A Canadian financial planner was interviewing me. He's a very organised guy but struggled to keep up with his professional reading.
"Doren, where do you do your reading - when you can get to it?" I asked.
"At my desk. I've tried scheduling time for it but it still doesn't seem to happen."
"Have you thought about choosing a different chair or a different location, either in your office or even in your home?'"
Doren went quiet for a moment - trying the idea for size. "That would work," he finally replied with enthusiasm. "When I'm at my desk, computer in front of me, I'm in work mode. It doesn't seem right to be reading there.
"I've got a nice chair by the window I sit in when I want to take a break. It's got a light behind and it's comfortable. I'll just put my magazines on the table beside it, ready for my scheduled reading time."
Varied office layout - one size doesn't fit all
In one newly designed workplace whiteboards were requested by the workers. (I like whiteboards - many of us can process information faster and keep focused better when we can see projects written up.)
The whiteboards started going up in locations to suit the individual users. And then an Office Nazi showed up (and no, it was not the Army!)
"These whiteboards are not in line. Everyone's boards have to be in the exact same position."
Uniformity was her theme tune. No matter that in some cases the location of the board was inaccessible, due to the shape of that particular space and where the desk had to be positioned, let alone the preference of the user.
What are appropriate sound levels? We're not all the same
On a slightly different angle, here's a really useful contribution from my friend Judith who'd just discovered my Herald articles.
"One of your articles reminded me of a fabulous book I have recently read called: "Quiet: the power of the introverts in the world" by Susan Cain. It has a great section on office space, open plan and how introverts (such as myself) struggle to be effective in this environment. We like our quiet space... Highly recommended.
"'Another thing with open plan is that it's very difficult for those with hearing impediments - folks like me with hearing aids - to hold a good phone conversation. I sometimes want to scream at people in the hallway who are talking and laughing loudly. I have to stand up and say, 'excuse me but I can't hear the person on the line. Can you please be quiet or move away and continue your conversation somewhere else.' Very frustrating."
Reader giveaway: We have 2 double passes (worth $190.00 each) to give away to each of Robyn's next Breakfast Clubs - Wellington 30th November; Christchurch 7th December, Auckland February 1st; Tauranga February 22nd.
To be in to win, email your entry now to jill@gettingagrip.com with Breakfast (NZ Herald Online) in the subject line. Entries close by 5pm Friday 23rd November for Wellington, Friday 30th for Christchurch. For those who miss out, tickets and more details at: www.gettingagrip.com/breakfastclub/.
Robyn Pearce (known as the Time Queen) runs an international time management and productivity business, based in New Zealand. Get your free report 'How To Master Time In Only 90 Seconds' and ongoing time tips at gettingagrip.com. 
