Clare Kumar

Powering up Productivity & Pleasure

Comfort

Spring Clearing Series – An inspiring, comfortable office is a productive office

3 min read

This post is sponsored by Staples Canada. As always, opinions are my own.

I had the pleasure of touring to a few cities in Canada this spring to share ways to be more productive this season. Not only do we need to think about being productive in how we accomplish what we want to do, it pays to find solutions which are as effective and efficient as possible. I gathered a few ideas which provide one-stop shopping or deliver complete solutions for you, and in this five blog series, I’ll share the benefits of each one.

 

Happier workers are more productive

As you might imagine, several studies1 validate the premise that happier workers are more productive. In fact, somewhere between 10 and 20% more productive. One analysis suggests that “Workplaces with ‘very satisfied’ employees had higher labour productivity, higher quality of output, and higher overall performance.”2 In fact, small shifts in well-being are directly correlated to big shifts in performance.3

 

Productivity can be pretty. Standout supplies from Staples Canada.

 

So, what keeps people happy at work?

Our happiness is influenced by a wide variety of things including

  1. personal experience – core beliefs and values, genetics, age, gender, personality, temperament and preferences, and health
  2. family and social circumstance
  3. what happens while at work – the people, events, culture, and environments involved

Digging further into happiness at work there are a huge number of influencers including role clarity, value alignment, relationships with colleagues, the level of autonomy we experience, the opportunity for personal growth, and the physical office environment. Most people work best in a well-organized, inspiring space.

 

3 ways to create a productive and pleasing workspace

1. Personalize Your Space

Choosing decorative and functional elements in palettes and finishes that reflect your personal tastes can make your workspace more inviting. Staples Canada, rebranding in early 2019 as “The Working and Learning Company”, understands that.

Crayon bar at Staples Canada, University Avenue, Toronto.

Pop into the flagship store in downtown Toronto, and you’ll find a bright, airy, membership-based co-working space, auditorium and invitingly laid out shopping experience. Explore the venue to find a robust stationery section complete with an ample selection of journals, pen bar, and inviting bins of crayons in a multitude of colours. You can’t miss the full-service print shop and a significant “Tech Discovery Zone”.

 

What really stands out though are the office space vignettes. Staples has partnered with design icon Joe Mimran to create 10 stylish Workspaces from colourful to retro to a gamer’s dream, making it easier for you to picture what you might create in your space. Here are a couple of examples:

 

white desk, white chair, black floor lamp, black desk lamp, wall clock
The “Keep It Simple” office vignette at Staples Canada

 

 

white desk, black chair, coral office storage, wall clocks, umbra hook
The vibrant “Live In Colour” office vignette at Staples Canada

 

As you might guess from the way I dress and the way I decorated my condo, I love colour with a bit of glam. Here are a few treasures I picked to show off on tour:

Swingline Stapler

 

white and gold stapler
Swingline stapler, so elegant in white and gold.

 

Nifty Keyboard

pink keyboard with raised keys
This pretty in pink keyboard from Nifty makes keyboarding practice more fun.

 

Poppin creates an assortment of desk accessories to get you both organized and energized.

Turquoise file sorter

 

file sorter turquoise
Energizing turquoise Poppin document holder.

 

 

Gold Pencil pouch

gold pencil case
Dazzling gold Poppin pencil pouch

2. Green it up!

Studies of offices in the UK and The Netherlands revealed that plants in the office boosted productivity up to 15% while increasing both engagement and satisfaction. 4

plants in office space
Adding plants is a low-cost way to improve the quality of your workspace.

 

Earlier this week I visited a branch of a major bank. There was plenty of brand-based colour but little else that might have been deemed decorative in the space. It lacked soul. I commented that plants would be a lovely addition and the teller pointed to a vertical bundle of brown twigs a few feet away proclaiming, “We have sticks!” Adding plants is a fairly small upfront investment and with a little nurturing can bring continuous healthy energy to your space.

3. Keep your space comfortable

There has been significant debate recently about open versus closed offices, or what I prefer, mixed space environments. As a highly sensitive person, noisy and visually stimulating environments are quite exhausting to me, so as soon as it was possible, I chose to work more of the time from home. Being able to craft my work environment was a huge benefit to me and left me with more energy at the end of the day I could choose to invest in personal wellness, my family or other interests.

 

Clare Kumar at desk in tidy organized home office
Working from a well-organized home office makes for a productive lifestyle.

 

A study reveals that females prefer more light than males. There are also differences in the appreciation of noise and temperature with women preferring higher temperatures and less noise. Yet, there is no variance in preferences for formal / information working environments and the need for mobility. Recommendations from the study suggest that those crafting spaces pay attention to the demographics of their work environments and encourage responding to the needs of those using the space. 5

 

Sources

 

  1. The Connection between happiness and productivity
  2. Worker well-being and performance
  3. Small Shifts in well-being boost performance
  4. Benefits of Plants
  5. Office Innovations to improve happiness and productivity

Spring Clearing Series – Comfort Drives Productivity – How to Banish Dry Eye

This post is sponsored. As always, all opinions are my own.

I had the pleasure of touring to a few cities in Canada this spring to share ways to be more productive this season. Not only do we need to think about being productive in how we accomplish what we want to do, it pays to find solutions which are as effective and efficient as possible. I gathered a few ideas which provide one-stop shopping or deliver complete solutions for you, and in this “Spring Clearing” series of blog posts, I’ll share the benefits of each one.

In my Productivity CPR™ model, the “P” in CPR stands for Performance which is all about taking care of the human animal that is you. The goal? To preserve your energy and attention so you can bring both to your intentions.

Within Performance, there are eight Productivity Table Stakes™ which need to be present in your life for maximum performance. One is “Comfort”. If you’re not feeling comfortable, it is highly likely your mind is diverting attention to what is irritating you, at least for some of the time. Think of a hot, humid day or sitting in an airplane seat which the small child, or in the case of my last flight, a rather tall man is behind you is constantly poking. Or how about that feeling of having something stuck in your eye?

 

Systane Complete eye drop bottle and box
Systane Complete is the one-stop drop to take care of Dry Eye.

What is Dry Eye?

According to the Canadian Association of Optometrists, Dry Eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears, or the tears that your eyes do produce do not have the right chemical composition. Tears are necessary to lubricate the eyes, keeping them comfortable, and maintaining clear vision.  I am one of over 30% of Canadians suffer from Dry Eye, with it affecting more women than men.

 

What causes Dry Eye?

Dry eye can be caused by a number of factors. Here are some of the most common:

  1. Age – as you get older it is natural to produce fewer tears
  2. Environment – smoke, wind and dry climates can trigger greater evaporation of tears
  3. Activities – reading on a screen or watching tv for lengthy periods may result in less blinking
  4. Chemistry – Some medications and hormonal changes may interfere with tear production

 

What are the symptoms of Dry Eye?

For the past few years, I’ve suffered gritty, scratchy eyes and sometimes there’s a burning feeling. I’ve often felt like there was something in my eye. I learned from my optometrist that these are symptoms of Dry Eye. Last year, I also experienced a few minutes of blurry vision a handful of times (which totally freaked me out).  Thankfully my vision corrected on its own after a few minutes, but it always left me with a feeling of worry. I had no idea until recently that blurry vision is also a symptom of Dry Eye. Excessive tearing can also be a natural body response to soothe the irritation.

 

What can you do about dry eye?

A few years ago, my optometrist confirmed I had Dry Eye and recommended I take artificial tears to add lubrication. Since there is more than one kind of dry eye, from not enough tear production to tear evaporation or a mixture of the two, it’s important to have the right drops on hand. Thankfully it’s easier than ever now that Systane Complete, an over-the-counter remedy, is available as it treats all three types. Each drop spreads a mixture of moisture and lipids across the eye in a fast-acting yet long-lasting formula.

In some cases, prescription eye drops may be recommended, or even plugging the tear ducts to prevent tears leaving the eye. Systane Omega-3 Supplements have been proven to help in the prevention and treatment of Dry Eye.  Ignoring Dry Eye could lead to eye infections or tissue damage.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s worth a visit to your optometrist to find the right solution for you.

 

SOURCES

https://cnib.ca/en/sight-loss-info/your-eyes/eye-diseases/dry-eye?region=on

https://opto.ca/health-library/dry-eye

https://eyewire.news/articles/alcon-introduces-systane-complete-solution-for-dry-eye/

 

I work with organizations who want to achieve their objectives and protect their people from disengagement and burnout. It’s all about inspiring leaders and their teams to cultivate sustainable performance.

Book a Discovery Call to learn more about a range of engaging talks and effective coaching.

 

Spring Clearing Series – Breathe easier with clean indoor air!

honeywell air purifier
The Honeywell HPA100 True HEPA Air Purifier with Allergen Remover cleans your indoor air which can often be more polluted than the air outside. This post is sponsored by Honeywell. As always, opinions are my own.

I had the pleasure of traveling to a few cities in Canada this spring to share ways to be more productive this season. Not only do we need to think about being productive in how we accomplish what we want to do, it pays to find solutions which are as effective and efficient as possible. I gathered a few ideas which provide one-stop shopping or deliver complete solutions for you, and in the next five blog posts, I’ll share the benefits of each one.

 

In my model for sustainable performance, Productivity CPR™, the P stands for Performance which is all about taking care of the human animal that is you.

 

Because it’s invisible, it’s easy to ignore the air that is all around us, but did you know that according to the Environmental Protection Agency reports that indoor air can often be 2-5 times, more polluted than outdoor air. 1

[Read more…] about Spring Clearing Series – Breathe easier with clean indoor air!

Defining Your Office Style

Given the amount of time spent in our offices, it makes sense to create spaces we truly enjoy being in. Since offices hold a large variety of items, selecting a style can help unify the space and reduce visual chaos. In this post we’ll consider furniture, soft furnishings and lighting.

Defining Your Office Style

Furniture

Natural wood is an age-old favourite for office furniture. Available in a wide range of finishes, it adds warmth to any space from traditional to contemporary.

Most factory finished surfaces are durable and ready to stand up to daily use. Laminated surfaces are scratch resistant, easy to clean and come in a variety of colours.

Metal and glass combinations offer clean lines and provide a more industrial look. Carefully consider the placement of glass pieces as they reflect light which could be distracting. Glass is susceptible to showing finger prints and streaks which could be aggravating and it also offers no place for electrical cords to hide. Cordless computer peripherals and cable management systems will help avoid a cluttered desk area especially if you select a transparent top.

A hot trend right now is the combination of light coloured wood and metal shelving, tables and desks. When kitting out your office, try and purchase all the pieces you think you will need for the space at one time to avoid being disappointed later if items are discontinued or colours change.

Soft Furnishings

In addition to making an office appearance more textured, comfortable, and inviting, soft furnishings such as carpet and draperies or blinds also dampen sound. In a noisy office environment this will help people avoid distractions and maintain focus on their work. Consider durable, easy-to-clean, natural fabrics.

If you will be rolling chairs or filing carts, keep carpet pile low so wheels roll freely. Make sure rug edges won’t get caught in the wheels.

Lighting

In every office space, you will want to consider natural, ambient, and task lighting.

Fluorescent lights provide light with no shadows however they can cause fatigue because they don’t display the full spectrum provided by sunlight. Light from the full spectrum helps set our circadian rhythm. Without this, we can feel like we’ve spent the whole day in the dark. Change old bulbs as soon as they flicker to avoid additional fatigue.

Incandescent lamps or ceiling fixtures provide warmer ambient light and can be placed on dimmers for control. Halogen up-lights also do a good job. LED lights are becoming more powerful but so far have not been as strong as other lights.

For task lights, consider a full-spectrum light on an adjustable neck so you can focus it where you’re working. Place the lamp on the same side as your non-dominant hand to avoid casting shadows on your writing.

What makes your office comfortable and inspiring? Mine includes two bright orange bookcases and a circular rug in orange and fuchsia. Hmmm, wonder where I got that colour scheme…

PRODUCTIVITY TRUTH: Given the amount of time spent in our offices, create a space you truly enjoy being in.

Facing Fall – Seven strategies to boost your energy for the “Dark Half”

 

Clare Kumar walking outside in the sun
Making the most of a sunny day!

I know fall has technically just started, but I’m feeling it full force in the mornings. We are entering the dark half of the year, when light levels are lowest north of the equator.  Light levels affect our melatonin production. In darkness, we produce more, making us sluggish and sleepy.  It’s harder to get up, and once home at the end of the day, harder to go out.

When I worked in a corporate cubicle and travelled there by subway, I used to feel anxiety about the impending change of seasons as early as July 31st. Can you relate to what I’m talking about? I was never diagnosed, but I figured I had a solid case of SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder. In the mid-90’s, November in Toronto was in various shades of sombre gray – the depressing, not titillating kind.  I committed to leaving the city, which I did for nine years.

During that time I was able to shift to work from home in a light-filled space, and with more flexibility in schedule to get outside in natural light, I now have nowhere near the anxiety I used to fear. It hasn’t turned into a love of winter, but I’m now able to appreciate the sun bouncing off the snow and the afternoon glow that penetrates further into my office.

 

1. Get enough sleep

Most people need between 7 and 9 hours per night.  If you’re like me and suffer from “just one more thing” syndrome which prevents you from getting to bed early enough, consider setting an alarm for “bedtime”.  With enough sleep and a consistent routine, you will likely not need a wake-up alarm in the morning.  Here’s what the National Sleep Foundation has to say about how much sleep is ideal.

 

2. Spend time outside each day

If it’s not your natural urge to be outside in cold weather, you’ll want to find ways to boost your exposure to daylight. Walk part of the way to work, take part in an outdoor winter sport, park a little further from the mall entrance.   If that’s difficult, consider using a now-widely available light lamp to amp up (ooh, catch that?) the quality and number of rays you’re receiving.  If you’re considering purchasing one, you’ll want to read this list of things to consider.

 

3. Respect your energy levels

It takes more time and energy just getting around in cold winter, so it pays to be more selective in what you choose to invest your time and energy.  I will be cutting back on activities which take me out in the evening when I would rather be winding down the day.

 

4. Supplement your Vitamin D

Even with natural light and a healthy diet, you are likely not getting enough Vitamin D, a key ingredient for our bodies for fighting inflammation and for repair. In fact, since the precursor to Vitamin D is synthesized on your skin, which requires your skin to be exposed to the sun when it is higher than 31.5 degrees in the sky (according to Dr. Michael Hollick), you can’t make it yourself in a good chunk of the year. Here is a guide to recommended dosing from the Mayo Clinic.

 

5. Limit carbohydrates and sugar

Watch the ratio of carbs to other foods.  Carbs can make you sleepy and prone to talking yourself out of the exercise that will boost your endorphins and therefore your energy.

 

6. Dress warmly

It took moving to Montreal for me to concede that it was better to dress warmly than try to stay stylish in the cold.  Good thing that coincided with the advent of down coats becoming fashionable and affordable, though I confess to having started with head-to-toe sheepskin. I had to wait for a bus to work, and nothing blocked the wind like that coat.  If you are feeling cold, your body is under stress, you think less clearly and are ultimately less productive, never mind the fact feeling frozen is horribly uncomfortable.

 

7. Incorporate colour

Checking out stores for fall clothing and you’ll see the palette is decidedly more sombre, but who says your wardrobe has to be?  I’ve had persimmon orange and radiant orchid down coats and I swear they energize not only me, but the people I meet. It’s as if your clothes are smiling.  If you have a dark winter coat, add some pizzazz with a bright scarf and toque!

 

How do you keep your spirits up through fall and winter?  I’d love to hear what you do.

 

Note: The information on this site is offered as an information resource only.  It should not be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.

This post was originally published on www.streamlife.ca and has been updated.

 

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