Are you looking for ways to maximize your productivity on a daily basis? Do you feel as if you need a boost or a jolt of motivation to get you going in the right direction again? If so, then you need to learn how to organize an office for maximum productivity.
Doing so can boost your mood, eradicate time-wasting searches, and rid you of the frustration that comes from a messy office. Not to mention, it can set a great example for your bosses, coworkers, and inferiors.
See below for an in-depth guide on some office organization tips and tricks you can use to get the most out of yourself and others.
1. Use a Desk-Centric Approach
Whether you’re working at home or have an office at your place of business, there’s one common mistake that people make: they focus too much on the accessory pieces of their office.
You know who you are! Those that were more excited about getting a bookshelf, filing cabinet, or a place to hang the autographed jersey you have.
But let us ask you this question: where will the bulk of your productivity be performed? At your desk! The desk in your office needs to be the nucleus. It needs to be the one station in which all other components complement.
At most modern work offices, a desk would need room for a laptop, laptop port, a monitor (or two), space to write, a pen holder, and of course, a place for your coffee mug. All other items can be placed somewhere else.
Where should they be placed? That’s for you to decide. Does your desk have drawers to place them in? Is there a shelf or filing cabinet where items can be set?
Think of it this way: you want to minimize the clutter on your desk, but keep all items you frequently use within an arms reach. If you have to get up from your seat to retrieve it, you’re likely to distract yourself by walking to a coworker’s desk, going to get that second cup of coffee you don’t need, etc.
2. Establish Clear Pathways
Walk out of your office right now, then take a glance at it from the doorway. Is there a definitive walkway that has been established for each aspect of the room?
In other words, can your coworkers safely walk to sit down in the chair you have set up across your desk? Is there anything blocking the pathway to your desk? Do you find yourself kicking or pushing items to the side?
It’s important to remember that this isn’t just affecting your productivity, it’s affecting your personal brand. Do you really want a prospect walking into your office and seeing items on the floor? First impressions are hard to get rid of!
We recommend having a two-foot rule. Make sure that each pathway is two feet wide. Remove all small items from the floor and make sure your furniture is pushed up all the way against the wall.
3. Purge Baby Purge
We all know that one guy or girl in the company whose office is stocked with junk they don’t need. They still have a wine basket that a client gave them two years ago.
While you might not have it that messy in your office, we’d be willing to bet there are things that you no longer need taking up valuable space. It’s time to get rid of them!
Take the time to go through every part of your office and get rid of things that you no longer need. Make sure to purge and clean out places like:
- The top of your desk
- Your desk’s drawers
- Your bookshelf
- The floor in your office
- Any items stacked up against the wall
- Your filing cabinets
- Underneath your desk
Purging these areas specifically can dramatically boost your productivity. A recent study showed that people (or students) working in a clutter-free space can help you stay productive for up to 8 minutes longer in each deep focus session.
4. Hire a CIMS-Certified Janitorial Company
If you’re a business owner, then you’re looking to improve productivity company-wide. You don’t just want to help your workers work harder, you want to protect the health and safety of your staff.
Doing so will help ensure the overall productivity of your company year-round. The healthier they are, the fewer sick days they’ll take and the more determined they’ll be.
Hiring a janitorial company can help prevent the spread of harmful germs and bacteria in your workspace. Make sure to read this article to learn more about what a CIMS certified Janitor is and why they’re a vital component in your business model.
5. Establish a Creativity Corner
Many experts will tell you that you need two “zones” in your office. One zone for productivity, which is usually your desk area. The other zone is for creativity and non-typing tasks such as filling out paperwork.
We highly recommend that you take advantage of that creativity zone by establishing a creativity corner. This is a corner you can escape to when you need a chance to think, take an important phone call, or have a meaningful conversation with a coworker or client.
It allows you to disconnect from the blue-lit screens in your life for a bit. It helps you unplug for a few minutes so that you can maximize your thinking.
How to Organize an Office: Use These Tips
Now that you have seen an in-depth guide on how to organize an office, be sure to use this helpful guide to your advantage.
It all starts with a few office organization ideas. Once you accomplish the tasks listed above, you can start to work on making an office layout that maximizes your skillset.
Be sure to browse our website for more articles on how to organize an office, as well as many other helpful topics that you will enjoy.