How Can I "Fall" In Love With My Office?
Why is this time of year perfect for harvesting a productive office space?
To many, the crisp autumn breezes and brilliant technicolor foliage are nothing more than a fleeting transition from the dog days of summer to snow, sleet, and slush of winter. But fall is a beautiful time of year in and of itself. It's also an ideal time for taking stock of your space and reorganizing accordingly. So before we "lose" that hour of daylight, take a little time to look at your office in a new light. . .
* Write down all the things you enjoy about your office (there's got to be at least one thing!), even if it's something small like your antique pencil cup or your business card holder.
* Make a list of all the things that frustrate you about your office or that you wish worked better. Include things like your filing system (or lack thereof), paint color on the walls, or the position or location of your desk. No detail is too small.
* Picture in your mind or sketch on paper whatever it is that would help you love your office - how it looks, feels, and functions.
* Keep the items you enjoy and figure out what actions need to occur to fix the things that are frustrating to you. (Remember, you don't have to do everything yourself - you can delegate or hire a professional to do the things you aren't good at or don't know how to do).
* If budget is a concern, try to use things you already have and find inexpensive alternatives until you can afford your ideal.
Example 1: if your desk is no longer functional, consider selling it. Then use an old door propped on two 2-drawer filing cabinets to create a "new," functional, and space-saving desk surface. You can even attach a keyboard tray to the underside of the door if needed.
Example 2: Tired of looking at the wall or having all the furniture crammed against your office walls? Move your desk to face the window, or put a small bookshelf in the middle of the room to act as a divider, improve work flow, and/or provide a change of scenery.
* Continue implementing changes (even if it's just a little each day and it takes you a few weeks) until your space is how you envisioned it.
* Maintain your space, but don't be afraid to adapt accordingly if future events require a change in layout and work flow.
Need help space planning and putting organizing principles to work in
your office? Call 724.850.7282 or
email In Its Place.