Help me make my new office better/more efficient?
August 12, 2013 5:24 PM Subscribe
Work just moved me into my own office space and I would like suggestions on anything either technological or not to improve my workspace- apparently this is a good time to ask the business office for additional things.
I currently have two monitors, a sound system and a chair that are good enough, a mini fridge, wall art, and plants. My generic institutional desk and associated drawers are fixed in place. At some point I will probably put in FLOR carpet tiles over the institutional rug.
Do I need my own printer? Fancy keyboard or mouse (I am on the computer 75% of the time but have not had any problems and never felt the need to upgrade)? Any lighting suggestions- I could probably use a floor lamp instead of the overhead fluorescents. What other things could I ask for to make this space better? Thanks!
I currently have two monitors, a sound system and a chair that are good enough, a mini fridge, wall art, and plants. My generic institutional desk and associated drawers are fixed in place. At some point I will probably put in FLOR carpet tiles over the institutional rug.
Do I need my own printer? Fancy keyboard or mouse (I am on the computer 75% of the time but have not had any problems and never felt the need to upgrade)? Any lighting suggestions- I could probably use a floor lamp instead of the overhead fluorescents. What other things could I ask for to make this space better? Thanks!
Headset for phone calls if you ever have conference calls.
posted by Ms Vegetable at 5:33 PM on August 12, 2013
posted by Ms Vegetable at 5:33 PM on August 12, 2013
USB wall charger
Extra chair for office guests
Anything to improve ergonomics-- keyboard stand, foot rest
Air purifier
One of those things that lets you hang paper documents at the same level as your keyboard so you can refer to it as you type
I used to keep an electric kettle in my office to encourage drinking herbal tea rather than overdosing on coffee/candy/snacks.
posted by Schielisque at 6:31 PM on August 12, 2013
Extra chair for office guests
Anything to improve ergonomics-- keyboard stand, foot rest
Air purifier
One of those things that lets you hang paper documents at the same level as your keyboard so you can refer to it as you type
I used to keep an electric kettle in my office to encourage drinking herbal tea rather than overdosing on coffee/candy/snacks.
posted by Schielisque at 6:31 PM on August 12, 2013
If the current chair is only "good enough" and you spend 75% of time on the computer, I'd ask for a better, excellent chair regardless.
posted by xm at 6:38 PM on August 12, 2013
posted by xm at 6:38 PM on August 12, 2013
Depending on how you work, and the kind of work you do - a white board.
You can write up your list of your projects, and use it to keep track of deadlines, statuses etc - maybe I'm old school, but I find this works better for me than something on the computer. Or for the day's to do list - so satisfying to erase things once they're done! Easy for your manager to see what you've got on for the day as well. Or use it to draw charts, illlustrate things etc when explaining things or brainstorming. If your office culture allows it, it's also a fun way for you and your coworkers to leave each other messages and indulge your inner artist.
I would also usually suggest a cork board - but you could probably use your mini-fridge + magnets for this function. Useful to stick things up which are peripherally related to work - eg invites to work functions, postcards, menu for your favourite lunch spot, the "how to handle a bomb threat" checklist, the caricature that someone drew of you once...
posted by pianissimo at 7:23 PM on August 12, 2013
You can write up your list of your projects, and use it to keep track of deadlines, statuses etc - maybe I'm old school, but I find this works better for me than something on the computer. Or for the day's to do list - so satisfying to erase things once they're done! Easy for your manager to see what you've got on for the day as well. Or use it to draw charts, illlustrate things etc when explaining things or brainstorming. If your office culture allows it, it's also a fun way for you and your coworkers to leave each other messages and indulge your inner artist.
I would also usually suggest a cork board - but you could probably use your mini-fridge + magnets for this function. Useful to stick things up which are peripherally related to work - eg invites to work functions, postcards, menu for your favourite lunch spot, the "how to handle a bomb threat" checklist, the caricature that someone drew of you once...
posted by pianissimo at 7:23 PM on August 12, 2013
Not just any headset, but a wireless one! For standing up during calls, stretching, getting coffee, going to the bathroom, etc.
Coathooks for coats, umbrellas, bags, and anything else that deserves better than the floor.
Chairs for people visiting or discussing things.
An inbox so that when people need to drop things off, they know where to put it.
Footrest if you're sitting - but you should look into a standing desk too.
Extension cords and surge protectors so that you can plug in your phone on your desk, not at the outlet behind you or next to the mini fridge.
posted by meowzilla at 7:38 PM on August 12, 2013 [1 favorite]
Coathooks for coats, umbrellas, bags, and anything else that deserves better than the floor.
Chairs for people visiting or discussing things.
An inbox so that when people need to drop things off, they know where to put it.
Footrest if you're sitting - but you should look into a standing desk too.
Extension cords and surge protectors so that you can plug in your phone on your desk, not at the outlet behind you or next to the mini fridge.
posted by meowzilla at 7:38 PM on August 12, 2013 [1 favorite]
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posted by jenkinsEar at 5:25 PM on August 12, 2013 [2 favorites]