Jan
25
Written by:
D. Motovidlak
1/25/2012 1:41 PM
The average worker wastes almost two weeks each year searching for lost or misplaced items, according to a study by Brother International. Good organization helps you gain control of your time, allowing you to plan and complete the tasks needed to achieve your goals. An organized desk and workspace will allow you to become more productive and less stressed because you can find things when you need them.
Ready to dig out from under all that clutter? Follow these tips:
1. Keep it simple. Don’t go overboard with an elaborate solution. Get the big picture first, then begin implementing. An easy system will almost always outperform a complex one. The ultimate goal: Prioritize your needs and maximize your workspace.
2. Everything has its place. Create a designated place for supplies and other frequently used items. Use a drawer organizer to keep pens, staples, rubber bands and other small items together. Keep important documents, supplies and information visible and within arms’ reach.
3. Toss it! Go through each pile of papers, examine each tchotchke and consider if those items are truly useful. Throw out, shred or recycle anything that is confidential or broken. Donate any unnecessary items to others who might have a use or need for them.
4. Go vertical. If you use it often, keep it on your desk top. For items that you use once in a while, use shelving, wall-mounted file folders or wall hooks to clear up desk space.
5. Have a notebook within reach. Keep a notebook, journal or call log to record telephone messages. Use it to jot down important notes during phone calls as well. This way, a record of all your phone conversations will be in one place.
6. Organize your time. Make lists and prioritize your tasks each day. Use a weekly planner to organize appointments, meeting, calls and to block out time to accomplish your work. Avoid procrastination by breaking large jobs into smaller, more manageable tasks. Be sure to fit some “me” time into your hectic work schedule. Sometimes, a 10-minute mental break can be just what you need to recharge your work day.
7. Get your desk in order before you leave the office. A disorganized desk can certainly become an ongoing source of frustration. It can also result in important tasks getting lost in the clutter. Try tidying up your desk an hour or so before you leave. Not only might you find a task that got lost in the chaos of your day, but you might still have enough time to manage it.
Copyright ©2012 D. Motovidlak