A curated list of summertime office essentials
Earlier this year, our team took the Birkman Assessment, which is a personality-type test that aims to help teams and individuals develop strengths and overcome blindspots to give personal insights and create the most efficient team possible. One trait the Birkman measures is your Outdoor Interest. This is your interest level to work in an outdoor environment, or interest in outdoor activities like gardening or going on a picnic.
A few on our team have high outdoor scores, which has made us consider what we would want to have in our studio to accommodate those needs. We spent some time as a team brainstorming an outdoor rooftop space that we would like to build, but summer is only a few short weeks in Michigan. While continuing to daydream of our future sitting in a rooftop hot tub, we wanted to find something we could enjoy now. So here is a list of quick and simple solutions to make the hours spent in the office during the summer a little more bearable.
The Perfect Commuter Bag
First, let’s talk about how we get to the office. Most of us make some sort of commute, but switching up that car, bus, or train ride to bike is a good way to get some fresh air on the way to the office. Getting your computer safely and securely to the office is a huge concern, but with the handmade computer bicycle bags from FS Bike the task is made easy. Made from genuine leather in Poland, these bags are the best of the best. The key is finding a bag that is waterproof, secure enough for precious cargo, and stylish for all the summer looks.
A Cool Tie
So now you’re at the office and you’re sweating and can’t cool down. Or you have an outdoor lunch meeting and it’s 80 degrees out. Replace your tie or scarf with one filled with polymer crystals that slowly release water to cool you down. REI Co-Op is usually known for their hiking and camping gear, but with athletic clothing looking more and more like everyday clothing, this would be a cool change no one would even notice. Check out their Kool Tie for yourself. It can even be worn on your bike ride into the office!
Water- and Sand-proof Keyboard
Doesn’t a meeting on the beach sound great? We are about 15 minutes from Lake Michigan and the temptation to pack up and head to the water is an everyday struggle. Obviously, beach meetings can pose a challenge when gear and technology can cost thousands of dollars. Other than completely wrapping all your tech in plastic wrap, there isn’t much you can do. However, we found a water- and sand-proof keyboard that has drainage holes for water and debris and easy drying. Maybe it isn’t the final solution, but definitely a step in the right direction.
Sunset Light
It’s tough to top natural light, but sometimes by the time you look up from your computer, the sun has already gone down, and you missed another summertime sunset. To get a real feel of the sun rising and setting all day long, consider the Dawn to Dusk floor lamp designed by Haberdashery. This lamp is on a long pole and as it moves from the top to the bottom it slowly fades from a bright white to a deep red that provokes memories of the sun and the setting and rising we are used to. A 2019 Red Dot winner, this light will surely not disappoint.
Desk Hammock
Nothing screams summer more than a chance to relax in a hammock. Why not get one for your desk? These simple hammocks attach to the underside of any desk and allow elevation for your feet at varying heights, and for $6 on Amazon, that’s a price that is hard to beat. If a foot hammock is not enough and you have a standing-height desk, there is always an option of a full-size under-desk hammock to relax or take an afternoon nap in.
