Living in Borrowed Space or "how to use a disposable allen wrench"
The spaces in which we spend work time create our mood, sustain our motivation and inspire our accomplishments. Throughout my professional career I have worked hard to ensure that my physical workspaces were welcoming for others and uplifting for me. But the unexpected shift to remote work challenged me in ways I had never expected, teaching me how my mindset is impacted by my physical space. When I set up my permanent home office, I was grateful for these lessons.
In retrospect, I can see that had it not been for the year in “borrowed” spots around the house I might have postponed creating an inspiring workspace after we moved into our new home. I’m glad I prioritized the space in which I spend so much time!
For the last 16 months, I’ve been working in “borrowed” space. Like so many of us, I made the abrupt shift to remote work in March of 2020. Since that time, I’ve changed home office spaces four times, reappropriated furniture ranging from my child’s desk to the family dining table, and finally moved a household cross-country. Because I know folks who had no table and who share a loud space with others in their family, I was grateful to be able to work from home at all, and to have creature comforts regularly. As a result, I ignored the impact of not being in an ideal work environment.
In particular, I ignored how working at a too-small desk in a chair suited for short-term seating began, overtime, to hurt my back and spine. If you’ve found yourself with new aches and pains, don’t assume it’s “nothing.” I eventually succumbed to sore sciatica and back spasms. Big mistake! I also ignored how our repurposing the dining room table caused the whole family to be less connected. We may have been in the house together, but without a comfortable place to share a nightly meal, it was easy to drift away from our evening family rituals that keep us in sync. Lastly, my workspace was in a spot that made it hard for me to disconnect from work, which was a terrible distraction when I needed to recharge and relax to keep my mindset positive.
While I maintained my productivity, I sacrificed my overall mental and physical health. Fortunately, I was able to hit reset and learned a few important lessons in the process.
I’ve long known that physical space is critical to productivity and happiness at work, but never have I experienced it so profoundly. With so many of us returning to in-person work, I will certainly be encouraging clients and colleagues to redefine their workspaces and appreciate them anew.
Consider these key takeaways for creating a great workspace:
- Inspirational spaces are worth the effort. One of my favorite memories about my newest office is that I built the furniture, with a little help from my curious furball. I ordered a desk and assembled it myself, wielding that disposable Allen wrench with pride, and am savoring creating new rituals and work patterns After a year of “making-do,” I appreciate the personal pride of knowing I’m sitting at a desk I made myself, no matter how many times I had to re-read the instructions!
- Prioritize your physical health and don’t ignore the warning signs. Be sure that your writing area is an ergonomically sound height. Your back and shoulder muscles will let you know… but not all at once. Invest in a great chair! Think of it this way: that chair is one of the most used pieces of furniture in your life. I have become an avid supporter of the power of ergonomics as my back ached for much of the summer & fall.
- Create work spaces that allow privacy and minimize distractions. If others visit you in your space, be sure to sit in your guest chair so you can see the view from their perspective. You’ll learn what catches their eye during meetings with you.
I’m not the only one who learned a bit about how to take care of myself in my workplace! Felix has staked out his spot in a comfortable chair. He learned something too: as my furry business partner, he needs a cushion with a window.
