For background on this topic without getting too specific, I’m an engineer and I typically work in an office. I’m younger and haven’t been in the work force for long but working in office spaces is driving me insane.

Now I understand that work isn’t supposed to be super fun, but I’d like to at least be able to tolerate it. So far I’ve spent a couple years in offices and it’s been miserable. I enjoy what I do as far as engineering. I like the topics, I like the productive parts of what I do. But I cannot stand office spaces. They’re uncomfortable and depressing environments for me.

I feel like spending time working from home would be ideal, but I’d like to hear people’s thoughts and if anyone else has had this experience. Is it something you just get used to?

  •  Rentlar   ( @Rentlar@beehaw.org ) English
    6•1 year ago

    You should do what you need to do to make your work environment more enjoyable for you.

    • Talk more or talk less about non-work stuff with your co-workers, depending on if you like chatting and if your co-workers like chatting.
    • Request a new/better chair, or get a new chair and expense it if you can. The right chair can make a real difference in how comfortable you feel at work.
    • Stand up and take 1 minute breaks on the half hour to hour, to clear/refresh your head and stretch. People in decades prior took smoke breaks all the freaking time.
    • Wear comfier clothes within the dress code: Stretchier stuff, comfortable belts, womens fashion I don’t have experience with so I can’t offer anything helpful.
    • If it’s too cold, wear another t-shirt or under garment (or 2 if it’s freezing) under your shirt/dress. If it’s too hot get a fan and/or short sleeve dress shirt.
    • Request another monitor from IT. For me, it makes work a lot easier because going between screen was extremely annoying to me.
    • Bring your own keyboard, mouse and earbuds (with your manager’s permission). Maybe try to avoid clicky (blue) switches, but more focus on what’s ergonomic and comfortable for you.
    • Add a tasteful trinket or two of stuff you find interesting to your desk. Like photos or mini figurines.
    • Get permission to WFH for a portion of the week.
    • If your manager is annoying, try to negotiate, otherwise move to another division or get a new job. That can’t be fixed easily.