Bulletin Board by Amy Winter

Decorations in the office may mean more than just a pretty picture. Giving employees the opportunity to take part in designing their office surroundings could lead to an improvement in work productivity and morale, according to Ambius, which provides design services to businesses. Ambius and the University of Exeter researched the effects of worker efficiency when it comes to office environment.

Interior design and plants help in boosting productivity, according to Jeff Mariola, divisional managing director for Ambius. Groups involved in choosing decorations for their space possess more ownership in their work. Providing the employees with more choices brings an increased level of pride in their working area.

"The study's findings particularly resonate in these tough economical times, when companies are more reliant than ever on productive and energetic work forces," says Mariola.

Companies that prefer a "lean space" strategy may want to rethink their uniform method to design. A "lean space" with simple decorations and clear desks could lead to employee discomfort and alienation, according to Ambius' study. Instead of white walls and empty space, Mariola suggests greenery and bright colors. Plants improve the air and are nice to look at when working. Common areas, such as water coolers and fax machines, are the perfect places to add color to grab people's attention.

Businesses that create a mandated look to their offices do have a better rate of productivity than "lean space" companies; however, those businesses that allow workers to decorate their own spaces show the highest gains in productivity. Although many employees work in tight quarters and cubicles, Mariola suggests putting design pieces on the cubicle walls — employees can share the decorations.

Employers can send the message that they value their workers by trusting their design decisions.

"The simple approach of involving office workers in the design of their own surroundings proves to deliver the best levels of organizational identification, citizenship, well-being and productivity," says Kenneth Freeman, Ambius' international technical director. "We advise businesses to factor in these findings when organizing work space and recruiting employees to help with design.

"The good news is, it's relatively simple to unlock employee potential — you just need to engage them."

For more information, visit www.ambius.com.

HOLIDAY PREPARATION

With the holidays approaching, more workers will be taking time off work.

Workers want to enjoy the holidays with a carefree attitude, not thinking about work assignments or meetings. The only concern should be figuring out how to fit all the Thanksgiving sides onto one plate.

Employees need to plan ahead and finish assignments before vacation. Make a list of duties and assignments that must be completed. Talk with co-workers to make sure everything is covered and that they understand their tasks.

"Taking time off provides an opportunity for employees to recharge and come back to work refreshed," says Robert Hosking, executive director of OfficeTeam, a staffing service. "However, those who don't lay the proper groundwork before they leave may find themselves constantly connected to the office while on holiday breaks or overloaded when they return."

OfficeTeam provides frequent pre-vacation mistakes and how to solve them:

— "Carving out time at the last minute": Let your co-workers know as soon as possible when you are taking vacation days. This will give them time to prepare if they must complete your duties.

— "Acting like a turkey": Be sure to provide another worker's contact information for clients on your e-mail or voice-mail notices. That way, customers can receive the proper information in a timely manner; they won't have to wait for you to return from vacation.

— "Ruffling colleagues' feathers": Make sure your co-workers know when you need to miss a planned meeting. Reschedule appointments that are supposed to occur during your break.

— "Overstuffing your inbox": Check that you have enough storage in your e-mail inbox to receive large files while you are away. Clear out your voice-mail box as well.

— "Letting your vacation be gobbled up by work": Tell co-workers that you will only be available at certain times on your vacation. You don't want to be constantly answering phone calls.

— "Not clearing your plate": Try to keep the morning of your return free from meetings. You will need this time to answer e-mails and calls and catch up on assignments.

For more information, visit www.officeteam.com.

To find out more about Amy Winter and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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