Workspace:
Engineer your environment to increase productivity and focus.
Dual monitors are standard office fare for increasing productivity. Have you ever thought of dual desks? Crazy as it might sound it works for me. I have an analog desk and a digital desk. The analog desk is a beautiful wooden desk with six drawers and two pull out desk extensions. It is the traditional desk and is very special to me as it is not only my first desk at this job but it was my Grandfather’s desk and it has been in the family longer than I’ve been alive. The digital desk is a black glass top desk from IKEA.
Analog Desk
Specifications: Wooden construction 1950s Era desk
6 drawers – 1 is a file drawer
2 desk extension pullouts
This desk is primarily used for signing checks, use of the Sketchpad, writing tasks, anything that related to paper and analog systems. It has a writing pad to protect the top surface, two bins for incoming mail the Wall Street Journal and work in progress, and holds anything related to processing paper including crayons for the kids. In addition to it being my Grandfather’s desk I also inherited and still use his letter opener and paperweights.
Digital Desk
Specifications: GALANT Desk from IKEA
Metal and Glass construction
63” x 31 ½” x 23 5/8”
The Digital desk is where most of the work gets done. Aside from the notepad and two books supporting the monitors at the ergonomically right height for me, the desk supports most of my digital tools. Computer, two monitors, scanner, webcam, mouse, keyboard, speakers, and phone.
The Chair
Specifications: Steelcase Leap with optional headrest
By far one of the best investments we have ever made. One of the most comfortable chairs I’ve ever had the pleasure of sitting in for hours at a time. We ordered ours from Marie Leach at Commercial Furnishings in Macon, Georgia.
Engineering my environment
One of the areas I focus on with myself personally and with my employees is to develop an environment that fosters productivity. Each distraction can cause you to lose focus for 23 minutes! We have found clutter to be distracting at our office I strive for a clutter free environment. A great resource for creating your Zen space is Leo Babauta’s Zen Habits. Here’s one of his posts on Creating a Peaceful, Relaxed Workday. Those of you who’ve known my Father or have visited the office realize that we are not talking about his workspace. He has found what works for him and that is a cluttered desk which is fine since the science supports him. That’s right a cluttered desk inspires creativity.
That’s another thing we all have noticed, everyone is different and what works for one person may not necessarily work another person. When we work with a client to help them meet their goals the advice and plan is designed for them personally. If you are interested in how we can engineer a plan to meet your goals please feel free to contact me Jim@beallfp.com.
This post is part of a series modeled on the popular How I Work series on Lifehacker.com