When it comes to maintaining high levels of productivity and turning a profit keeping your office organized is an important component. According to statistics from the National Association of Professional Organizations, employees often spend around 4.3 hours a week searching for misplaced papers. This paper clutter leads to the inability to service your customers properly and increase sales and profits. Dealing with this stress puts a burden on employee’s mood. However, there is a way to turn this around by organizing your office with these tips.
- Ask your employees for their input. Some want pristine organized conditions, while others desire a few personal items such as a photo or a plant to dress up their space and inspire them while working.
- Encourage employees to clean their desk area each night before leaving. Make sure at least 80 percent of the desktop is clear. This will make it easier in the morning when you are looking for things.
- Invest in the proper office furniture and storage solutions. Get as much as possible off your desk. Purchase a printer stand to store an all-in-one printer and fax machine and you can store paper and accessories down below. If you need professional binders or books, buy a bookcase and tuck it in the corner. Your books will look much better on the shelves than strewn on your desk.
- Deal with information only once, whether it’s on paper, or sent digitally. Read it, rate its importance for action and either file it, or get rid of it. This will effectively lessen clutter on a daily basis.
- Color code your files. Label urgent cases red, ones that can wait yellow, and completed cases green.
- Eat lunch away from your desk. Taking a break allows you to return to work refreshed and allows you to get to know your co-workers in the break room. More importantly, you won’t be cluttering your desk with silverware, containers, and leftover food.
- Set up a recycling center at work. Make it easily accessible so that employees can throw their excess paper in one tote, and plastic bottles and silverware from lunch in another.
Office organization is an important key process that involves optimizing your workspace for performance and productivity and ensuring a creative, inviting environment. The professionals at Refresh Organizers and Designers can assist you by organizing your office space. Contact us at (510) 570-1292 for more information.
