These four simple tips will help you make the most of your office workspace. Being more organized, and working in an environment that you enjoy allows you to be more efficient and ultimately, more productive on the job. - Think first, organize next. People procrastinate about organizing because they dont know where to start or they havent thought about why their office isnt working for them. Take some time to think about why your space isnt as effective as it could be. Do you need more storage, a larger desk, or better lighting? Imagine what your ideal office would look like and move toward that picture.
- Dont let personal items hijack workspace. Offices dont have to be sterile environments, but personal effects can often take over so much space that there is no longer ample space to work. Utilize wall shelves, architectural ledges and small tables to display photos and mementos so you have room on your desk for working tools.
- Keep your space at 80% of capacity. Paper, books, binders and the like are going to continue to make their way into your office so you need to make sure you have space for incoming items. Your goal in getting organized should be to have your space only 80% full at all times. As you continually collect more stuff you either need to offload paper, files, etc., to stay at 80%, or increase your storage space. Those are the only two options!
- Create a system for you. Magazines and catalogs are great for inspiration and ideas, but the organizing systems were either created for the sole purpose of photographing them, or are in offices where they knew the photographer was coming! Dont get caught up in how things should look or work. Create solutions that work with your working style, needs, habits, and preferences.
Getting organized is a process, not an event. By taking the time to think before you organize, you've greatly increased the odds that the organized space you've created will stay that way. |
