Getting organised in your work and office can reduce stress and increase efficiency. The process of organising your office can actually improve your productivity and creativity by allowing you to clear your space and your mind. It can all be so much quicker and easier if you are organised. I've seen it time and time again.
Here are some tips for creating a working space that is comfortable, free of clutter and well-organised.
- Don't use post-it notes, these look messy and can easily go missing, use a notebook instead. If you must use post-it notes, tape them into the notebook.
- Choose your wall art carefully and try not to clutter your walls with memos and post-its which can be distracting. Right now, go take all of those pieces of paper down from the wall and bulletin board and either recycle them or put them in a notebook or folder for reference.
- Never underestimate the power of white space to keep your mind clear and focused. White space can be found on your walls, your desk, and your computer desktop.
- Whether you work at home or in an office, make an effort to clear your work space at the close of business so your personal life can begin.
- The label maker is your friend. Don't rely on your memory. Label things to make them easier to locate. It's must if more than one person is using the office.
- Always use your filing system rather than storing papers and folders on the floor or other pieces of furniture.
- Use filing cabinets that are sturdy and have fully extendable drawers. This means that they can pull out to the full length, and you don't need to contort your arm into the back to reach the back of the drawer.
- Have a dedicated space for storing your office supplies, not just any flat surface.
- Use a pencil cup on your desk. So many of my clients (before I work with them) don't have a pencil cup. Use a mug from the kitchen if you'd like.
- You should have three bins for garbage, one each for recycling, rubbish and shredding.
- Regularly empty your bins.
- Do an office clear out- get rid of old electronic items, broken chairs and broken drawers.
- Store your books in a bookcase- don't just pile them up on your desk or the floor.
- Make sure you have good lighting in your office. This is vital especially in the Winter months.
Send us a quick email if you think we missed something!
Next month: Ergonomics in the workplace.
