5 Tips to Organize Your Workspace and Stay Productive
Did you know that the condition of your workspace affects your productivity? Well, working in a messy and cluttered space can negatively affect your work, keep you distracted and even create a negative vibe.
Some people say that they work best when surrounded by a “creative mess”, but most of the time, they are just too lazy to tidy up. So, don’t let your files, papers, office supplies and empty cups of coffee take a hold of your workspace, but take a look at these five easy tips that will help you become and stay organized and productive.
Declutter
The first step to keeping your office clean is very simple: just don’t keep too many things inside! However, this is often easier said than done and is especially hard for people who love to be surrounded by things. But, forget about your hoarding habits and take a good look around your office. Take each thing and ask yourself: “Does this absolutely need to be here?” Pay special attention to books, magazines, decoration, photos, supplies, food and drink. If an item is not essential to your office, remove it for good. Another great tip for keeping your office clean is to have a trash can at hand and place it in a spot where you can easily and quickly reach it.
Minimize the flood of paper
If every inch of your desk is covered in paper, it’s time to minimize the incoming paper flood as much as possible. The best way to start is to cancel all unnecessary subscriptions and stop using that many memos and paper reports. Every time you can, opt for doing work without a hard copy. Another way to clean piles of paper is to get a scanner and turn everything into digital data.
Create work zones
One pro way to improve your office organization is to divide your office into different work zones. For instance, sometimes you just need to change things up a bit to spark the productivity and creativity. So, if you have enough space in your office, try to create two separate stations—one for computer work and one for non-computer work. This works because you can keep distractions away and achieve better organization. Don’t clutter your computer area with papers, envelopes and stamps, and make sure to keep gadgets away from your non-computer area.
Organize your desk and computer
Probably the best way to be more productive and focused is to keep your work desk organized. Your desk is constantly in front of your eyes and it’s something you can’t really turn your back to and ignore. So, make sure to organize everything in your files, trays and stationeries. This is where the plastic and storage organizers come into play. You don’t need an expensive stationery tray to organize your ballpoint pens. Simply take some plain storage boxes (both big and small), beautify them and use them to your advantage. Your computer should also be organized. Start by deleting all folders, documents, pictures and programs you don’t use and need. Then, organize the things you actually need into different (clearly labeled) folders and use digital calendars and reminders to help you stay organized and productive.
Stay on track
Once you clean out and organize your office, make sure to never let it become cluttered again. The best way to do so is to clean up a little every day. Set aside five minutes at the end of the day to tidy up and throw away the garbage. This will signal your brain that the work day is over and tomorrow, you’ll come to a clean and organized office.
A clean and decluttered office will certainly make you more productive, focused and creative. So, roll up your sleeves, start cleaning up and do something good for yourself and your business.