You know that Ziggy Stardust album cover … with David Bowie standing in a dim London street underneath the K. West sign? See that brightly lit office in the background on the 2nd floor. That’s where I used to work at no 7 Heddon Street.
I was reminded of that job today when I was writing this post because of the Frenchman I worked for. He wanted me to organise some new filing cabinets for the office. But he wanted something colourful.
“Find IKEA” he commanded.
I couldn’t.
“Phone the Swedish Embassy” he insisted.
I did.
And they kindly informed me that yes, Ikea is coming to Britain but not until later that year. And yes it will be miles away, in Warrington.
We stuck with our grey filing cabinets.
This was my first introduction to how vibrant colour can light up an office so that you feel more joy and happiness. A lesson that’s been reinforced while reading Joyful by Ingrid Fetell Lee, the first read in my subscription book club (sending you books to inspire you to think, act and grow)
I’d love to share my learnings so far from Joyful so here are
5 simple ideas to find more joy in the office.
1 – Colour
Pops of colour, colourful pictures, colourful files, colour on the walls. And if you don’t have control over what’s on the walls, buy colourful notebooks, a colourful pencil case and a colourful coffee mug to brighten up your desk.
Or wear bright colourful clothes – if you’re expected to wear a dark suit, how about a splash of colour in your socks, your underwear or a scarf.
2 – Greenery
Research suggests that nature helps relieve stress and improve mood.
You might not be able to work in the garden or in the woods – instead bring the outdoors inside. Try a little greenery in the form of pot plants. Or a vase of flowers.
3 – Glitter
Nothing puts a smile on your face more than a dollop of glitter.
Maybe you’d get funny looks if you started sprinkling glitter confetti all over the office however what about something glittery on your desk. One of my favourite pencil cases is a sparkly gold pencil case. It always cheers me up.
4 – Throw a party
OK so maybe you can’t literally throw a party in the office but instead, you could organise a pot luck lunch with everybody bringing a contribution. Do this in your staff area, if you have one, or head off to the local park with a picnic blanket.
5 – Balloons
Bring some balloons into the office. Seriously there’s nothing like a little balloon frivolity to cheer you up. Check out this fabulous photo of Hillary Clinton, her face lights up when balloons drop.
Maybe balloons are impractical but what about a bottle of bubbles on your desk. There’s something magical and charming that brings out the joyful child in all of us when you blow bubbles.
There you go. David Bowie knew all about joy with his colour and glitter. I hope you enjoyed my 5 simple ideas to find more joy in the office inspired by Ingrid Fetell Lee’s book Joyful . Find out more about Ingrid and her work here.
Please do go right ahead and share an idea in the comments on how to bring joy into the office.
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