Five steps to an organised workspace

[Lynx]

Five steps to an organised workspace

IN BRIEF : Does your desk look like a pack rat's nest?



Are you constantly wading through paper mountains to find memos or documents that you know you put right there? Don't let chaos rule your life. This article will guide you to an organised workspace in five easy steps.
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Does looking at your disorganised desk leave you feeling emotionally drained, stressed, overwhelmed and overworked? Is your productivity hampered because you are afraid of interrupting your makeshift leaning tower of documents? Do pangs of separation anxiety hit you at the thought of throwing away a Post-it?

But you're very efficient while wallowing in your sea of paper, you argue. Why should you bother tidying up your workspace? According to Odette Pollar, president of Time Management Systems, a California-based management training consulting firm, a messy workspace shows a lack of self-respect and gives the impression that you don't know what you're doing.

Of course, reorganising takes time and effort, so what do you stand to gain from exerting yourself? Well, for one thing, you won't have to wade through piles of paperwork to find a document quickly. You'll also be more productive. Your boss, co-workers and clients will think you are extremely organised, efficient and capable. When faced with a neat and attractive workspace at the beginning of each day, you'll feel better and be able to focus better (there won't be as many visual distractions).

Convinced but filled with dread? Fear not, a cleaner, uncluttered desk is five easy steps away:

Compartmentalise: You spend a significant amount of time sitting behind your desk, so design your work area so that the telephone, note pads, pens, pencils and appointment book are at your fingertips.

De-clutter: Prevent unnecessary clutter by limiting the amount of items on your desk. Only keep current files on your desk, placing all others in a Desktop File Box. Also prevent little scraps of paper from piling up by noting deadlines and appointments in your personal organiser.

Categorise: Categorise files into two categories: active and inactive. Keep active files accessible and store inactive files in a labelled storage box. This will keep necessary files close at hand and reduce clutter.

Utilise: Try using the often-wasted space available behind the door or vertically on your desk. Use wall-mounted shelves to hold file folders, desk accessories, magazines or videotapes.

Minimise: Minimise the number of times a document is read by immediately filing, discarding or placing the items in a "to do" file. Making this a part of your daily routine will reduce the amount of paperwork on your desk.
Remember, organising your desk is not only a one-time activity. You'll have to fight the growing paper mountains on a daily basis. Once you make a habit of cleaning your desk before you go home, it will become second nature (or so we've heard!).

Being organised is essential for being successful in any job.

Taken From: http://eu.healthinsite.net/ContentVi...&ContentType=2

[Johan]

My desk is a mess :) But I can usually find what I need anyway.

[Lynx]

lol same here!

[Narkissos]

I've no chance in hell of organizing my space lol