s the good news: We are beginning to catch on. We have created the new brand Coalesse specifically to reflect this new “integrated” work-life reality.
“Coalesse is about a belief that the boundaries between work and life have blurred. With products that fit as naturally in to the office as the living room, Coalesse focuses on the increasingly growing similarities between work and life.”
Office furniture – whether at home or at work – no longer has to be dominated with harsh lines and glaring surfaces. Instead, it can be full of chic, modern designs that reflect the way we really live.
Work is all around us. And so is life. Why not create an environment that respects both?
Are your worlds blending? If so, check out the Coalesse brand by Steelcase to create your perfect space.
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Republished from our friends at Office Arrow
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Style and Function: Accessorize Your Desk
July 24, 2009 Design, Office Insight
Take a look at the surface of your desk. Is it buried beneath stacks of files, cluttered with pencil holders and paper trays? Are there entire patches of desk that you haven’t seen in months that you imagine may be harboring critters of some sort? If the CEO of your company walked up to you right now, what would your desk say about you?
If that last question makes you shudder with anxiety, you’re not alone. I’m staring at a stack of unread magazines, four notebooks full of scribbles I can hardly decipher, three pencil holders (one of which is empty but for a single paperclip), a half-eaten bag of Doritos, and a 3 lb. dumbbell. Yeah. You’re not alone.
Well, we can all breathe a heavy sigh of relief. Steelcase Store to the rescue! These handy tools will help you get that desk under control and present a professional image that even your CEO can be proud of.
Go Vertical
One of the most under-utilized areas in most workspaces is the vertical real estate (meaning the walls or areas around and above your desk). Get clutter off your desktop with a Slatwall. It can be attached to an existing wall or mounted to the desk to create wall space where none exists. The ledges are used to attach “add-ons“ such as binder holders, hanging brackets, pen cups, letter trays, telephone caddies, white boards, and even book shelves. Lifting the physical items off your desktop will leave you with a clean surface for – gasp! – working.
Arm Your Monitor
No, your monitor doesn’t need a weapon. It needs an arm. An FYI Monitor Arm. This attaches to your flat panel monitor and can be either mounted or clamped to provide you with more space and better screen viewing from a wide range of angles. Since it includes integrated cable management, your cords will always be tidy too. Here’s the coolest part: The rotation capability allows for landscape or portrait viewing of monitors. Love it!
Lighten Up
Now that you’ve got your desk cleared off and you’re all ready to work, make it easier on yourself with some good lighting. For those of us who despise fluorescent lighting, a nice desk lamp helps decrease eye strain and minimize glare. The Personal Underline Light is a sleek example of task lighting that provides flexible positioning and evenly balanced light distribution in a minimalist package. For anyone doing long hours of detail-oriented work, high quality desk lighting is a must. Plus, the lighting options at Steelcase just look good. And sometimes, it’s those small touches that jump out when the CEO stops by…————————————————————————————————
Republished from our friends at Office Arrow
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A Case for Comfort Part 2: Desk Exercises for Fatigued Office Professionals
June 23, 2009 Ergonomics, Office Insight
As I write this, I’m temporarily distracted by the dull pain that’s shooting from my shoulders to my lower back. Maybe it’s the result of a few too many pushups at the gym last night or the byproduct of a computer bag that weighs close to five tons. Or, perhaps the explanation for my discomfort is entirely different; maybe my posture’s just bad.
Regardless of the reason for my back pain, it’s important that I find ways to relieve it. And, even though I’ve been known to pop painkillers from time to time, I’m not a big fan of pharmaceutical remedies.
My personal go-to method: Gentle stretching. And, according to the pros at Steelcase, my rationale is right on.
Office Ergo-cises
After heavily researching office ergonomics and conducting numerous studies, Steelcase experts have developed four specific stretches for fatigued office professionals. These periodic stretches can improve circulation, reduce tension, and help relieve the kind of muscle stress that can build up from working at the same position for long periods of time. Try one (or all!) of them now:
Exercise #1: Hold your right leg just below the knee and hug it to your chest. Hold for five to 10 seconds. Switch legs and repeat.
Exercise #2: Lean forward to touch your toes. Hold for five to 10 seconds, and then slowly return to an upright position.
Exercise #3: Extend your right leg and point your toes directly ahead. Slowly flex your ankle until your toes point straight ahead, and hold for five seconds. Relax and repeat five times. Or rotate your ankle in each direction 10 revolutions. Repeat with your left leg.
Exercise #4: Extend your arms overhead and clasp your left hand with your right hand. Keeping your arms fairly straight, gently pull your left arm to the right and hold for five seconds. Relax and repeat with your other side.
Quite the Stretch
Health experts have long lauded the importance of stretching. And for good reason! From increasing our range of motion to providing temporary pain relief, stretching does wonders for the body. So, the next time you feel your back begin to throb or your legs begin to stiffen, consider performing these fantastic stretches. Most likely, you’ll be feeling relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated in no time.
When it comes to ergonomics, Steelcase truly supports you!
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Republished from our friends at Office Arrow
A Case for Comfort Part 1: Tips for a More Ergonomic Workspace
June 16, 2009 Ergonomics, Office Insight
For some, it occurs the moment they plop down on their chairs and gaze at their computer screens; for others, it comes after hours of slogging away at their PCs. But, regardless of when the pain hits, one fact remains: Sitting for hours on end certainly takes its toll on our bodies. Personally, I struggle with chronic lower-back pain that I previously attributed to years of gymnastics and (admittedly) bad posture.
However, after reading Steelcase’s research on ergonomics, I’ve discovered another culprit for my discomfort: a non-ergonomic workstation. Fortunately, I’m now the proud owner of a 22-inch computer monitor that makes viewing easy on the eyes. After all, according to the experts at Steelcase, an ergonomic workspace can not only reduce back and eye strain; it can also spur productivity. So, what are you waiting for?
Ergonomic Tips
Below are nine easy-to-implement ergonomic tips. And, of course, Steelcase has all the right tools – adjustable products, organizational resources and lighting – to address each and every issue. Be sure to check out the Steelcase Store to find the right office products for your particular needs. Follow these fabulous tips provided by the pros at Steelcase, and you’ll be sitting pretty in no time:
Tip #1: Keep a Straight Head
Your monitor should be positioned directly in front of you. However, space constraints often result in the monitor being pushed to the side or into the corner. Repeatedly turning your head or holding it in awkward positions places considerable strain on your neck muscles. If you’re unable to position the monitor directly in front of you, consider adding an articulating keyboard platform.
Tip #2: Don’t Do the Twist
Bending and twisting in your chair can result in neck, shoulder or back pain. Prevent awkward positions by placing worktools – a telephone, printer or other items you use regularly – close at hand. Avoid twisting your torso, reaching up, or bending while reaching. Use organizational worktools to keep regularly used work items easy to reach and easy to find.
Tip #3: Staying Neutral
Keeping your body’s joints in a midrange of motion while working at the computer is known as “neutral posture.” When your arms are relaxed at your sides and not reaching, they’re in neutral posture. Wrists that are kept straight are also in neutral posture. Maintaining neutral posture will make you more comfortable and productive! Leap, Think & Amia, three of Steelcase’s best selling chairs, were designed specifically to keep your arms/wrists in a neutral posture while you work.
Tip #4: Are You Working in the Dark?
Many computer users turn off their lights in overly lit offices to avoid eyestrain and headaches. Lighting levels do not need to be as bright for computer work as for reading or writing. For greater comfort, lower ambient lighting for computer work and provide directional lighting for documents or deskwork. A flexible task light can add light where it is most needed.
Tip #5: Positive about Negative Tilt?
Research shows that typing is more comfortable when the keyboard is angled backward in a “negative tilt.” This position helps keep wrists straight while typing. However, you must use a keyboard platform. If your mouse slides off at this angle, select a tray that has a separately adjustable mousing surface or one that has a mouse-retention edge. Also, in selecting your platform, make sure the mechanism that it sits atop does not bump your knees under the work surface.
Tip #6: The Work Surface Is the Wrong Surface…
…for your laptop, that is. Your laptop needs to be at the right viewing height. Otherwise, you’re liable to strain your neck as you attempt to find a comfortable viewing angle. A set of monitor blocks is a simple way to create elevation. Other solutions include platforms or shelves that easily attach to a slatted wall or rail-like support. The shelf can then be positioned on the wall or rail at a precise height.
Tip #7: Don’t Be So Edgy
You may find yourself on the edge of your seat during a horror movie. However, sitting on the edge of your chair while working on the computer places undue strain on your back muscles and ligaments. Instead, try to sit all the way back each time. If necessary, move your monitor closer or make the characters larger for easier viewing. Let the chair support your back so you can work more comfortably. Also, make sure your chair has a flexible front seat edge to provide the proper give when you do find yourself on the edge of your seat (it happens to the best of us!).
Tip #8: Keep It Moving
Sitting still may be proper demeanor for schoolchildren, but it’s inadvisable for computer-workers. A fixed posture held for too long can reduce bloodflow to muscles and increase fatigue. Over time, it can lead to pain and injury. Remember: Regular movement keeps muscles from getting stiff and sore. So readjust your chair often, stretch regularly, and vary your tasks throughout the day. Consider a height adjustable workstation or even a treadmill desk to really incorporate movement throughout the day.
Tip #9: Dueling Monitors
If you use two monitors throughout the day, position the one you use the most closest to you. If you use them equally, center them directly in front of you and angle them in a slight outward “V” shape. If both monitors share the same keyboard, you can also use a keyboard platform that slides laterally. This enables you to be in line with both monitors.
Comfort Ahead
As much as I complain about sitting at a desk for hours on end – Treadmill desk, anyone? – I’m glad the experts at Steelcase have discovered ways to make workspaces more comfortable. In fact, I’ve actually assessed my cubicle situation, and I’m proud to report that my desk gets a solid “B+” for ergonomics. Although there’s certainly room for improvement, I now have these helpful tips to guide me. I’ve also implemented tip number 9 and repositioned my two computer monitors. Sayonara, eyestrain!
Don’t let a non-ergonomic workspace inhibit you from performing at your peak. Instead, ease the fatigue by following Steelcase’s expert advice and checking out all of their great products.
Coming Up…
In the last installment of this two-part series, you’ll learn some easy exercises you can perform at your desk. These periodic stretches will improve your body’s circulation, reduce tension, and help relieve muscle stress. The best part: No gym membership is required!
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Republished from our friends at Office Arrow
A Second Life
October 21, 2008 Innovation, Office Insight, Tech
Have you ever had a glimpse of an idea, told it to your boss who tells you to run with it, and then it turns into a life of its own. This is my case with Second Life. I tried to impress my boss at the time by showing him that I read Business Week, so I brought in an article on this futuristic video-game/alternate reality/buzz creator called Second Life. Not only was my boss not impressed, but he told me not to work on it. I did it anyway.
What is Second Life? According to its site……..
Second Life® is a 3-D virtual world created by its Residents. Since opening to the public in 2003, it has grown explosively and today is inhabited by millions of Residents from around the globe.
* From the moment you enter the World you’ll discover a vast digital continent, teeming with people, entertainment, experiences and opportunity. Once you’ve explored a bit, perhaps you’ll find a perfect parcel of land to build your house or business.* You’ll also be surrounded by the Creations of your fellow Residents. Because Residents retain intellectual property rights in their digital creations, they can buy, sell and trade with other Residents.
* The Marketplace currently supports millions of US dollars in monthly transactions. This commerce is handled with the inworld unit of trade, the Linden™ dollar, which can be converted to US dollars at several thriving online Linden dollar exchanges.
Fast Company magazine recently wrote an article on the resurgence of Second Life and how to more effectively market in this virtual world. It is a well written article discussing some of the marketing failures in Second Life and what the most effective way to market is today. From the article:
“Second Life is not a place to make sales. It’s also a venue where large companies don’t have to spend $3 million to build an elaborate island when $10,000 to $100,000, usedjudiciously, can have a much larger impact. Linden Labs concurs. “New marketers often try to imitate another medium,” says Ginsu Yoon, Linden’s VP of business affairs. “Second Life isn’t TV or radio or even the Internet, all of which push information out one way.” “
Our original goal in Second Life was to create buzz. We found a partner and created a small little showroom in Second Life. However, nobody ever showed up, mostly because nobody knew we were there. So obviously Second Life is not place where “if you build it, they will come.” So we changed our strategy and decided to become part of the community. One of the lessons we learned is the Second Life community doesn’t want to be bombarded with your product. The inhabitants of Second Life are wary of traditional advertising; they are creative and want to be treated as the contributor to society that they are. So we ended up upgrading our space and creating a beautiful space and then we invited the community to participate in a critical thought process of our products and how we can best interact with the Second Life Community. We even had a Design Exhibition where many designers showed off their design skills in our promenade. We culminated this Design Exhibition with a 2 hour town hall meeting where designers, marketers, and a whole host of people from Steelcase interacted with people all over the globe in Second Life. It was a wonderful event, providing an opportunity for the citizens of Second Life to learn more about Steelcase and vice versa.
Get your avatar free and check it out…..click here to have your eyes opened to the new reality.
