Over the past few months there has been quite a commotion around Contemporary Media, Inc. as we renovate our offices. New paint and carpet has meant decades worth of beloved wall art, clutter, desk and table junk being relocated all around, moving people out of their comfort zones both figuratively and literally. There have been loud disruptions, strange smells, and a general feeling of chaos in the air. Though most people would react negatively when their environment is quickly changed, I must give kudos to my fellow coworkers for embracing the crazy with – for the most part – grace and understanding. We all realize that we are in this together, and regardless of what may be occurring behind the scenes, we still have a business to run and therefore have been sure to help each other through the transitions. Not to say that it has been easy, but we have all managed to keep the bloodshed and tears to an acceptable minimum.
And surely part of the reason we are all so happy (read: not giant, sobbing, violent babies) to rattle the norm and chunk out the old has to do with the fabulous upgrades we will be receiving: thanks to Spaces of Memphis, we will soon have a selection of Knoll office furniture that is sure to put a smile on any disgruntled worker’s face. Each time my concentration is broken by the “whiirrr” of a drill or the “bang!” of a filing cabinet being hauled off, I simply picture myself saying “aaahhh” as I settle into a ReGeneration by Knoll task chair
pulled-up to a sleek Upstart Table
bathed in light from a Copeland Task lamp.
“Aaahhh” yes, indeed!
It certainly helps to weather temporary disorder when you know you’ll eventually be getting a non-zip-tied-together chair or be able to sit at a desk under which you can cross your legs, for example. Swank new furniture in a lovely environment is the silver lining of our disruptive storm cloud, and focusing on this greatly helps put the entire process in perspective. There have been extremely helpful design boards around our office to show what improvements are to be made and products we will receiving, and I’d say us employees have managed to get along without any major drama thanks to these tangible examples.
If you haven’t ever played around with your own “dream” or “inspiration” board, I highly recommend for helping to concentrate on a concrete strategy. With a clear idea of what’s to come we should have no trouble keeping an upbeat attitude through the changes, as with any task for which you have a defined goal. Just focus on the payoff and you’re sure to stay positive.