How many of us work in offices or cubicles? Statistically speaking, most people do (even if that’s not the case here at Fire Inc.). It’s probably a clean(ish), neutral colored space without much for personality. If it is, it most likely doesn’t feel very cozy.
And since sitting in the same spot all day, every day can get boring (no matter how cool your job is), it’s a good idea to spruce up your space and give it a little personality. It doesn’t have to be much, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. It just has to be you.
Try bringing in a few coffee-table books or magazines at home that you’ve got sitting around. You can prop your computer up on them and add character to your space at the same time.
Make a unique poster for your space using one of your photos—perhaps a snapshot of the park, your kids, or pets. You can use simple photo editing programs like Creative Kit (on Picasa Web Albums) or PicMonkey to apply filters and add effects. Then you can have a print made, frame it, and put on your wall.
Perhaps one of the easiest ways to make your space your own is to create a collage. You can use photos of friends and family, concert memorabilia, postcards, inspirational quotes—anything that brings a smile to your face (provided it’s work appropriate).
If you’re a collector of souvenirs or knick-knacks, bring a few to work and display them beneath your monitor or on a shelf. You can also use colorful and unique office supplies. Try covering notebooks with patterned fabric or investing in personalized stationary.
Just make sure that whatever you’re planning on doing is ok with management. Most companies are fine with space personalization so long as it’s not distracting or inappropriate. And who knows—maybe you’ll succeed in encouraging others to do the same, and the office will start to feel a little more inviting.