You aren’t alone if you don’t like spending a lot of time at your desk. It’s easy to dread a space when you spend so much of your time there, especially if you would rather be outside during the summer or with family during the holiday season.
You may not always love spending time at your desk, but you don’t have to hate the time you spend there either. Here are a few things you can do to hate your desk less, which may actually make you more productive.
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Take the Time to Learn the Software You Use Every Day
Usually, if you hate spending time at your desk, it isn’t because of the desk itself. Instead, it’s what you do at your desk that you dread. If you dread using the software and tech programs on your computer, it could be because you don’t feel confident using them. The solution is to spend more time really learning how to use the programs you work with day-in and day-out.
Although concepts may not be a lot of fun to tackle, like learning how to develop and deploy change data capture flows, if you take the time to really understand how a program works, you’ll feel much more confident using it.
You’ll save a lot of time too. You’ll make fewer mistakes and you’ll spend less time asking your coworkers for help, which means less time spent at your desk!
Get Comfortable With Ergonomics
You aren’t going to enjoy the time you spend at your desk if you aren’t comfortable. The trouble is, what we think will make us comfortable and what actually makes us comfortable are often two different things.
Although it may not seem comfortable at first, you should give ergonomics a try. It includes:
- Keeping your monitor an arm’s length away
- Keeping your monitor positioned slightly below eye level
- Adjusting your desk so your hands are at the same level or below your elbows
- Choose a chair that supports the natural curve of your spine
- Adjusting your chair so your knees are level with your hips
Although it may seem a little unnatural at first, you’ll find that you experience less pain and discomfort during the day.
Know How to Stop Chatty Coworkers in Their Tracks
It’s nice to talk with some coworkers during the day. Having friends in the office can help you enjoy work more, but that doesn’t mean you want to talk all the time. Not to mention, you probably have to deal with at least one coworker you’d rather not have to deal with.
Instead of giving chatty coworkers your undivided attention when you would rather be focusing on work, find ways to keep them from distracting you in the first place.
For example, most coworkers won’t bother you if you are wearing headphones unless it is important. You can also try hanging a “Do Not Disturb” sign during times when you simply don’t want to be bothered.
Spend Less Time at Your Desk
If you spend a lot of time at your desk, it makes sense that you wouldn’t really look forward to it. Although you may not be able to shorten your work day, you probably have more control over how much time you spend at your desk than you think.
An easy way to get started is to avoid taking breaks and eating at your desk. Get some time away by eating or relaxing outside, in the cafeteria, or even in your car.
Utilizing a secondary workspace can be a good idea too. Work for a bit in the lounge or at a table outside, if your boss will allow it.
Organize and Decorate Your Desk
Decorating your desk can make it more personal, which can make you enjoy sitting there more. Pictures of friends and family can motivate you, while personal trinkets can help show off your personality.
Just don’t clutter your desk with too much stuff. An unorganized desk can cause stress, which is something you definitely don’t need while you’re at work. Spend a little time each day keeping your desk organized by filing away papers, keeping items in designated areas, and embracing all the empty space on your desk.
Don’t like spending so much time at your desk? You aren’t alone! The good news is that there are things you can do to hate your desk less. Follow these tips and you just may start looking forward to sitting down and getting to work.