Controlling Your Work Environment

The Harvard Business Review recently described a fascinating study on how the control you have over your workspace affects your satisfaction with your job. Listen to these stats:

98% of highly satisfied workers say their work environment allows them to concentrate. Only 15% of dissatisfied workers say it does.

96% of highly satisfied workers say they have a place for informal conversations with their colleagues. Only 35% of dissatisfied workers say that.

95% of highly satisfied workers say they can work without being interrupted. Only 13% of dissatisfied workers say that.

See the pattern here? Highly satisfied workers are more likely to have some control over their work environment.

So, what do you do if your workplace doesn’t give you that control—which is the norm? Unless you have a job that is only customer facing, ask your manager if you can post a sign that says, “focus time” that signals others that you are not to be bothered while you knock down a project that is important. Put others on notice that you’re in “lock down” and when you’ll come available again.

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