(Please note: This information is useful for those with office space in the Cedar Falls Office given the design and arrangement of that office. Other norms may apply in Marshalltown or Clear Lake.)
In order to safeguard the work performed during the renovation and maintain a professional, shared work environment, the following guidelines have been developed for work spaces at Central Rivers AEA.
1) So as not to compete with the building’s architecture or create a maintenance issue, please do not bring plants, live or artificial, into the work space. (If the agency has sufficient funds at a future time, plants may be added in key areas.) Please note that this does not apply to fresh flowers or plants that may be delivered to you for a special occasion. Please enjoy!
2) In order to ensure the uniform appearance of signage pertaining to agency operations that are needed for display in the public areas, the Creative Services & Communications Office will serve as the sole source for such items. This will ensure that printed materials have a uniform, branded appearance, utilizing type fonts and other production specifications that are part of the building’s overall signage system.
3) To maintain the building’s energy and light management systems, windows and glass surfaces must remain clear; nothing is to be taped or otherwise adhered to any glass or mirrored surface. Curtains, draperies and other materials cannot be hung or taped over any exterior or interior windows. Furniture and shelves should not be placed directly in front of glass walls within the offices (where possible), so as to block views between individual offices and shared spaces.
4) To avoid potential hazards, minimize energy costs, and maintain the functionality of the building’s heating and air conditioning systems, the refrigerators, microwave ovens and other food storage and preparation appliances provided in Central Perk and the kitchenette areas throughout the building should be used. Such appliances are not allowed in other spaces, and cannot be brought into the building from other locations or from home. While fans can be used in work areas if needed, space heaters cannot be used because of the intricate HVAC system.
5) To ensure a uniform, professional appearance, please do not place items on top of book cases, office dividers, or book shelves in open areas.
Phew! That’s a long list…now for the fun stuff!
1) DO be social and collaborative here at work. Our new space is designed specifically around the goals of collaboration, integration and the efficiencies that can be created by working together. Rather than send an email or picking up the phone, more often consider getting up out of your seat and going talk to someone when possible.
2) DO provide suggestions to administration that you think will improve our work environment. From a physical standpoint, we are working more closely than we ever have before. If you have a suggestion for how the experience could be improved, let us know.
3) DO your part to maintain a healthy, positive culture in our building. Assume positive intent with your co-workers, bring in a snack to share on your birthday, smile a lot…spread joy! We spend more time with each other than with our own families most days. Help to make this a positive, productive place to work.
4) DO get up and move! If you need a break from your office space, go sit somewhere else. Is it a nice day? Go work outside at one of the tables or head up to Central Perk and find a spot there to work. Just make sure your supervisor or office mates know where you are in case someone needs to reach you. (If you are in Central Perk, you can forward your phone to the spot you’ve chosen in many cases.)
5) DO go for a walk. A morning and afternoon break are encouraged to keep creativity, productivity, and energy levels high. Have you noticed that we have an amazing walking path right outside the back door? Go check it out. Consider having a friendly competition with your co-workers to see who can make it around the fastest.
Enjoy this great space and help us keep it as beautiful and professional looking as it does now for years to come. Welcome!