Selective Hearing

I ran into a friend at a coffee shop recently who was out of the office to "get away from the noise." As soon as he said that, I started noticing the sounds of the espresso machine, conversations in the corner, the song on XM radio, and employees shouting between the kitchen and drive-through window. Funny as it sounds, I knew exactly what he meant.

Our offices don't really seem conducive to productivity these days. The empty white walls, the hum of the copy machine, occasional phones ringing, and quiet (if any) music... it's like a symphony of boredom. We've been taught and trained to multi-task, so it almost seems like a distraction to have complete silence. Even libraries have become technology and media hubs, prompting studies on whether or not to abolish the traditional "code of silence."

So if you find your office less than inspirational, first talk with your co-workers and see if they agree. Then try bringing in a few distractions - turn up the radio, add a company chat program on each computer... whatever fits your brand personality.

Erin's Awesome Blog points out some of the quirky office decorations that work for her.

Dixon Schwabl Advertising and PR Agency has a slide that goes from the top floor to the main entrance.

Employees at Partners + Napier share their ideas and thoughts on a dry erase board that wraps around the walls near the "lunch area."

What are some other ways to liven up the office environment? I'd love to hear your comments - please share below!

Sean Lukasik is a Creative Agent and Marketing Professional in the Elmira-Corning region of Upstate New York. He is President of Twin Tiers Young Professionals and a coordinator and consultant for Pipeline 4 Progress. Check out Sean's monthly column in Twin Tiers Business, published by the Elmira Star Gazette.