Some workspaces resemble an explosion!
Notes everywhere, coffee mugs on double shifts as paperweights, half-eaten food, wrappers, torn envelopes, stationery and the list could go on -"sweet mayhem" is the motto.
You may think I am being judgemental. Far from it - actually, confusion scares me. I'm an "everything in its place" kind of person which my family feel is borderline OCD.
Some people navigate chaos effortlessly – and there is proof that it generates creativity. But, research also mentions its downside - cluttered spaces and untidiness amongst other things, may cause anxiety, depression and even unproductivity.
This made me think about our workspaces and office desks and how they sometimes seem to be working against us.
Making small adjustments is simple even if one is not naturally tidy. They can be head turners, catalysts of productivity and so worth the effort.
Sharing some of the methods that I developed over three decades :
1. The Quick Desk Clear-Out
Move everything off your desk except what you need right now (or at least from your immediate space). It's that simple. Less clutter means fewer distractions, and it’s surprising how your concentration improves.
2. All in Place
Try keeping back things in their designated place, as soon as you have finished using them. You will never waste time searching or get frustrated during emergencies.
3. Ditch the sticky notes
As far as reminders and to-do lists go, that’s probably not the best route to take. Not only could they fall off and end up in the trash can, but pinning them all over look tacky and disorderly. Use them sparingly.
4. Clean up before you go
True, we have our faithful Office helps but one great habit is to clear your workspace before you go. Let them clean after you without you losing sleep of what got swept away.
5. Create a schedule to re-evaluate
Schedule time in your day to remove any meaningless reminders, memos or receipts. When you’re free from clutter, you’re free to create something new.
Our workspaces are vital to our performance - and a cluttered space
may trickle down to our tasks. Organising is an effective tool in
sharpening focus and increasing productivity.
S0, take a break and tidy your desk; it will free your mind, keep you calm and also improve performance!
