It might sound stupid or even unnecessary due to the circumstances we’re living, in the middle of a pandemic, but whether you’re working from home or you still have to go to the office, there are reasons to why you should keep your workspace organized:
· An organized desk helps you remember important tasks and facilitates creativity!
Everyone is familiar with their email inbox but most of us do not realize that a physical inbox on our desks is just as vital in today’s modern office. To stay organized, designate an incoming and outgoing unit for paperwork. This will help you to avoid misplacing documents, which will also keep you ahead of your task list.
Brisk Tip: Utilize wall space. At eye level, neatly hang papers you use for daily reference to alleviate desk clutter. Also, when in doubt, throw it out! Place a trashcan within reach to toss unnecessary items. Afraid to throw away that loose paper with an important note? File it away in an organized drawer or never lose it by scanning it into your computer! Nothing inspires creativity, which is vital in the workplace, more than a blank slate. Keep your desk clean so that you can focus on the task at hand, rather than being overwhelmed by side projects or looming deadlines. Throw away and recycle.
· An organized workspace can improve your time management
Of course, your first thought is “if I had time left, I’d organized my desk”. However, if you consider the amount of time you waste every day, just sorting through files or looking for important items, whether it’s a simple marker or a file from a customer. When every item has a designated place, you are guaranteed to have less wasted time when switching between projects or tasks.
Brisk Tip: Take 5 minutes before you leave work and file away the contents of your desk. What will you need to start off the following day? What will you need in 3 months? File your loose papers, trash your snack wrappers and sort the files you will need throughout the week. The result? A tidy desk to help you dominate your to-do list.
· A clean desk gives a professional appearance
Having an organized work desk is important to your customers, employees, co-workers and even your boss. Your workspace is a visual representation of professionalism. It promotes a strong work ethic and shows that achieving success is important to you.
Brisk Tip: Remove any items from your desk that do not have a daily purpose, meaning – if you don’t use it every day it shouldn’t be on top pf your desk. This provides for less shuffling around when you need something.
· Decluttering reduces stress
Stress is inevitable in the middle of chaos. A messy workspace promotes distraction and has the potential to foster a negative state of mind, creating a feeling of being overwhelmed or in over your head. When you are already experiencing some stress about an upcoming project, having an organized space will help keep you focused and efficient.
Brisk Tip: Organize your drawers, have a designated place to keep your electronics, pens, paperclips, notepads, notes and stapler. This way you’ll be stress free in a decluttered environment.
There are a number of benefits that come from keeping a clean desk. You’ll look more professional and you’ll save time not looking for a misplaced invoice or meeting notes (the average person wastes 4.3 hours a week searching for paper). Moreover, people who work with a clean desk are able to work for 7.5 minutes longer without losing focus, as their persistence also increases by to 84%.
Aside from workplace benefits, studies show a well-organized desk also has some psychological perks such as:
o You are more likely to make healthier food choices
o It improves mental stability
o Increases productivity
o You're more likely to sleep better
o It improves focus
o Reduces stress
An organized desk saves you time, establishes you as a consummate professional, fosters your creative mind, and reduces stress. What’s not to love about that?
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