Tim Ferro

Most companies don’t realize that the 25 square feet of office space that you occupy daily is extremely important. You spend 1/3rd of your weekdays in this space yet most companies don’t even give simple consideration to how employees feel about it. Though open cube farms are probably the most egregious use of space, there are numerous other issues that should be evaluated AND re-evaluated.

First and foremost is privacy. I have seen places where a cube farm would be a step up. Imagine a long table with multiple computers and monitors all in a row. That’s ridiculous! There is less than zero privacy in a place like that. Offices that have five desks that should only have two is another wonderful example. These are clearly extreme examples of having no privacy but they actually exist as well as many many lesser ones.

Following on with privacy would be peoples’ personal habits. Please be aware of how your personal habits affect others in the work place. Talking loudly or often in some areas, all kinds of body issues, any smells or old food items, etc. are just some of the personal habits that can be super annoying to others.

There was a time when “ergonomics” was a big issue in the IT world. It seems to have gone to the back burner, just like Six Sigma. However, ergonomics should be a main focus when setting up office spaces because it can prevent a number of long term work injuries such as carpal tunnel and back pain. Along with that, acquiring new technology such as an ergonomic keyboard and mouse and adjustable office chairs shouldn’t be an issue, yet those are rarely purchased without justification.

These are just the tip of the iceberg for Work Area issues. Please comment more and I will update!

– Tim Ferro

I like finance. I like finance a lot. I like it more than most people. I like it enough to go out and read a book titled: The New Paradigm for Financial Markets: The Credit Crisis of 2008 and What It Means by George Soros. But I really struggled through over half of this book. Soros is a brilliant financial mind but he spends over half of this book extolling his personal theory on human sociology and how that relates to financial markets and creates a “super bubble”. Early in the book, when he says to skip ahead, do it. Trust me.

Now the parts of the book, though brief, that deal with the topics depicted in the title of the book are very good but it left me wanting more. A follow up sequel is desperately needed as the book leaves off during the peak of the financial crisis of 2008. I respect George Soros and I know that he is definitely a financial genius but I just cannot recommend this book. A second edition or sequel would possibly change my mind; in fact, I volunteer to ghost write it with him. If you do pick up this book, I suggest you skip ahead where he suggests you do and just read the financially focused sections.

Has anyone else read this book? What did you think? Can you recommend any better books on the same topic?

– Tim Ferro