Series on Your Environment:

HOW YOUR EMPLOYER CAN HELP

Our environment contributes to our job performance. This impacts us personally (e.g., our career advancement) but also impacts our employers (e.g., our productivity). Therefore your employer has an interest in maximizing your environment. Are you taking advantage of how your employer can improve your environment:

Get ergonomically-sound equipment. My employer has an ergonomics expert on-site. Find out what resources are available to you to ensure you have the right chair, desk, computer equipment, and phone headset. If you have carpal tunnel or other physical condition that makes ergonomics even more important, let your employer know this.

Know your office supply closet. There may be new supplies that help you be more productive or organized. Regular visits will ensure that you have what you need when you need it. You don’t want to interrupt your project rhythm scrounging for the supplies you need.

Check your lighting. Have dim lights replaced. Look for additional desk lamps if the overhead lights are insufficient.

Decorate. There may be extra plants, vases, posters, or other items that you can use for a more calming, inspiration, or creative space. Your work environment does not just have to be the desk and equipment.

Use your salary. Your income can be spent on an ergonomic home office, inspirational décor, a space for that second business. Just as you manage your career, you can manage your environment.

Your employer can help you. Don’t be afraid to ask. It is up to you to find out what is offered and to take full advantage.

Caroline Ceniza-Levine is a senior manager in HR at a Fortune 500 company, an adjunct professor of Professional Development at Columbia University, and a life coach. Caroline can be reached at 212-502-8593 or at her website at www.thinkasinc.com.

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