Helpful Hints

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Paint your walls. Let the sun shine. Smile! Helpful hints for a better day at work.

Don't Paint the Town Red!

As today's work environments and processes continue to change, researchers are discovering that the use of color can be helpful in creating a collaborative, productive work environment. More employees spend longer amounts of time at work, mostly working on computers. As a result, the Color Marketing Group, an international association that forecasts colors for manufactured products, claims employees long for softer, lighter colors that simplify and humanize their environment. They predict a rise in popularity of softer neutrals, silver, and colors that evoke the calming effect of water: aqueous greens and intense, iridescent blues.

Researchers warn that painting the office walls red could create a livelier group of workers. Studies show the color red stimulates the pituitary gland and incites excitement, passion, anger, dominance and even rebellion. Best bet - calming shades of green and blue.

Source: The Knowledge REPORT Winter 2000

Let there be light!

The computer revolution and an aging generation of baby-boomers have increased the need to assess workplace lighting. Studies indicate glare from computer screens and the contrast between screens and nearby paperwork increase eye, neck and shoulder strain. Plus, higher levels of light are recommended for workers over the age of 40.

To solve the problem, consider these solutions:

1. Reduce computer glare by keeping general lighting at lower level.
2. Provide user-controlled (dimmer switches are preferred) task lighting to accommodate paper work.
3. Since each person performs different tasks and might work at different times, include each worker in your lighting decisions.
4. Integrate natural light into your workplace to provide a psychological and physiological boost.

Source: The Knowledge REPORT Winter 2000

Comfortable At Work

Follow these quick tips to improve your workplace health and comfort.

1. Take small, 10 to 30 second breaks every 30 minutes.
2. Take longer breaks every 2 hours.
3. Minimize the absolute number of computer keystrokes whenever possible.
4. Learn how to properly use and adjust your work tools and furniture.
5. Reduce sources of environmental stress, such as heat, glare and noise.
6. Experiment with the arrangement of your workspace to increase comfort.
7. Use Arm rests, wrist and palm rests when needed.
8. Stretch before and during work.