Take a look around you if you're having trouble getting stuff done at work. Is your workspace in shambles? Aside from being visually unappealing, a disorganized desk will make it difficult to concentrate and process information. Your desk serves as your command post. According to experts, the level of organization will help set the tone and efficiency level at work.
Whether or not the organization is one of your strengths, it is a habit that everyone should develop. If you've ever left your boss waiting because you couldn't find an important document, or if you're constantly late for meetings or miss important deadlines, getting organized should be at the top of your priority list.
If you're searching for some direction, here are some benefits of staying organized. Suggestions will follow about how to get the most out of your day–to–day job.
A D V A N T A G E S
REDUCES STRESS LEVELS
When you neatly arrange items and label them appropriately, finding them should be a piece of cake rather than a source of stress.
HELPS YOU MEET DEADLINES
Don't let a crucial project deadline slip by because you were distracted by some pressing matter. Set up calendar prompts so you never miss a deadline again.
INCREASES PRODUCTIVITY
You will save time searching for items and have more time to focus on important projects if you stay organized.
MAKES YOU BE ON TIME
Timeliness and organization go hand in hand. Consider using calendar reminders to ensure you don't get too engrossed in an assignment and lose track of time.
T I P S
Here are the best tips and tricks that I've gathered (and worked for me!) on how to get your desk in order:
CLEANING
Your work desk should be able to provide you with anything you need quickly. Toss all of the unneeded documents, cables, junk, and so on into the landfill. If there is a tangle of wires within reach, it will be a distraction. You may need to do cable management for your work desk to untangle your never-ending cable wires. Try these cable management tools:
Examine each object on your desk and ask yourself if you still need it. Keep what you want and chuck what you don't. If you have it right the first time, you'll have made great strides toward a more relaxing workspace.
YOUR DESK
Maybe one of the things that are dragging you down is your same old chunky desk. Try to switch things up by getting a sit-stand desk. These popular desks are very appealing to your eyes and come in colors and finishes that can match any theme on your workspace and, most of all, promote movement as opposed to just sitting all day. FlexiSpot has the sleek Comhar All-in-One Standing Desk Glass Top and the classy Comhar All-in-One Standing Desk Wooden Top. Both not only increase efficiency by keeping you from sitting all day, but their feature set and elegant nature set them apart. It moves from your ideal sitting position to your perfect standing position with the click of a button, all while holding your monitor, keyboard, and mouse at the most ergonomic settings for productive and efficient work.
YOUR DESKTOP
Keeping your computer in front of you improves concentration.
It should, however, be comfortable, so make sure the monitor position allows you to sit facing it with your back straight. Allow for about 1.5 feet of space in front of you. Keep the area right next to your computer clear of clutter. This way, you can directly check papers or documents without clearing any desk or office room.
Digital messes are often considered clutter, and they can be surprisingly distracting when you're trying to concentrate. Clean up any extra files on your desktop at least once a week, and move folders inside other folders if necessary to make your home screen more organized. Make sure you arrange files in a way that allows you to find an item quickly. Be precise with file names so that you can quickly search for a specific item when you're in a hurry.
Many that work in an office with their coworkers can have a shared drive/filing system that is open to the entire organization. File organization is critical, but it becomes even more critical when colleagues depend on one another to stay organized.
Calendar
By adding an electronic calendar to your email, you will avoid being late or double-booked. And those who work outside of a typical workplace, such as contractors or service technicians, may have multiple tasks to complete or prospective clients to meet within a given day.
E-mail is a quick and easy way to communicate, but it can also be a huge distraction. Set aside particular times during the day to check and respond to it. The remainder of your time is for working. Also, if the pop-up alerts of new mail disturb your workflow, don't be afraid to disable them.
SORT EVERYTHING OUT
Recycle or shred any documents. If a paper contains sensitive information, shredding should be used rather than recycling. Build a filing system and mark things with any other documents that you believe are necessary to hold. Sort stuff by client/customer, project, alphabetically, by date, or whatever works best for you.
● Similar items go together. If you use a desk caddy to store your office supplies, the bad news: even though your items are "put away," they still create visual clutter. All of your office supplies would most likely fit in a single cabinet. Keep one office drawer for multifunctional office supplies, particularly the ones seldom used. Then you'll have more drawers for other items, including one for snacks and maybe another for electronics. If you use a desk caddy to store your office supplies, the bad news: even though your items are "put away," they still create visual clutter.
● Sort by importance. When deciding where to put something on your desk, consider how much you use or need it. Place the object somewhere less available than objects you use every day if not used often. You'll need to think about how to arrange your desk. There are items that a work desk can need once a month, and then there are things that you can need every single day. As a result, keep the necessities close at hand. For various people, this may mean a variety of things. Make sure you have all of your chargers, files, and documents in easy reach. If you need a lamp, a task lamp would be wise as it doesn't need to occupy any space due to its clamp feature.
● Consider a desk organizer. Rather than having stacks of projects all over your desk, set up a two-tray system for arranging documents. One tray is reserved for new papers that have yet to be processed. The other tray contains documents that have been checked and must be presented or filed. This FlexiSpot Mesh Desk Organizer features drawers that can be used independently and are suitable for storing stationery and small trinkets. You can store documents and notebooks in the three sliding trays. Use the vertical storage area to keep your folders and binders together. The FlexiSpot Mesh Desk Organizer will help you have more desk space with its unique, well-thought-out, and compact design.
● Get rid of extra pencils and pens. You are under no obligation to hold dried-up ballpoints on your desk for the year. Try to limit yourself to two pens and two pencils—not only will this reduce clutter, but it will also keep you conscientious about not lending them to the coworker who never returns stuff.
● The ever-reliable file cabinet. Many businesses retain paper copies for several years for their records. Your desk is just for the things you keep on hand. The rest is all nonsense. The power of decluttering is true, which is why you should keep all of your unused clutter in the file cabinet. These cabinets will make it easier for you to keep your desk organized.
● Forget sticky notes. Using notes to frame your display isn't the most successful method. Not only is it possible that one of those notes could slip off and end up in the garbage can, but pinning too many notes on your computer looks tacky and cluttered. Use sticky notes just for the most important activities or the last insane idea you don't want to forget over lunch. Remember, stick notes are there for last-minute reminders and are not a checklist.
YOUR CELLPHONE
Syncing your phone with your work email and calendar is smart to keep on top of things. There are also a variety of applications that can assist you in staying organized at work. Notifications are appealing. You would be less distracted if you put your phone in a drawer or off to the side in a phone holder. You can set a due date reminder to notify you three days, five days, or even five minutes before the due date. Result? You would have a more productive work environment and schedule.
LAYOUT
Your monitor should be at eye level and about 17 inches away from your body. To avoid reaching over, keep commonly used objects, such as the phone or supplies, on your dominant hand. It would help if you also had a separate section of your desk for non-computer work. There, you can scan articles, read, and work on your to-do list. Water and energy risks should be dealt with extreme care when assembling the workstation. This is a sure-fire way to coordinate your desk and avoid injuries.
Maybe you could try placing a close photograph or a charm or a plant in a far corner for a personal touch. Do not go overboard with your sentimental things, though! Keep in mind that your desk is for focusing on work and work alone.
You may also treat yourself to inspire you to work and be at ease working by adding something new to your workspace as part of your personalization. If your desk is by a wall, you may have floating shelves installed for added storage or a mirror with magnification and LED light if you're the type to do your makeup at your desk or check on your hair or smile every once in a while. Another tremendous and beneficial addition would be an ergonomic office chair to ensure that you are most comfortable working, minus the aches and pains related to posture.
F IN A L T H O U G H T S
Your desire to participate at work is affected by your desk organization. Your work atmosphere involves your assignments, tasks, and team collaboration. You can use these organizational tips to remain centered and efficient while also avoiding a cluttered desk and mind. It enables you to set aside distractions to create something different, focus on the next big concept, or build something magnificent. And when you're clutter-free, you're free to create.
