Ever notice the post-modern painting above the reception desk in the office? How about the unique brass fixtures in the break room at your plant? If you haven’t taken much notice of your surroundings, you’re fine. After all, most of us show up at work looking to do our jobs and collaborate with our coworkers, not take an observant jaunt through your workplace.

Still, being more observant at the workplace can help you develop mindfulness by paying attention to details and improving your ability to notice patterns and subtle changes. Sound impossible? Here are some suggestions to help you become more tuned into your surroundings:

1. Be intentional with your awareness: Remind yourself to look around and take in your environment before rushing through your daily tasks. And when work gets especially stressful, use that environmental awareness to practice being present by focusing on the here and now.

2. Pay attention to others: Notice your colleagues’ behaviors, moods and communication styles. Watch for patterns in how they respond to situations, their preferred ways of working and how they interact with others. Sure, it’s not always your job to evaluate the working styles of others but awareness of their preferences will help you understand team dynamics and anticipate potential issues.

3. Walk around: Step out of your usual spot and explore other areas of the office or floor. Walking through different departments or observing how others interact in communal spaces can give you a broader perspective of the overall workplace environment.

4. Notice details: Train yourself to notice small things like a vase of flowers on someone’s desk, new office equipment, revised schedules and more. Developing a habit of noticing even the smallest details will sharpen your overall awareness.

5. Look for trends: Be mindful of patterns and emerging or recurring issues, successes or changes in dynamics. For example, if certain projects consistently face the same challenges, observing this pattern might help you identify a cause and suggest improvements.

6. Listen more: During conversations or meetings, focus entirely on what’s being said without formulating your response ahead of time. Observe tone, body language and word choice to pick up on unspoken nuances. Stay off your phone whenever possible and tune into what’s happening around you.

7. Use all your senses: Notice the sights, sounds, smells and energy of your workplace. If the usual office energy feels tense, an underlying issue could be worth addressing.

8. Ask questions: When in doubt, ask for clarification or more information. Asking thoughtful questions shows interest and ensures you don’t miss important details.

9. Limit distractions: Avoid multitasking excessively during the workday. Focusing on one thing at a time makes you more likely to notice and remember the details of your surroundings.

10. Reflect: At the end of each workday, take a few minutes to reflect on what you observed. Over time, reflecting on your day strengthens your ability to observe and make connections.

Tribune News Service