You spend enough time at work that it’s worth it to make your work space truly your own.  Adding modern, unique touches will make you feel more connected at work and can improve productivity if not just your attitude.

Here are some ideas on how to modernize your workspace and make it more unique to you:

1. Bring photos. Whether it’s a digital frame, a collage, a few single little pictures or emailing yourself photos for your screensaver, surround yourself with visual images of things you love:  family members, pets, vacations.

2. Break out of the ordinary by using decorative file folders instead of bland, plain, boring manilla ones.

3.  Upgrade your own chair. Okay, so the company won’t pay for it because then they’d have to buy one for everyone, but you can bring your own comfortable, ergonomic chair and enjoy sitting in it every day.

4. Candy dishes inspire visitors.  The person with the best candy dish always gets the most traffic. It’s true. Add a fun, funky candy dish to your desk and fill it with candy that you don’t like to eat yourself.  Colleagues are sure to come by and chat for a moment while they munch on some mid-day sweets.

5. Upgrade.  If you’re using outdated technology, you’re probably using scanners, calculators, printers, computers, fax machines, and even keyboards that are much bigger than you actually need. Upgrade to better, smaller products and give your office a more modern, and less cluttered or dated look.