Positivity and Healthy Habits in the Workplace

Dave is the business development manager for Greenscape, Inc., a Massachusetts-based company that has been serving the DC Metro area for 10 years. He joined Greenscape in the fall of 2018, bringing with him over 20 years of landscaping experience. Dave’s vast landscape knowledge and dedication to customer service is a huge asset to Greenscape’s clients and the people that he meets in his travels.

As I sit here writing this article during the “shutdown” from COVID-19 virus, I can’t help but laugh at how much things have been flipped upside down. What was once an easy article to write has taken on a whole new meaning. My biggest hope is that people will begin to understand the importance of “social distancing” and the effectiveness it can have in promoting a positive and healthy work environment.

I recently saw a meme that said something along the lines of “COVID-19 has proven that the job my boss said I couldn’t do at home is able to be done at home.” This is one of the best perks a company can offer.

Allowing employees to work from home even once a week provides many luxuries. The most important is the recognition of trust to do the job, even when not being supervised. It also offers a healthier environment where they can take a quick walk, make something for lunch instead of eating out, or skip lunch and head to the gym. All of which helps the employee feel at ease in their day. Working from home does require a strong understanding of time management. We’ve all been at the breaking point because too much work has piled up. The easiest way to overcome this is to set goals for what needs to be accomplished, and times to have them done by. This alone will help you feel positive and reassure that things are being accomplished. As the day winds down, you will know there is a plan to finish the rest tomorrow. This alone will be crucial in boosting your morale. For me, time management has become a critical skill while working from home. The last thing I want is to be sidetracked. Which has resulted in my productivity rising, ensuring I have time for my yellow lab and I to enjoy a walk at lunch!

In the real-world, aka your office, working from home isn’t always an option. You might not have even been able to during the quarantine. That doesn’t mean you have to give up on being happy and healthy! Find a nice little route around your office to go for a lunch break walk. Even an open window to let air in can make a huge impact. There is no limitation to what you can do, sometimes you just have to be creative. I was recently in a management office that had a “quiet room”. If you work in an environment where opening windows and walks aren’t possible, reach out to me or your network! I’ll help you find that walking path. Another option is to find a closet that isn’t being used and talk to management. Work with them on creating a meditation room where people can go be in peace for 10-15 minutes. A simple color changing light bulb and 2-3 pillows will get you comfy and relaxed in no time. If all else fails…remember, I didn’t buy Apple Air Pods because I wanted overpriced Bluetooth headphones. I bought them because I could drown out the world in some music while writing this article.

My hope is everyone will remember what they did during the quarantine and continue applying those same items moving forward. Take time for yourself and put down the phone for a second to appreciate what’s in front or outside of where you are. Surround yourself in healthy relationships and social distance the others. Dedicate the time to get your work done so you can spend some time on yourself. Much like the world working to resolve the virus, remember the results will be based on your attitude and willingness to adapt and overcome challenges. Which is why I live by the quote “your attitude belongs to you and it’s your choice if you want have a good one.” – Joyce Meyer