The Organised Times Vol 9.6- March 2005
In this issue:
How to Be Healthier
and Happier at Work
Many office-based workers do not realise that the environment they spend a majority of their working week in, may not be good for their health.
Have you ever experienced headaches, respiratory infections, asthma or fatigue? Do these ailments occur at work? What happens when you go on holiday or at the weekends, do they still occur or do they miraculously disappear?
You’ll often find people’s desk drawers contain a variety of pills and potions to alleviate the ailments they experience at work.
John’s Story
John commenced work in a large open plan office a few months ago. He had been promoted from Team Leader in another division to the Manager of this new department. Since that time he has been continually unwell. He went on holiday for two weeks and all his ailments disappeared. A week later he returned to work and again he became sick. This of course greatly affected his productivity because when you feel unwell you don’t feel like doing much work…no matter how motivated you usually are.
Further investigation revealed that absenteeism in this department was high. People would often be away sick. John discovered the whole office had not had a thorough clean in two years…the carpet needed steam cleaning, the blinds had spider webs and thick dust, the partitions which divided the workstations had never been vacuumed.
John immediately organised for the entire office to be cleaned from floor to ceiling. I also suggested that he contact the local nursery to install plants in specific areas. Not only do plants make the environment look good, they assist with air filtration.
When I spoke to John again, he said he was feeling much better… and so did many of his colleagues!
Robyn’s Story
Robyn is the Human Resources Manager in a computer company. She began experiencing bad asthma attacks since moving to her open plan area.
She discovered that the office partitions had never been cleaned since their installation many years ago. The dust was exacerbating her condition. She has since had them thoroughly cleaned and her asthma has subsided!
Sally’s Story
At an on-site workshop I ran for a telecommunications company, one of the participants told us that her previous employer made a cost-cutting decision – to remove all the plants from the office. They had a contract with a plantscaping organisation and thought this would be an easy way to save money.
Within 6 weeks there was a noticeable increase in absenteeism through sickness. (And there wasn’t a flu epidemic at that time).
Save Time, Save Money, Save Yourself
If you want to save time and money and most importantly your health, look at the environment you work in.
Check out some of these areas and ask yourself or whoever is the most appropriate person: When was the last time the following was cleaned and is there an ongoing maintenance programme ?
- Ducted heating
- Air-conditioning
- Fans
- Café Units
- Curtains/Blinds
- Floor
- Windows/walls
- Computers/keyboards
- Workstations
Empower Yourself
Here are a few preventative measures you can take to ensure you remain healthy and happy at work.
- Leave the office
Go for a walk at lunchtime; get some fresh air in your tea breaks. …and you don’t have to have a cigarette as an excuse to go outside.
- Ensure your work area is cleaned regularly
Don’t wait for the cleaners to do it. Clean your desk; vacuum the area, including the partitions and blinds.
- Live Plants
Place live plants near office equipment …photocopiers, computers, printers etc. Plants help filter the air.
- Exercise regularly and eat healthily
If you want to keep fit and stay alive…just do it!
- Electric Oil Burners
Use an electric oil burner and suitable essential oils to improve your productivity and enhance the environment
For more ideas on how to have a healthier and happier workplace see our e-book Get Organised – Get A LIFE!
The Final Word
When you’re busy being busy, you often overlook the little things that make a huge impact on your productivity.
You have every right to work in a safe and healthy environment. If "the powers to be" are serious about the health and welfare of their employees then these issues need to be addressed.
If no-one will to take responsibility and the appropriate action, then you take control and do what you can yourself. After all if you're not prepared to look after yourself, don't expect others to do so.
Have a great week
Lorraine Pirihi
How To Be A Power Negotiator
Free E-Book
Negotiating is a part of living; we do it all the time.
When you walk down a crowded street you negotiate ‘the path you take’. A couple negotiates their relationship before and during marriage. Although you may not realise what’s happening, for example you take out the garbage tonight and I will do the dishes.
And no where do we seem to need good negotiating skills more than at work where we negotiate with staff, clients and suppliers.
Over the years I’ve noticed that some people are very good at getting terrific deals. Most others simply get what the other party is willing to give. What’s the difference?
The first group knows how to negotiate.
Where do people learn to negotiate successfully? There seems to be no schools of negotiating. Those who are successful at negotiation by doing many deals, in other words they learn from their experiences, but some just have a natural talent for it.
If you are not in this latter group and would like to negotiate a better deal on your next property purchase, car purchase or just with your teenage daughter, then my e-book HOW TO BE A POWER NEGOTIATOR is just what you need.
Free Offer
As a reader of The Office Organiser’s newsletter you will able to receive this e-book for free. Just subscribe to Michael’s Property Investment Update, Australia’s leading property e-magazine and you will receive the e-book “How to be a Power Negotiator” as a free bonus.
Just click on www.metropole.com.au and click on subscribe.
 This article was written by Michael Yardney, of Metropole Properties, a leading property development and project management company.
He is the author of Australia’s leading property e- newsletter. Keep up to date with all that is happening in the property market by subscribing to his free monthly Property Investment Update at www.metropole.com.au
Readers' Comments.....
Your Questions Answered
“I spend more time on the road than in the office. By the time I get in the office (once per week) it takes ages to get filing done and follow up tasks collected during the week, read and reply to emails etc. How can this transition (road to office) be made easier?”
- You need the right technological tools to use whilst on the road. Ie. Wireless laptop, mobile phone/PDA’s etc. which allow for internet access.
- Allocate regular time each day to do your catch up – phone calls, emails etc. No point spending all day on sales calls and then not being able to follow through.
- Is there an admin. person back at the office who you can delegate some of the work?
If you have a question around getting organised in your business and your life, just email lorraine@office-organiser.com.au and insert into the subject line “Ask Lorraine”.
Our Clients Say…
“Having worked as a manager in the same company for a few years I had lost my passion and needed a change of direction. That’s where coaching with Lorraine has been extremely beneficial.
I have the confidence now to make that change whereas before I was stuck in a rut and procrastination had set in. Coaching has given me the push I was looking for. My health and fitness is also back on track and I feel great and ready to take on the world!”
Jodie Hoskin, 0417 362 395
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How to Have Less Mess, Less Stress
and More Success
Make 2005 your most productive, successful, profit-producing year ever. If you’re a business owner, manager or office professional you’ll learn the tips, tools and tactics which will transform you into a powerhouse of productivity in your work and your life. Workshop 21st April 2005 9-1pm. The Buckingham International, Highett, Melbourne.
Book Lorraine
Book Lorraine Pirihi, Australia's Top Productivity Coach to ensure your next event is an outstanding success. Call today on (03) 9532 5497 or email your enquiry to lorraine@office-organiser.com.au
Topics include:
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Lorraine has many articles available for reprint in your publication, company newsletter or ezine, etc. These articles may be reproduced providing they are published in their entirety, including the author's bio and all links.
See : http://www.office-organiser.com.au/freearticles.html
- Do you want to work less and have more time for you?
- Do you want your people to be more effective and more productive?
- Do you seriously want to achieve your goals this year?
We show businesspeople how to have less mess, less stress and more success in their personal and business lives!
Lorraine Pirihi, principal of The Office Organiser is Australia's Personal Productivity Coach. She specialises in working with businesspeople showing them how to dramatically boost their productivity, reduce the stress and the mess in their lives and have more time for enjoying their life.
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Take action today! Contact Lorraine to discuss your specific needs on (03) 9532 5497 or email lorraine@office-organiser.com.au
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