Leader, what happens when your workspace is welcoming? What happens when it isn’t?

/ mkessenburg
I want leaders to flourish in terms of helpful resources. My deep hope is that leaders are consistently experiencing…
(1) A welcoming workspace.

(2) Plans, policies, and procedures that result in effective, efficient decision-making.

(3) Regular discussions about resource management and resource planning that reflect agile, strategic, mission-centered thinking (see Construct: Resources and Resource Planning, p. 17).

(4) A comfortable compensation and benefit package that allows them (A) to flourish, (B) to stay in Christian education for their career, and (C) to retire well.

This blog post addresses #1 above.

Photo by Christian Mackie on Unsplash

Leader, ensure your workspace is welcoming for you! Why?

(1) Because a welcoming workspace helps you flourish.

(2) Because having a welcoming workspace increases the likelihood of productivity (I work best in a space with the right temperature and good lighting) and well-being (having a standing desk helps me).

(3) Because not having a welcoming workspace increases the likelihood of reduced productivity and reduced well-being (think neck pain and back pain).

(4) Because having a welcoming workspace is a best practice.

Photo by Andre Hunter on Unsplash

Let me ask you 3 questions:

Question 1: For you, what’s an unwelcoming workspace like? For me, it’s a space that’s too hot or too cold, that’s too humid or too dry. There’s no natural light, I can hear too much external sound when my door is closed, and the furniture doesn’t fit my 6’2” frame. 

Question 2: For you, what’s a welcoming workspace like? For me, it includes natural light, a standing desk, plants, a bookcase, a round table with comfortable chairs, student artwork and photos, and personal touches, like a family photo.

AlexaによるPixabayからの画像 

Question 3: What can you do to make your workspace more welcoming? What can you do to help your workspace increase your productivity and well-being? One thing that comes to mind for me is better computer and screen cable management.

Here are some resource-related blog posts:

Get flourishing!

Michael
P.S. Try this ChatGPT prompt: Act as an interior decorator. What are 20 differences between a welcoming office space and an unwelcoming office space?