icon_hacks_b Created with Sketch. Garage Blog

What Your Workspace Says About You

The state of our workspace is actually a pretty big deal, considering most of us spend the majority of our active day at the office. Going beyond enhanced productivity that comes with an organised desk, your workspace also affects how colleagues perceive you. Regardless of whether you intended for that obscene birthday gag gift to end up on your desk, people do judge you based on the items and presentation. We're listing some general assumptions in the workspace territory, and how you can best present your professional and personal self

Messy Desk, Messy Life

About 57% of office workers judge their colleagues based on the state of their desk, and around the same proportion have at one point or another been "appalled" by what they've seen. In relation, 90% of office workers claimed that a cluttered desk affects their productivity (The Muse). It's no wonder, considering the extra time needed to find needed documents or to-dos, and how it wreaks havoc on your ability to concentrate in general. While some people claim that messiness helps with creative thought, a papers piled up and food containers gives the impression that you're disagreeable and inconsiderate. On the other hand, an organised desk says conscientious and agreeable. But this doesn't necessarily mean that minimalist is best. Bare minimum desks can make you seem distant or even neurotic.

Sit Back & Relax

Are you, or do you want to be, the social butterfly of the office? An eclectic desk could help that along. Comfortable, an open door, and snacks is welcoming - giving off an aura of openness. If you're looking to be an inviting member of the team, having a workspace that's conducive to collaboration is key. Having personal knick-knacks such as photos, or toys that relate to your interests & hobbies also shows that you're an extroverted person, who's likely to seek new experiences. Companies that want their employees to showcase their personalities sometimes use the workspace as a way to encourage that. For example, Etsy gives each employee US$100 to personalise and decorate their desk (Entrepreneur). Let us know in the comments how accurate (or inaccurate) these are, and let us know what your workspace looks like!

similarposts
icon_hacks_b Created with Sketch. Garage Blog Your No-Nonsense Guide to Coworking in 2023

Author: Ching Lam Ip, Programme & Marketing Lead, Garage Society

So, you want to learn more about the business of coworking - here is your ultimate guide! 

 

Garage Society has been a leading provider of flexible workspaces and innovative programming for over 8 years, so we’d like to believe that we know a thing or two!

 

Keep reading to hear our insights on all things coworking related. 

icon_hacks_b Created with Sketch. Garage Blog The Garage Content Lab: a Podcast Studio for Creators of All Kinds

Looking for an affordable space to record your next podcast, interview, or talking head video? 

 

The Garage Content Lab is a nano podcast studio, supporting the creator economy of Hong Kong. It is powered by Argonauta Media, a Digital Storytelling agency for new media channels.

 

Keep reading for details about our soft-launch special price offer! 

icon_hacks_b Created with Sketch. Garage Blog Support Garage Society at the Peak Race Charity Run!

Garage Society is running in the Peak Race 2023! We're joining the charity run to raise funds to fight against Modern Slavery. Help us reach our donation goal of HKD 10,000 by race day, 25 March 2023!