Thalma Lobel, author of Whatever Works: The Small Cues that Make a Surprising Difference in Our Success at Work— and How to Create a Happier Office, shares methods for improving your day-to-day in the office. A psychologist and expert in human behavior, Thalma cites thorough research that advocates for simple improvements to your office environment, with the ultimate goal of increasing productivity.
A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST
🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, Sponsored by Xenium HR
🎙️ Host: Brandon Laws
📋 In his own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.”
PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS
Working in open space
“The two main things that people complain about […] when they are sitting in an open office is lack of privacy and noise. […] Cubicles are semi-private, but people are deprived of sunlight. Their views are restricted and it’s a small space, so that’s not good. Recently, many companies have moved to open spaces. Walls between employers, if any, are built to a low height. And the rationale behind the open space is that it boosts teamwork and the exchange of ideas, leading to innovation.”
“But there are studies done recently that showed that, in open spaces, people talk less. They use more email because they don’t want all of the interaction […]. Studies also showed that one of the things that disturbs the most is phone calls. You hear only half of the dialogue. And that increases your curiosity […].”
The science behind lighting
“Science says that artificial light is worse than natural [light]. If you have a choice, pick a room with a window. Sometimes you don’t have the choice. And if you have a room with a window, some people think they don’t need the light because they’re looking at the computer screen. That’s not good because the studies showed that people become less tired when they have light in general, especially natural. So if you have a choice, always use the natural light in the evening. Or if you don’t have a window, if you’re tired, put a stronger light, because you will see that it makes you less tired and more vivid.”
Nature’s impact on performance
“We know that stress is a widespread phenomenon in Western society. Work-related stress can be caused by a number of factors like pressure in high demands, lack of control, tense relationships with colleagues and bosses, worries over job security, and fears of being fired. […] A lot of us are stressed, and one of the things that reduces stress is nature. The other thing that nature does is it reduces mental fatigue. I strongly recommend, even if you’re very busy, that you get up from the desk and go out in nature, even for 10 or 15 minutes. And if you don’t have anything to watch, you can do virtual reality. You can turn on the computer and take a virtual walk in nature.”
Gifts as a motivator
“When workers believe that their managers care about them, they become more committed to the organization and work more efficiently. In one study, for example, one group was given a certain amount of money and the other group was given a gift which was worth exactly the same amount of money. They saw that those who got the gift rather than the money performed better. It motivated them more. It influenced them more, which shows that people need to know that their boss […] appreciates them.”
LEARN MORE
Interested in learning more about the science behind workplace productivity? You can access all of Thalma’s podcast interviews, books, and research work at www.thalmalobel.com.