Your desk, whether you work from home or in a shared workplace, frequently reflects your habits and personality. Some offices are clean, formal and uncluttered. Others are vibrant and individual. Then there are the cubicles that are so hectic that it’s difficult to see how anyone could work there.
How Do You Organise Your Work Desk?
Your workstation should be configured for optimum time management, efficiency, and, yes, comfort, regardless of your personal tastes or behavioural tendencies. After all, you might spend more time at your desk at work than in your bed at home. There is no better moment than the present to take action if you constantly feel overwhelmed by jumbled files, mounds of papers, and general mayhem.
Use a Paper Storage Rack
Let’s be honest – how many times have you had to rummage through a pile of papers, searching for that one specific form you need? Ruffling through documents can be a time-consuming endeavour, especially when you’re in a hurry. The easiest way to avoid this problem is by installing a paper storage rack nearby.
Most storage racks are easily adjustable, and they can be configured to fit any kind of paperwork you have. Not only will this keep your documents in order, but it will also make them instantly accessible. The multiple compartments also make it easy to separate and categorise your documents, effectively cutting down the time you’d spend trying to locate a single form.
In terms of materials, paper storage racks have come a long way since their cardboard predecessors. Nowadays, you can find units made of durable metals that offer better protection against elements like moisture, dust, and heat. Some even have frames that can be folded for easy transportation, so you can take them with you wherever you go.
Where you place your storage rack can determine how accessible your paperwork remains. A good rule of thumb is to keep it as close to your workstation as possible, so you don’t have to move around too much every time you need something. You can position it beneath your desk or directly beside it for utmost convenience.
And if you ever need to make changes to your filing arrangement, you can easily do so with a few simple adjustments. This way, you’ll be able to keep your documents organised and your workspace tidy.
Clean Up the Clutter
You probably don’t need half of the items taking up space on your physical desktop, which is precious real estate. Take everything from your desktop and place it on the floor on Monday morning.
Put only what you need for accomplishing each activity back on your desk when you get busy working. Find a new place for anything that is left on the floor at the end of the week, whether it be a drawer, a closet, or even the trashcan.
Create Helpful Habits and Stick To Your Routine
A significant number of people tend to lean in the direction of left to right in many things in life, especially when organizing. For example, you can place static objects, such as a phone, notebook, and box with pencils and pens to the left, a clear workspace and computer in the middle, and completed paperwork and moving objects such as staplers on the right.
Depending on how you work, there are several ways to set up your workstation. Try out different setups until you find one that seems comfortable and efficient to you.
Look For Efficient Ways to Save Space
Your stress level may rise if there isn’t enough room to spread out paperwork or sign it. Establish a no-parking zone on your desk and make it a habit to keep items off of it when you aren’t working on them.
You might need to think vertically to apply this cleaning tip, such as by purchasing and using a wall shelf. Think vertically when implementing this organisation suggestion, perhaps by purchasing a wall shelf to store extra files and other objects.
Add Your Own Personal Touch
Your workplace doesn’t have to be sterile and clean to the last centimetre. Put a few meaningful items on your wall or desk such as a whiteboard, pictures, drawings, phrases that inspire you, succulent plants to brighten up your day or your favourite action figure. However, keep them to a minimum otherwise your desk will appear overly crowded and possibly unprofessional.
Where Possible, Switch to Digital
The main cause of crowded workspaces is still paper. Move your calendar, to-do list, and memo pad to your desktop if you haven’t already, then sync them with your cellphone for better accessibility and utility. The best thing about digital productivity apps is that you can set up notifications for meetings, appointments, and tasks thanks to their notification features.
Be Mindful of Ergonomics
It is now statistically proven that the health of those who work in ergonomic environments has improved. The cardiovascular system is where it normally begins, then it spreads to other organs.
Compared to working in a typical atmosphere, working in an office that is efficiently organised and logical for each and every of your most common movements you will have less tension in your body. You won’t strain your eyes or neck by adopting these comfortable positions. Your blood flow will be at its best, which will also lessen soreness and discomfort in your legs.
