Where you do your work is a reflection of your professional identity: who you are now and who you want to be in your career. Here’s how to intentionally build a workspace where your best professional self can thrive. First, evaluate your space. How do you feel when you step into it? Is it set up to facilitate your productivity and your workplace relationships? Does it reflect your professional journey, reminding you of your past progress—and your future goals? Little changes can make a big difference. For example, you might personalize the space by adding small identity markers like awards, diplomas, or mementos that conjure warm feelings. Or you might change the utility of your workspace, even adding secondary or tertiary spaces to complete certain tasks that require more focus or a change of scenery. If you’re feeling a dearth of social interaction (particularly if you work from home), consider spending one day each week at the office, a coworking space, or even a busy café. Finally, remember to build distance between your home space and your work space. It’s essential to physically communicate to others—and to yourself—that your workday is over.
This tip is adapted from “How Your Physical Surroundings Shape Your Work Life,” by Brianna Barker Caza et al.
Spread the love