Tidy Space, Tidy Mind: Tricks for a Spring Clean Office
Spring time is upon us and what better time to get the marigolds out and have a good clear out? According to a new survey by staffing firm Adecco, the majority of workers (over 57%) admit to judging a co-worker based on the cleanliness of their workspace! Not only that, but potential clients are likely to be less than impressed by a messy office. Have a look at the following tips and tricks on how to maximise your office space potential, enhance your own productivity and increase work capabilities. As the saying goes a tidy space is a tidy mind! If you struggle to keep in top of unnecessary workspace clutter why donât you try;
1)     Dividing  your workspace into zones
Organisation experts suggest that every professional should ask themselves, âWhat do I want from my office space, and is it meeting my needs?â After establishing how you want and need to use the space, set up zones for your daily functions! For example, you may need a workspace for your computer, a library area for your research, a storage area for supplies and so on.
2)Â Â Â Â Â Keep what you need at armâs length.
The only stuff in the radius of your arms should be the stuff you need immediately. Boxes of pens, stacks of old paper and old coffee cups need to go! Instead, get rid of visual clutter by paring down the items on top of the essentials only. For most, that means a monitor and keyboard, telephone, two pens and a notebook, a lamp and maybe a family photograph.
3)Â Â Â Â Â Sort out you âcatch allâ drawer
Most people have these in the home and the office, that drawer or cabinet were things are hidden away out of sight. As we all know, after time we have no idea whatâs in that space and can become subconsciously anxious before even opening it. As the items are usually what we think as in disposable (most people have the tendency to secretly hoard) purchase drawer dividers to keep everything in place! Then make it a rule that every 4-6 weeks that anything that is simply gathering dust is chucked out.
4)Â Â Â Â Â Donât use e-mail as a to-do list.
Most of us are drowning in e-mails and too often use our inboxes like to do lists. Digital clutter can be just as stressful and energy sapping as physical clutter. The only way around this is to take the same no nonsense approach and organise your emails as you would your paperwork by only keeping whatâs necessary.
5)Â Â Â Â Â Streamline your desktop icons.
Every morning your office should motivate you to do your best work. That includes your computer, which is the modern workers essential tool. A cluttered screen with icons everywhere will trigger stress hormones and make it hard to find anything. Avoid this unnecessary hassle and create a logical digital filing system and reduce desktop icons to a select few. Likewise, clear any sticky notes or reminders that are no longer needed for easy navigation around your laptop.
6)Â Â Â Â Â Disinfect regularly
Even if youâre the neatest person in the world, you will need to prevent a build of dust, dirt, stains or fingerprints, especially in this day and age were lots of technology in the workplace is touchscreen. Keep mess at bay by having some disinfectant wipes handy and remember to give your desk a wipe down on a regular basis.
Why not try a couple of these small organisational changes in your own office space today? It may be the case that an office spring clean is just what you need to help ease stress levels, and could even make life that little bit easier!
