When two or more people work in proximity to one another, there just might be a possibility that uncomfortable situations will arise.  I'm thinking theoretically of course. It's just a remote possibility.

I'd like to propose a litmus test for behavior in the office. Ask yourself, "Is what I'm about to say or do going to make those I work with feel uncomfortable in any way?" Very recently I gave a keynote presentation for the American Payroll Association. It was entitled "Dos and Don'ts of Gas in the Office." We laughed a lot together as various situations were explored.

They especially liked the bit about break-room/kitchen manners. Do you have someone in your office who consistently eats other people's food?  If so, you might want to start using the Anti-Theft Lunch Bag. It's designed to make it look like you've got mold on your food. How creative is that?!

If your organization is looking for a very funny yet informative message on helping employees work well together, call us. Dos and Don'ts of Gas in the Office is proving to be quite popular!

1. Sort
2. Straighten
3. Sweep
4. Standardize
5. Sustain

Some would argue that the 5th and final S in the 5S process is the most difficult. Others claim it naturally happens when the first four are carried out on a consistent basis. My mantra is "Make it simple to sustain."

At the end of each day, before leaving your office, take a look around. Any items need to be put away and returned to their "home"? Do files need to be stored in a cabinet or with other project files on your desk? Do you have E-mails in your Inbox that need to be processed, deleted or filed?

Eventually you will naturally Sort, Straighten and Sweep because you begin to see the value in sustaining and maintaining a well-organized, efficient office space. You will realize that a little 5S-ing goes a long way in creating a productive work environment.

Once a person learns decision-making skills, along with the ability to straighten or set things back in order, they will begin to develop a natural tendency to Sustaining their work area.

Making a Marvelous Monday

I realize that Mondays probably aren't your favorite day of the week. I'm totally with you! When you drag yourself into your office on Mondays, are you greeted with an office space that is crying out for attention or is it a place that says "Today's going to be a Marvelous Day!"?  There are several things we can do in our office on Fridays to help insure a more welcoming space come Monday.

Here are 5 simple strategies to consider:

1. Look around your office. Do you have personal items that need to be taken home with you? Extra pair of shoes? Lunch sack? Time to move 'em out!
2. Take time to file away documents and file folders sitting on your desk. If items are sitting on your desk because you need to create a folder for it in your filing cabinet, do that now and get those items put away.
3. Take a good hard look at next week's calendar.  All set for your upcoming appointments? Preparation prevents panicking and unnecessary stress.
4. Tidy up your desk. Put those extra pens/pencils away. Take those dirty dishes to the kitchen/break room. Wipe off your desk surface with a damp paper towel. You'll be amazed at how much better your desk will look.
5. Pull up your E-mail Inbox. If every e-mail was a printed piece of paper, you'd be overwhelmed by the clutter. Well, every time you look at your Inbox, you've got e-mail clutter. It's time to fall in love with Mr. Delete. Get rid of the e-mails you've already read and dealt with but just didn't take the time to delete. Try to clean up to the point of having less than a screen-full of e-mails remaining; ideally having less than 25.