My Office is a Barbie Dreamhouse

Why is it that Working From Home (WFH) is so divisive for some organizations and individuals? Our approach has always been, "You're an adult. Just get the work done." Of course there are some nuances for like, be available during reasonable business hours, don't wear your workout clothes on a client call, and yeah it's ok if you need to let your dog out before they pee on your laptop charger in defiance. I've found that WFH is just like anything else, everyone has a different perspective on whether it's been good, ok, or kill-me-now.

For some, WFH is easier, thanks to the comforts of home that make the workday more pleasant. Like fridge access to snacks, different spaces to churn out some tasks, getting at home chores done throughout the day, and being there when your kids get home. It really got me thinking as we signed a lease on a new space - what can I do to make my office space feel like home?

The Sterile Office Dilemma

How many sterile offices have you been in, or are you sitting in right now, with just a chair, a desk, and maybe a framed photo of an important memory? It’s the bare minimum, devoid of any personal touch or comfort. These spaces often feel more like places of obligation than places of inspiration. It's like they're afraid to infuse their personality into the space for any number of reasons. Think about a recent experience in one of these sterile crappy offices. (I'm looking at you Doctor office - sorry the cat hanging from the tree poster ain't cutting it for me.) Do those spaces infuse you with any sense of peace, energy, inspiration, or comfort? Likely not. Why do we treat a space we spend hours of our life at the same way? Devoid of... life.

Why Do We Separate Work and Comfort?

Why is it that we need to go home to relax and restore? We spend a significant portion of our lives at work, so why not create a more holistic and comfortable space there? I am taking an experimental approach to my new office space by injecting as much comfort as I can for myself and those coming in to visit me. It's about getting out what you put in. If you have a lame space you or your guests can't wait to leave, how well does that bode for your energy and theirs? How well does that facilitate innovative ideas and deep and/or tough conversations? Just as we cultivate our personal relationships to reflect the behaviors and emotions we value, our offices should reflect who we are and how we want people to feel in our space.

Bringing Home Comforts to the Office

Here are some ways to bring those home comforts into the office, making it a place where you actually want to spend time.

1. Personalize Your Space (my own art and pics of the nephews)
2. Comfortable Furniture (in hot pink!)
3. Relaxation Zones (think greenery and a place to put up your feet)
4. Ambient Elements (oh lavender how I love thee)

Reflecting Your Values

Your workspace should be a reflection of who you are and the values you hold. When people enter your space, they should get a sense of your personality and what’s important to you. Just like in personal relationships, the environment you create at work can influence interactions, productivity, and overall well-being.

Supporting Evidence

Research supports the idea that personalized and comfortable workspaces can significantly enhance productivity and employee satisfaction. A thoughtful workspace design boosts both creativity and performance. Your body needs diversity in exercise to stay fit, so diversity your spaces for your brain to stretch and grow as well.

Companies like Google and Airbnb have set benchmarks in office design by creating spaces that are not only functional but also comfortable and reflective of their unique cultures.

A Holistic Approach to Work

Creating a workspace that feels like home doesn’t just benefit you; it sets a positive tone for everyone who enters. It’s about making work a place where comfort and productivity coexist, where inspiration is just as important as efficiency.

As our office moves to a new location, let’s seize this opportunity to design spaces that reflect our individuality and foster a more holistic work environment. Your office should be more than just a place to work; it should be a place where you can thrive. Our conference space will feel more like a dining room full of friends and my personal space will have fairy lights, moss walls, natural wood, and a freaking hot pink office chair fit for Barbie herself.

#WorkplaceDesign #OfficeComforts #Productivity #WorkLifeBalance #PersonalizedWorkspace #HolisticOffice