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How to find more productive places to work from home

Rolling cart by kitchen table as desk

(This post is sponsored by Samsung Canada and Staples Canada. All opinions – and the cat – are my own.)

With more people working and studying from home because of the pandemic, our home study spaces can be seriously under pressure. Nothing is more stressful than having everyone dive into the office for the coveted, quiet spot in the house at the same time.

I’ve got three tips for you to take the pressure off! Better understanding what each person has to do should help you expand the variety of suitable places to work in your home and help confirm the need for any additional furniture or technology to support you.

Step One – Complete a task audit.

Take some time to think through each person’s commitments and specifically what kinds of activities they will undertake. It can be helpful to think through these tasks in three categories:

a) Consumption – Taking in new information by reading, listening, or watching.

b) Creation – Making new works on a computer or with paper, music, food, or other materials

c) Collaboration – Working with others

Prepare an inventory of all tasks including such activities such as attending online classes, reviewing notes, drawing, colouring, podcasting, writing on a whiteboard, reading, and meeting with others (virtually or socially distanced), and of course, mind wandering.

For each task, identify the technology or materials that will support you in accomplishing your task. Technology is always innovating and often the improvements can drive a significant productivity boost. Samsung Canada sent me two products in their lineup to try out.

A more powerful tablet

It used to be that tablets were ideal for consuming information but a challenge when it came to creating. Since my first tablet, about ten years ago, tablets have evolved dramatically. I remember feeling so liberated by the tablet which I could use while reclining after a car accident left me unable to sit at my desk for the second half of the day. But there was a lot I couldn’t do.

Clare sitting on sofa using Samsung tablet with S pen

The brand new Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ with its 12.4-inch display (and its smaller 11-inch sister, the Galaxy Tab S7) combines the power of a pc with the portability of a tablet. To be released in Canada on September 18th, 2020 both tablets will be available just as classes are starting across the country.

 

Tablet showing a written description of the benefits of the S pen - low latency, helpful haptic and precision point

Both versions come with an “S” pen, which Samsung also refers to as a “magic wand”. That made me curious! Since high school, I have enjoyed hand-writing my notes but so far haven’t tried an electronic solution that felt as comfortable as writing in a regular paper notebook. Not only do old habits die hard, there are studies that show handwriting improves memory retention(1) in part because there is more time to think while writing than typing. And if you’re sharing your notes, you can convert your writing text for easier readability.

Latency, the delay for the image to show up while writing, has been reduced to a hard-to-notice 9 ms – and the haptic of friction and sound while writing now means that taking notes on a tablet provides an experience which closely mirrors the feeling of writing on paper. It feels good.

What about the magic? The “S” pen includes sensors that detect motion enabling shortcuts for your workflow and a click button which offers remote control for your camera and presentations.

Enjoy a better, brighter screen

Have you ever been working on a laptop outside and been frustrated because it was difficult to see the screen? Samsung has brought the QLED technology pioneered in its television lineup to laptops for a portable cinematic viewing quality.

Galaxy Book Ion on a patio chair showing the easy to see screen
QLED stands for quantum dot LED (light-emitting diode). According to CNET, “Quantum dots are microscopic nanocrystals that glow a specific wavelength (i.e. color) when given energy.”(2) It’s this extra light that gives the screen a brightness boost making it easy to see in the most illuminated rooms. An “Outdoor Mode” kicks the light up even further with a function key.
First introduced in May 2020, the Galaxy Book Ion is a beautifully crafted, sleek and slim, less-than-a-kilogram light laptop with a battery that will carry you through your day and then some. The extra bright screen and easy portability open up more workspace possibilities.

Step Two – Pick a posture.

Comfort is a key ingredient for maximum productivity and performance. If we are uncomfortable, it is a real-time distraction and what I call “energy thief” and can also be the beginnings of a long-term injury. Paying attention to the ergonomics of each environment for each person cannot be overlooked and one size does not fit all. That said, there are more options than you might think for working effectively. Here are some thoughts to consider.

a) Sitting

Student desk, chair and office supplies
Photo: Staples Canada

Let’s tackle the most obvious work posture first. Whether at a desk or a table, make sure your wrists are flat when using your keyboard. This might mean raising the chair. If your feet are now dangling, add a footrest. A footrest not only supports your legs, it helps keep you sitting properly with your lower back against the back of the chair. If you are not feeling the chair back when fully in the seat, add a pillow or lumbar support. Note that women have deeper curves in their lumbar area of the spine and will likely need more support than men.

If you’re using a computer for longer than an hour, invest in a separate wireless keyboard and mouse, as well as a laptop stand to place the screen at a more comfortable viewing height and distance. Your neck will thank you.

Staples Canada has many affordable chair and desk options to choose from. If you’ve been struggling to make do, it could be time to create another workstation to keep everyone comfortable.

b) Standing
Create standing workstations to not only ease the pressure on your sitting stations and on your backs! When setting up a standing station, follow the guidance above with respect to flat wrists while keyboarding and placing the screen in the right place. An anti-fatigue mat (or what I use, a pair of cork-soled Birkenstocks) will keep you more comfortable, as will the use of a footrest to raise one leg, keeping your lower spine happy.

c) Moving
Research from Stanford University confirms that creativity increases significantly while you’re walking (3)…and shortly afterward, no matter whether it’s indoors or out. Think about what can be accomplished while walking. Voice recording your thoughts is a wonderful way to capture new ideas.

Reclining on a sofa using a tablet

d) Reclining
Though reclining during the day has the air of appearing unprofessional to some, we may be compromising our most profound thinking in what I call “Mind Wandering” time. It’s also the perfect posture when you want to relax and take some pressure off your spine. Working from home, you’ve never been closer to a comfy sofa or your bed. Arianna Huffington, now chief of Thrive Global, and I agree, you should have places to relax and rest at work (4). It’s part of sustaining your performance. Be careful not to overdo it though and create an association with work in your bedroom as it might affect your ability to fall asleep. (5)

Step 3 – Respect preferences and privacy.

As human animals,  we have different sensitivities to our surroundings and to be most productive these need to be respected. You might not feel bothered by visual stimulation (clutter), noise, or the energy of other people, but some in your family may be. In general, it is an act of love to cater to the most sensitive amongst you.

a) Organize your space to reduce visual stimulation.

Blush coloured desk organizer
Create order on your desk, behind workspaces (for the camera) and in front to avoid distractions. Desk organizers keep supplies handy and tidy. They also save space by storing items vertically thereby using a smaller footprint.

b) Make it easy to tidy up.

Top shelf of rolling cart with desk organizer and headphones
Use a rolling cart to help create an instant office in another room. This cart with three levels has ample storage for supplies, reference materials, and healthy snacks.

c) Curate your soundscape.
We have different preferences for sounds while we work. Some love the clamour of a coffee shop, something the free version Noisli provides, along with a variety of more soothing sounds like rain, streams, and a crackling fire. Other more recently developed sites such as the straight-forwardly named Sound of Colleagues provide recordings of all sorts of office noises to help cue you to get to work…or if you’re like me, remind me just why I wanted to work from home so much in the first place. Thank goodness there was no sound of nail clipping, something one of my colleagues used to do regularly. I wish I was kidding.

For many students and workers, it is necessary to mask other sounds. Making an investment in noise-canceling headphones is your best bet to eliminate unwanted sounds as you can keep your listening volume lower. For growing kids, headphones that cap the sound volume to 85 decibels are a help. In 2015, the World Health Organization pointed out that over 1.1 billion young people may be at risk of hearing loss because of “unsafe listening practices” (6), so when you use headphones, pay attention to safe volumes.

Step 4 – Cocreate a family schedule

With all these insights and options, avoid any last-minute conflicts by discussing your needs and preferred workspaces as part of a regular #hometeam meeting. I recommend once a week, on the weekend or at the start of the week. It is an appropriate time to review your commitments and work together to help each other achieve your objectives in the most comfortable and productive places to work.

For more tips, visit www.clarekumar.com/workfromhome
And if you want to work through any of this with a coach, it would be my pleasure to assist. Good luck on the journey.

 

Sources
1. The Benefits of Handwriting
http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/apr18/vol75/num07/The-Magic-of-Writing-Stuff-Down.aspx

2. Quantum Dots
https://www.cnet.com/news/quantum-dots-how-nanocrystals-can-make-lcd-tvs-better/

3. Boost Creativity While Walking
https://news.stanford.edu/2014/04/24/walking-vs-sitting-042414/

4. Rest and Recline at Work
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/thrive-nap-room-coco-mat-arianna-huffington

5. Working in the Bedroom Might Challenge Your Sleep
http://healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/healthy/getting/overcoming/tips”>

6. Teens at Risk of Hearing Loss
https://globalnews.ca/news/5307570/headphones-earbuds-hearing-loss/

Filed Under: Comfort, Home Office, Home Organizing, Movement, Productivity, Products, Technology, Wellness

Choose wisely in the “dark half” – Smart food choices, inspiring desk accessories and a printer worthy of display

If you’re in the northern hemisphere, in October we’re entering the “dark half”. Have you noticed the light slipping away? According to www.timeanddate.com, we receive about 3 minutes less sunlight each day. If you’re like me, this translates directly into less energy and this can hamper productivity. I want to hold onto my spark in the dark, so, it’s especially helpful to find products and services that help me do what I need to do while respecting my STEM Resources™ of Space, Time, Energy and Money.

 

1. The printer that truly respects your resources

The HP Tango printer saves space, time, energy and can even save you money, all with a much-appreciated sense of style.

Spending more time inside means we notice our surroundings that much more and if cluttered, they can cause stress. I’ve seen many home workspaces with printers that have made the room feel somewhat institutional. Not every home has the luxury of a dedicated office so it can be a huge win to find a printer that combines style and function.

sleek white printer on top of cabinet
The gorgeous lines of the HP Tango printer.

The HP Tango printer with its clean, compact, simple, and elegant design is a space saver. It fits neatly on 16” shelves and with WiFi and remote access via the HP Smart app, you can place it almost anywhere. With a choice of complementary covers, it can be integrated even further into your space.

Cork cover conceals the HP Tango printer
The HP Tango printer is cleverly concealed in this stunning cork wrap.

Check out how this cork cover complements the medium wood tones I have in my office. There is a grey linen cover available too, if that’s more your colourway.

That’s great for space, but what about time, energy and money? The HP Tango Instant Ink program has got you covered. You can subscribe to automatic ink delivery based on the number of pages you print per month. No more worrying about choosing between colour or black and white. No more running out of ink at the wrong moment. For peace of mind, flexibility is built-in as unused pages are rolled over and applied to pages in addition to your monthly allowance.

As a bonus, photos under 5×7” don’t count towards your page limit. Sweet!

In addition to your resources, HP is also respecting those of the environment. Cartridge recycling and shipping is included. You can wait to send a few cartridges back at once to minimize the number of times you ship.

Using plastic from recycled printers and other electronics, the HP Tango is made with more than 30% closed-loop recycled plastic by weight. HP Original ink cartridges are made with 48 – 73% recycled plastic, and HP-branded paper with 100% certified fiber or recycled content.

 

For more information about the HP Tango, visit this page.

For more information about the Instant Ink program, visit HP Instant Ink.

And for information on recycling cartridges, check out the HP Planet Partners program.

 

2. Add some design savvy to your desk

Finding stylish office accessories has never been easier thanks to the latest collaboration between Canadian design icon, Joe Mimran, and Staples Canada. Mixing function and fashion, here are a few treasures from the line to keep you happy at work this winter.

 

sleek office accessories in grey, silver and black

 

In this photo:

  1. Large Pad Folio in Gray – Make the best use of both technology and good old paper with this refined Pad Folio complete with integrated device stand.
  2. Keep your pens and loose change from cluttering your desk in this sturdy terrazzo organizer
  3. Focus Tip: Add a calming scent to the sophisticated ceramic diffuser to promote attention in a more comfy, less dry atmosphere.
  4. Listen to some energizing music via this cloth-covered wireless speaker

 

sleek desk clock in silver, beside ceramic black diffuser

 

5. Keeping track of time never looked so good. This sleek, silver desk clock will wow your clients for less than you think.

6. Worthy of gift-giving is this pen in a compelling combination of metal and wood in its very own metal case.

For more, search the Gry Mattr line at www. staples.ca

 

3. Making smart food choices just got easier

Eating nutritiously is important all year round, but as the temperature drops, I prefer more cooked food and shop a little differently. no name® brand foods have been in my shopping cart for years (the brand was launched in the late 70’s!) for these reasons:

  1. The products I’ve tried have consistently been of good quality.
  2. The packaging has been easy to understand and comes in handy when labelling storage containers at home.
  3. I’ve consistently saved money when compared to other brands.
bag of oats beside container the oats will be stored in
Organizing tip 1 – Transfer produce in bags into easy to manage storage containers.

 

Oats in container beside can of hot chocolate and bottle of honey to show easy to read labels
Organizing Tip 2 – Use the packaging to make a label. no name brand labels are so easy to read they make for perfect in-pantry labels, too.

But what really got me interested in working together was the launch of no name® Simple Check™ products. I first noticed the no name® Simple Check™  symbol on my favourite sour cream and onion potato chips in the spring of 2019. I thought it was just a package redesign. I’ve learned there is more to it than that.

New and old package designs to show design changes including coloured titles and the simple check symbol
The new package design on the left will be replacing that on the right.

 

New packaging is on the left with the Simple Check symbol. Colour has been added to the product names for easier recognition in the pantry, as well.

The no name® Simple Check™  symbol indicates the absence of 10 specific ingredients which I prefer not to ingest including synthetic colours, artificial flavours and monosodium glutamate (msg) I invite you to visit the Simple Check™  website to find out more.

The no name Simple Check  symbol quickly reassures me that I’m buying quality food,  eliminating the need to pull out my reading glasses, find the ingredients on a package and read through it slowly! This saves me time and aggravation and helps me make better food choices.

 

This post is sponsored by Loblaw Companies Limited, Staples Canada, and HP. As always, opinions are my own.


I work with organizations to deliver sustainable performance.  If you know of a forward-thinking company who wants to achieve objectives and help their leaders and teams avoid disengagement and burnout, book a Discovery Call to learn more about a range of engaging talks and effective coaching and consulting.

Filed Under: Business Organizing, Comfort, Fuel, Home Office, Home Organizing, Productivity, Products, Reduce-Reuse-Recycle, Wellness Tagged With: design, desk accessories, energy, printer, productivity, style, winter

Spring Clearing Series – Shopping is most productive when selection combines with superb service

Home Depot Customer Service Rep
Smiley Jeison is one of the standout staff at the North Queen Street location of The Home Depot Canada.

Spring always inspires me to do a deep clean of my spaces, both inside and out. I often use basics like vinegar and baking soda, but when I need to tackle a more serious problem, I need a place that will help answer my questions and have the solutions I need.  With a wide range of domestic and professional grade products and a keen commitment to customer service, I head to the Home Depot.

Whether moving homes from Montreal to Toronto and deciding on paint colours, to choosing hardware when upcycling furniture for Habitat for Humanity’s charity efforts. Most recently I wanted to learn more about removing mildew. There is one stubborn spot in my second bathroom that just isn’t coming clean.

 

cleaning aisle at the Home Depot
Robust cleaning aisle at The Home Depot on North Queen Street, Toronto.

Well-marked, I find the cleaning aisle quickly and within seconds, orange-vested Laima, who was happy to help answer my questions. I asked her to help me understand which product would be most effective.  She showed me a range of products from brands I was familiar with, to more powerful products suitable for commercial use, sharing her experiences regarding the relative efficacy and suitability of each product.

Unfortunately, Laima wasn’t so keen on having her photo taken, but trainee, Jeison, was more than happy to oblige.

 

I asked Laima about what was new and interesting in the world of cleaning and clearing products. Here are a few of the treasures we found:

allen's double strength cleaning vinegar
Double strength cleaning vinegar with its higher acetic acid content works harder for you.

 

Natural oil fragrances with no harmful chemicals to add a variety of aromas to your space.

chemical free fragrance sticks Bed&Bath
Room fragrance from Bed &Bath Sticks at The Home Depot.

 

When it comes to clearing in the garage and garden, the tools you choose can make a tedious task more comfortable.  I adore this very wide aluminum dustpan. It catches everything you bring at it with a regular size broom and fits within the width of a wide leaf bag, making cleanup a breeze. In this case, bigger is better.

Quickie Aluminium 17" Dustpan from The Home Depot
The Quickie Aluminium 17″ Dustpan makes for faster cleanup.

 

The Home Depot leaf bags and aluminium dust pan
It fits perfectly into large leaf bags.

 

If bending down is a challenge, this dustpan, which I often see in commercial applications allows for a more comfortable clean up.

Upright lobby dustpan
Reduce the need to bend down with the Upright Lobby Dustpan from Rubbermaid at The Home Depot.

 

When choosing a supplier, be sure to consider their offering, availability of service, flexible policies, proximity and if necessary, shipping/delivery. The more of your needs that are met, the more productive the experience.


I work with organizations to deliver sustainable performance.  If you know of a forward-thinking company who wants to achieve objectives and help their leaders and teams avoid disengagement and burnout, we should talk.

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

 

 

 

Filed Under: Home Organizing, Products Tagged With: cleaning, clearing, home depot, organizing, productivity, spring clearing, the home depot, tidying

Spring Clearing Series – How Oral Care Relates to Productivity, and vice versa

Colgate Total toothpaste, toothbrush
Make time to take care of your whole mouth – a gateway to good health.

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 the next five blog posts, I’ll share the benefits of each one.

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

According to the Mayo Clinic, your oral health can affect your overall health and among other consequences may contribute to cardiovascular disease and, in pregnancy, may even lead to premature deliveries and low birth weights.

We know that regular flossing and brushing are a necessary part of maintaining good oral hygiene. But there’s more to think about.

 

Staying mindful and paying proper attention when you brush can make a difference to the effectiveness of your efforts and pay back with more comfortable visits to the dentist! Here are a few things to keep in mind:

 

1. Duration

Spend two minutes brushing your teeth. Set a timer if you think you’re not spending enough time. I tend to walk around while I’m brushing my teeth…it makes the time go by in a more interesting way. Or choose a favourite song as a tooth brushing anthem and get your groove on while you’re brushing!

 

2. Coverage

It’s important to brush each side of your teeth with equal attention. I spoke with an endodontist recently who recommended that if you’re right-handed, to pay more attention to how you brush the teeth on the right side of your mouth. And vice versa. Because of ergonomics, you might be naturally giving some areas of your mouth less attention than they deserve. Consider switching hands when you switch the sides of your mouth you’re brushing to always be brushing the opposite side.

 

3. Intensity

Be careful not to brush too hard to avoid abrasion of both the enamel and the gums. 1 Stay conscious of the pressure. This can also be helped by brushing with your non-dominant hand. If you’re using an electric toothbrush, listen to the sound of the motor as it will change with increased pressure. Use the sounds a guide to ensure you’re brushing with a light enough touch.

 

4. Feature-rich Toothpaste

Colgate Total has been around for over 20 years now and recently updated their formula to include even more benefits for your whole mouth – teeth, cheeks, gums and tongue. The new Colgate Total  formula fights bacteria to keep breath fresh, reduces plaque, and fights tarter and gingivitis. It also strengthens enamel, fights cavities, and builds a protective layer over sensitive areas of teeth while delivering stain reduction and prevention.

 

5. Floss

For my entire life, I’ve been an inconsistent flosser.  According to the Canadian Health Measures Survey, I am not alone. Only 28% of Canadians floss at least 5 times a week versus 73% who brush twice a day.2 I remember my dentist trying to motivate me as a teenager, telling me he would take pictures of my teeth if I flossed. I have been blessed with Class 1 occlusion, otherwise known as “perfect bite”, which naturally makes for great pics. Unfortunately, his invitation did not motivate me in the slightest!

For me, the trick to flossing regularly is to keep the floss visible and make it more comfortable to use. Good thing there are new products available which are eco-friendly and pretty on the countertop.

 

6. Portable Picks

I carry a small case of toothpicks with me in my Personal Care Kit to handle the urgent feeling that comes with any morsel of food jammed between my teeth, which proves to be a huge distraction.

 

Sources:

  1. https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/basics/threats-to-dental-health/tooth-enamel-repair-approaches-0915

 

  1. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/healthy-living/reports-publications/oral-health/canadian-health-measures-survey.html

I work with organizations to deliver sustainable performance.  If you know of a forward-thinking company who wants to achieve objectives and help their leaders and teams avoid disengagement and burnout, we should talk.

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

Filed Under: Fuel, Nurture, Productivity, Products, Rituals, Wellness

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

Filed Under: Business Organizing, Comfort, Home Office, Products Tagged With: desk accessories, home office, office, plants, poppin, productivity, rose gold, staples, staples canada

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!

Filed Under: Comfort, Performance, Productivity, Products, Technology, Wellness Tagged With: air cleaner, air purifier, clean air, hepa, honeywell

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Core Chair

Enjoy this code, CHAIRLOVE, to receive a special price for your Core Chair.

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Nitehood

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Productivity catalyst, highly sensitive executive coach, and speaker, Clare Kumar cultivates sustainable performance in busy professionals so they can keep making rich contributions in all areas of life and achieve greater fulfillment.

She inspires leaders, professionals, employees and entrepreneurs to respect humanity and boost performance through marrying productivity and pleasure. After all, why shouldn’t you have fun while getting things done?

 

From the Blog

Highly Sensitive Patient Care – How much information do you want to share?

The SEED Model™ of High Sensitivity

LG Home Office Makeover Contest

how do you build connection with a dispersed workf how do you build connection with a dispersed workforce?
that’s exactly what Sally Page, co-founder of @work.tripp and I explore in the latest episode of the Happy Space Podcast.

“there is something very beautiful that happens when a team comes together in terms of their motivation and their kind of performance, when they really come together with purpose…but it’s really hard to do”

and i think it’s important to recognize that simply being together in an office, does not connection make. Dr. Vivek Murthy, when he was the 19th Surgeon General in the US, called out loneliness as an epidemic - before the pandemic. 

Sally recommends:

🧠intentionally crafting connection by building experiences, especially out of the office.

📅choosing a cadence depending on the growth stage of the team or project. quarterly is often ideal.

🎯 focusing on one key thing during the offsite. connection itself can be the goal.

🌳getting out into nature. many studies reveal the benefits and a change of scenery is more memorable.

what are you noticing about building connection at work?

🔗to podcast in bio

#connection #teambuilding #leadership #startup #worktripp #HSP #HappySpacePodcast #happyspacepod #coach
"stay away from the extroverts" said, Tom Peters w "stay away from the extroverts" said, Tom Peters
wait, what? this extrovert had a moment in our podcast interview.

read on to find out what happened in our conversation and why now, Tom says, “look for the quiet and sensitive”!

when I read "Tom Peters' Compact Guide to Excellence", my jaw dropped when he proclaimed that Susan Cain's book "Quiet" is the best business book of this century. the book opened Tom's eyes to the value of quiet, introverted people which had been completely missing from his and many organization's thinking.

in our conversation, when Tom suggested we "stay away from extroverts", being extroverted myself, i was compelled to lobby for sensitive extroverts and offer a counter-thought:

what if it isn't introversion and "quiet" that we need to value?

(i have rarely been accused of being too quiet, despite my middle name meaning "peace" - nice try, mum and dad!)

what if it is sensitivity?

highly sensitive people are superb noticers, process information more deeply, and are adept at synthesizing information. they also innately bring the much-needed empathy required in today’s challenging work world. the 30% of sensitive people who are extroverts (6% of the general population) are a special asset to any organization.

that said, HSPs also need more time to rest and recover during the work day. without that, we are at risk of burning out.

Tom reflects, "I said to somebody, I'm so sensitive to what's going on that I'm always overloading."

Tom immediately revised his "linguistic expression" to say, "look for the quiet and sensitive". I guess I ought to still work on being a bit quieter. ☺

have a listen as Tom and I explore what he calls “extreme humanism”. if we can create work experiences that respect humanity, imagine what we can accomplish.

we can definitely use more Tom Peters-like people in the world.

i'd love to hear what you think. please comment below or on your fave podcast platform.

🔗 link in bio

#hsp #hspcoach #clarekumar #highlysensitiveperson #inclusivity #empathy #sensitivity #leadership #extremehumanism #humanity #productivity
Instagram post 18351377770059912 Instagram post 18351377770059912
Tom Peters is intellectually irritated! he has bee Tom Peters is intellectually irritated! he has been fighting for extreme humanism for 45 years. 

“the message is clear. the message is simple. the message is powerful..."

future of work champions - what can we do to help Tom out? 
comment below!

🔗 in bio for full episode

#futureofwork #humanism #insearchofexcellence
Tom Peters has been revered in the world of busine Tom Peters has been revered in the world of business management ever since releasing the 1982 book In Search of Excellence with co-author Robert Waterman. selling shy of 5 million copies, it is recognized as one of the most influential management works.

in our conversation, we explore Tom’s deep respect for humanity which he refers to as Extreme Humanism. we dive into sensitivity, his fondness for “quiet” people, inclusivity, and the power of female leaders. we tackle the challenges of managing by zooming around and the need for a new kind of leader. 

while some understand a different leadership mindset is required for the current world of work, many don’t. we are, indeed, still in search of excellence.

🔗 to podcast🎙 in bio

#hsp #hspcoach #clarekumar #highlysensitiveperson #inclusivity #empathy #sensitivity #leadership #extremehumanism #humanity
if you want a 4-day week or are curious about impl if you want a 4-day week or are curious about implementing one, you’ll want to join Joe O’Connor an i as we unpack the in-demand 4-day week. 

Mon Mar 13 - noon - 1 pm EDT

the largest trial of the concept wrapped up recently in the UK and Joe was intimately involved. get the inside scoop and your questions answered. 

you’ll also have a chance to win a Sensory Matrix Assessment (you have to stay till the end!)

register via HappySpaceHotTopics.com

#flexibility #4dayweek #worklifeintegration
ooh, it was refreshing to feel spring in the air a ooh, it was refreshing to feel spring in the air at the
@homedepotcanada spring showcase.

from smart lighting, to durable and stylish outdoor furniture (metal that really looks like wood), to new storage solutions from @ryobi_canada 

chatting with the knowledgeable buyers and product specialists to learn what’s new and share some ideas was a highlight. as was seeing media friends. so good to see you IRL!

#FromDoToDone
“the number one thing you do if you want to impr “the number one thing you do if you want to improve performance is promote more women,” says Tom.

the corporate world can often be hard to navigate as a woman. inviting the compassion, understanding, and advocacy of our allies is what we need to design inclusive performance for all.

let’s keep our voices strong throughout the year.

this clip is from the upcoming episode of the Happy Space Podcast, "Still in Search of Excellence" with Tom Peters, dropping march 13th, 2023.

join Tom and me as we explore leadership as influenced by the pandemic, tensions between leaders and the workforce, and how to manage by Zooming around. we also find out why is Tom Peters "intellectually irritated"?

tune in on march 13th on your podcast player of choice, Youtube or www.clarekumar/podcast.

and if you're free, join us on monday at noon EDT for the Happy Space Hot Topics conversation unpacking the 4-day week with special guest Joe O'Connor, former CEO of 4-Day Week.

register via http://www.happyspacehottopics.com/ and be entered to win a prize. (you must be in attendance to win!)

#ALLin #inclusivity #women #leadership
a few hours drive east along the lake and happy to a few hours drive east along the lake and happy to be meeting my clients in Kingston. 

you’ll hear me talking a lot about remote work but sometimes it really is worth travelling to be in person. 

i encourage leaders to be intentional about why they bring people together in person. mix task and team, content and connection, function and fun and there is a greater chance employees will want to participate. 

#acknowledgetheask and make it worthwhile to show up. 

budget for the travel time, energy and expense required. recognize you’re making a withdrawal on personal time. 

design for well-being and performance will flow…
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