Adapting a system to keep your office organized is imperative for a productive work environment. Consider developing a few organizational guidelines, such as implementing a “clean desk policy,” or setting up a storage system in the stockroom. These guidelines will help your office run smoother.
Implement Clean Desk Policy
Implementing a clean desk policy will help your office look neater overall but it will also improve its safety. Part of the policy states that employees will remove all papers with secure information when leaving their desk. They will also log out of their computer and lock filing cabinets after storing things for the night.
Set up a Storage System in the Stockroom
Find a storage system that works for your business and stick to it. Consider vertical shelving, leaving plenty of floor space for your employees to walk. Figure out which items you use the most and keep them near the front. Label the boxes. If it’s an office, label things according to the project. If your company is a retail store, try labeling items by the most popular stock. Keep those items near the front, so employees can grab them quickly and help customers.
Divide the Office into Centers
Separating your business into different zones helps it run more efficiently. Some important zones include a working zone, where the desks and computers are and a collaboration zone, where employees can brainstorm on projects together. It’s often beneficial to establish to break or lounge area, where employees can relax and recharge themselves.
Tackle Your Inbox
Take time each day to sort through your inbox so it becomes more manageable. This way, you can easily unsubscribe and block mass emails. It also makes it simpler to delete old emails, and sort current ones by project or client, making it more efficient.
Schedule Time to Clean
Try to clean daily for 15 minutes before leaving the office. Take time to disinfect your electronics each day, since these accumulate dirt and bacteria and could make you ill otherwise. Aim to do one deep cleaning session each month, where you thoroughly organize your desk and scrub everything down.
These are just a few of the organizational guidelines to help you run a more productive work environment. For more ideas, sign up to hear Juliette Schatan from Refresh Professional Organizers speak in The Amphitheater on March 25th at 11 am PST about Organizational Tips for Saving Your Business Big Bucks.
