on work atmosphere
I don’t have a lot of experience working yet — however I noticed something that does have a huge impact on my work regarding efficiency, quality and my motivation: the atmosphere at my workplace.
Whether I feel comfortable in office depends on a lot of criteria, some subtle, less important, some of uttermost importance. I'll try to list some factors here, but this list doesn't claim to be anywhere close to complete. Note that this list is compiled from my experience; your mileage might vary. You're welcome to share your opinion using the comment form.
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Co-Workers
Colleagues probably have the largest impact on the atmosphere at work (at least when working in an office with a couple of other people around). Whether they are friendly, open and humorous (jokes make work a lot more fun) is one of the two key factors deciding whether I feel comfortable working at that place.
Unfortunately you hardly talk to your co-workers before picking up work, but that's probably why there's a probationary period… -
Your Boss
They guy in charge at your company can make your work life a misery. If he doesn't like you (or he's a complete id**t) and you don't have backup from your colleagues work can be a pain.
Hey bosses, if you're reading this, here's to you: how to be a good boss (PDF document, 98KB) at number17.com -
Your Client(s)
If you're working in the services sector you're working for someone. That's fine, however there usually is a simple problem with this person (or these persons, depending on whom you're working for this might be a large user base): they've got the money. And as we all know having the money makes you the king.
We all know the saying customer is king, but sometimes you should (at least try to) parent your customers to be less exhaustive towards you.
Oh, hey clients, read this: how to be a good client (PDF document, 66KB) at number17.com -
Equipment
This one's not a very big part, but it helps if you can work with a somewhat current system. Oh, and two screens are luxury, too.
Inspired by Lektion in Unusability und “Placebo forte!” on Keep Smoking
number17 comics via pixelgraphix.de