Offices these days are not confined to just dull cubicles and conference rooms. Thanks to a younger workforce, offices are slowly transforming into “work spaces” that express an individual’s sense of style and character. More and more people are bringing their favourite items to work, whether it is figurines, artwork, collectibles, or items that reflect their fandoms such as anime and manga.
The death of corporate conformity
For a long time there has been a cultural opinion that personal identity and expression should be left at home. This was particularly noted with items such as family photos or favourite plants, with people going to great lengths to keep these parts of their lives out of the workplace and seen as unprofessional.
With the sudden surge in remote workers, many previously “untouchable” office rules have been left in the dust. The once sterile office space has given way to casual decor, and companies are now seeking out design for the workspace that will make their employees the happiest. What’s most enjoyable? A space that is the most personal and reflective of the individual.
That personal design is now unprofessional is nothing short of irrelevant.
Identity expression through workspace design
For many of the young professionals who work in the area, the new Japanese restaurant serves up more than just good food, it also dishes out some anime. For those who don’t know what anime is, let them know it isn’t just for kids. In fact, the often-misunderstood Japanese medium is also enjoyed by Adults. And not just Adult Beginners, Adults who actually appreciate the highly acclaimed genre.
For those without room to hang large wall scrolls or display elaborate figurine collections, anime desk accessories can be incorporated in a workspace in a number of subtle yet thoughtful ways. A small minimalist desk pad with a simple illustration or design, or a cool mouse pad with a fun or inspiring design from your favourite anime and/or manga series for example.
Social media drives workspace aesthetics
The spaces we work in now also serve as a space to show off, as offices have become yet another medium to express ourselves via Instagram and TikTok. What used to be purely functional, offices are now an extension of our public image and are often showcased online and tagged with #desksetup and #workspacegoals amassing millions of views.
Anime-themed accessories make awesome products to shoot for product photos and videos. Simple and stylish high-quality anime desk accessories are available in many colours creating awesome products for your products. In today’s market your personal brand is very important to getting hired for your desired job. An awesome workspace with fun anime accessories speaks volume about a detail oriented employee with tons of creativity.
Motivation through meaningful objects
Items of personal significance can serve as reminders for motivation and focus. Incorporating elements of favourite anime or manga into workspaces can foster positive emotions towards work, while alleviating stress and increasing enjoyment of tasks. This relationship between environment and behaviour is one studied in environmental psychology.
This trend is especially evident in creative and tech circles, where anime-loving individuals express their fandom by incorporating casual anime-inspired apparel, accessories or goodies into their working outfits on a daily basis. It serves as a nod to the very work or anime that sparked their passion for that particular field.
Quality and craftsmanship matter
Unlike many anime accessories these days, which are perceived to be cheaply made novelty items, the new range of anime inspired desk accessories have been produced with high resolution printing and with durable materials. Therefore, these items are professional enough to be used in work places and will not stick out in an office environment.
This is still an M-sized mousepad, but its quality is far greater than any mass produced anime merchandise I have come across. The anime used in this product is also from lesser known works. Even compared to other high quality office supplies that incorporate anime, this product really stands out because it is very uniquely personel. The printing is of high quality and should last for a very long time. The padding underneath the neatterno smooth rubber material also allows for smooth gliding of the mouse.
The broader trend toward authentic workspaces
Whether it be something simple like a pen holder or desk paperweight, the anime desk accessories available today reflect a desire by young adults to bring a more genuine and mature version of their younger selves to adulthood. Unlike many before them who felt forced to put aside their hobbies and interests as they entered adulthood, these young individuals find ways to express themselves and incorporate their pastimes into their professional lives.
All the areas of fan art are completely inauthentic. The splash of anime is the only part where you see real self-expression. The rest is vintage photography, minimalist sculpture, real plants and books that have been read. None of it has the inauthentic, watered down, corporate-driven aesthetic that you see in all the worst places where geeks congregate these days.
More young professionals are buying products for their workspace that reflect their interests and personalities. Allowing employees to bring their whole self to work reaps many benefits for companies including increased employee satisfaction and retention. Here at Otaku Square, you can find the Anime desk accessories to help you express your otaku side in the workplace.
