For some people a cluttered office is a sign that they are working very hard. Nothing could be further from truth. A cluttered office reduces your productivity significantly. Researchers have found that people who keep their workspace well-organized are able to improve their productivity significantly by being able to find things quickly, respond to customers fast and keeping unwanted distractions to a minimum. That is why experts are continuously at work to find ways to organize the office and everyday life and come up with tools to help you achieve efficiency. Below we have come up with 8 tips to help you get closer to that goal.
- Shred Unwanted Documents
It is vital that you have a way to properly dispose of all your old paperwork. One effective way of doing this is through document shredding, as the last thing you want is something going missing that contains a client’s private details.
As well as this, you don’t want to just let all of your old papers pile up and clutter your office, so assure you spend some time each week sorting through them all and shredding what’s no longer needed. This way, nothing is at risk and you’re keeping your desk clutter free.
- Hang a Filing System On the Wall
Instead of keeping forms that you need easy access to on the top of your desk, which can take up a lot of space, you could consider using a wall filing system. Whether you have a plastic filing system that can hold three different types of documents or one that holds ten, you will be amazed by the amount of space it will clear up for you.
- Do a Weekly Purge
Set aside a little bit of time once a week where you can conduct a purge of your office. Whether it’s paperwork, old and unwanted furniture or just general waste. If you are not using it and do not need it in the near future – what’s the point in keeping it?
- Organise the Desk Drawers
Stop wasting time sifting through messy drawers, just to find a simple sticky note. Empty the entire contents of your desk and only keep the things you know you’re going to need in there. You could keep one drawer for all your stationary and another for forms, binders, and anything else you need to keep within reach.
- Sort the Mail as It Arrives
Instead of throwing all of the emails into a big pile to be sorted through later, sort it the moment it is in your hands. Important letters should be dealt with accordingly, unwanted junk should be shredded or disposed of and more importantly, nothing should be left to just pile up on your desk.
- File Frequently
Depending on the amount of papers that you have, you will want to file once or twice a week. In the meantime, you could create a folder that you can label “To File”, so you will have a dedicated space for your papers until it is time to put them away. This will save things getting lost or going unnoticed.
- Clean Your Desk at the End of Each Day
Coming into work with a freshly cleaned desk is a great way to maintain productivity. Therefore, at the end of each day, assure it’s in a suitable state for the following day. The last thing you’re going to want to do first thing in the morning is clean up the previous day’s mess, so try and get it done just before you leave the office.
- File Digitally
Instead of holding on to every important document and collecting multiple filing cabinets, there is always the option of electronic filing. If you do not need to keep the original document, you can scan it onto your computer and then file it there. This will save you a lots of space and provides extra security for files which you wouldn’t want to misplace.
An organised office is the key to productivity in the workplace. It not only helps you to keep a focused mind, but it also allows you to keep track of important documents which saves time and hassle in the long run. So, take each of these 8 tips on board and you’ll be well on your way to a successful career.
