Monthly Archives: October 2012

Coffee at Work: Is it good for you?

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It’s just one of those things you do. Like hitting the snooze button on your alarm clock, starting your day with a coffee fix is second nature to many Americans. Some need it to jump start the day. Some need it to boost their energy level during the afternoon. And some just can’t live without it. You know who you are. At the office, like at home and elsewhere, coffee is a diet staple. We claim it makes us productive and focused, and doesn’t turn us into crazed addicts. While the jury is still out on how behavior is affected by coffee,… Read More

How to boost creativity when the seasons change

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According to Jason Fried, co-founder and CEO of 37Signals, when you need to boost creativity, you shake things up. His company makes some pretty wild changes during seasonal shifts, like eliminating an entire day from the work week between the months of May and October. The company even provides a weekly community-supported agricultural share for employees. Fried’s seasonal shake-ups have resulted in increased productivity and an infusion of creativity for his company. Sounds great, right? But what about the companies that can’t make something like that work financially? Is there anything they can do to increase productivity and boost creativity… Read More

Future Workplace: Office Pods

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It’s true that the workplace is changing. Mobile capabilities let workers work on the go. But when it’s time to work in a defined space, do we really want to be pod people? Office pods are the latest trend in workspace solutions.  Not only do they look futuristic, but they act that way too – they move! http://www.youtube.com/embed/oz0PBWyswbM Pods are defined spaces that grant sanctuary to the solitary worker, or meeting space for team collaboration. Some of these could even look great in your back yard. More and more companies are tearing down walls, opening up spaces, crowd-sourcing ideas from… Read More

How to Address Office Hoarding

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Ever wonder why some people’s desks at work are overflowing with what appears to emptied filing cabinets, a breakfast bar, and a supply closet? Could they be *GASP* hoarders? With hoarding entering into our culture in a very graphic way thanks to A&E’s Hoarders and TLC’s Hoarding: Buried Alive, it’s not a big stretch to ponder what it could mean for you and your office environment. Hoarding, even if it’s just office supplies, implies a disorganized and struggling employee/co-worker. Files are strewn about in unidentifiable piles and pouring out of folders. Food may be left out in open containers possibly… Read More