Module 6: Building a Support System in Your Job
The Physical Work Environment
We spend the majority of our day in the work setting. Our physical work environment includes lighting, temperature, air quality, noise levels, cleanliness/organization, and personal workspace. Studies have shown the quality of the physical work environment can have a significant effect on behavior, perceptions and workplace productivity.3
While you may not be able to control each of these environmental factors, you are likely able to make changes with a few of them.
Noise Levels: Your office partner likes to listen to music and you find their choice in music disturbing, what can you do?
Lighting: The artificial lighting hurts your eyes, what can you do?
Organizational style: Your office partner has a different level of “tidiness” than you, what can you do?
Personal workspace: How do you personalize your working space? A few personal items can be a positive “anchor” when feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Some people use family photos, pictures of nature, plants, inspirational quotes or posters, or stress-buster reminders.
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What can you change in your physical environment to improve your work space? Be ready to discuss during the class. Those changes could be part of your Healthy Healers Workplace Plan. |