10 ways to jazz up your workplace

Are you working in one of those staid offices with sterile white walls? It feels like you are working in a chemistry laboratory.

But don't be too disappointed. You may not be able to revamp your entire office but you sure can give your own space a makeover.

• Let's start by getting rid of all the junk that you have either stored away in the drawers or is cluttering up your desk. Yes, from pens that don't work to crumpled balls of paper and used post its.
Now start putting order. Pile up those notepads and files neatly and stack them away in a cupboard.
• If you have a discoloured corkboard or a plain black one for that matter, cover it up. Try chart paper in bright or even pastel colours like orange, pink, aquamarine blue or lime green. Simply cut it to the size of the board and pin it up.
• Personalize your space a little. Put up photographs of family, friends and even your colleagues. You could even get your colleagues to sign on the chart paper. Just make sure you don't deface office property.
• Posters also could add some charm to your space or even cartoon strips of Garfield or even Dilbert. Mind you, they shouldn't be too offensive. You don't want to get on the wrong side of your boss.
• Organise your day by printing a checklist of all the things you need to do. Use colourful highlighters to mark out each item as they get completed.
• Don't just stick to the boring yellow post its. Try ones in colours like pink, orange or even blue. The trick to adding that much need spice to your workspace is adding colour.
• Visit stores like Shopper's Stop or Lifestyle and pick up some interesting stationery to glam up your desk. These stationery kits generally include a pen stand, a tray for pins, staples etc. as well as an extra stand for other items like a stapler, paper cutters etc. You will also get a pen, folder, sheets of writing paper and more.
Purchase a set in colourful ceramic, wood or even plastic. You could also have customized stationery made for you.
• Download an interesting wallpaper on your desktop. Whether it is a scenery, an event, a holiday, a picture of your kids... whatever. But it must be something that brings a smile to your face especially when you are having a bad day at work. Don't forget to include a funky mouse pad. You can get these from Archies.
• Get yourself a colourful mirror work cushion or a hand painted one with your name on it. You could also drape a shawl on the back of your chair. If you use a jacket in office, you could hang that on your chair. So when it isn't there your colleagues know you have left.
• If you work environment permits, get a pair of speakers connected to your PC and a stack of CDs. This way you can choose a new CD everyday according to your mood. If that is not possible bring your headphones to work.

So there you have them -- 10 ways to jazz up your space. But feel free to think up new ways and make work more exciting.