Are there times where you just let files, small receipts, papers, and other to-do’s to pile up in your desk? When was the last time that you’ve wiped the dust that has accumulated in your keyboard, and screen?
You might also notice that there are a lot of papers as well that have a collected in your desk and you haven’t used in a while. As much as you hate to admit it, these things that are piling up and making a mess is also continually interfering with your workflow, productivity, and creativity in the workplace. Having a cluttered desk can also have a significant impact on your health.
Luckily, there are practical ways where you can keep your workplace clean and organized:
Table of Contents
1. Always clean your desk at the end of the day
There’s no doubt that one of the most important physical space in your office is your desk. Most people find that they can work more productively if they have a mess free of clutter.
Of course, there are still those creative types who prefer working in a setting that is a bit disorderly. Take, for example, entrepreneur Tony Hsieh who loves a messy desk.
However, if you’re like most of the population, keeping a desk that is pristine and orderly is the best option. Note that having a clean workspace gives a more productive flow in your work ‒ so it’s time to tidy up.
2. Refrain from eating at your desk
Most people know that eating lunch at their desk isn’t healthy and yet they still do it. Despite the number of wellness programs in the workplace, some employees just couldn’t help sending an email or two during their lunch break.
But quite shockingly, do you know that the average workplace equipment can be 400 times dirtier than the actual toilet, as there are approximately 16 million microbes on a regular office keyboard? You don’t want that near anywhere your food, do you?
Aside from that, staying in your desk all day long can lead to decreased levels of productivity, and can even lead to a host of health issues such as back pain, nerve disorders, and increased the risk of heart disease.
3. Get rid of unnecessary clutter
Keeping an organized workspace isn’t just about creating a pretty area to look at. Decluttering your office desk and workspace can make you feel good and lift your spirits up.
If you want to put an important file in your desk and cabinet but can’t seem to put it in a cluttered workstation, then it’s time to keep your workspace clean and tidy.
Ask yourself ‒ do you really need all those knickknacks, souvenirs and other office supplies lying around your desk? Unless they have a specific purpose, then it’s time to move them out.
4. Have a proper place to put items
Of course, organizing your desk does take a lot of time and effort. But if you’re constantly surrounded by a sea of post-it notes, folders and files, chances are ‒ you’ll always feel tired, stressed and burned out.
Consider getting a desk organizer. Having one will help you quickly find what you are looking for, without wasting time. That way, you’ll be more productive, and will leave a good impression to everyone in the workplace. By having a tidier and cleaner workspace, you’ll also more focused on your work without any unnecessary visual distractions.
5. Avoid hoarding office supplies
A lot of people tend to hoard stuff that they don’t need because they don’t know the things that they have to throw away.
Chances are, it’s highly likely that you won’t need most of the stuff that you’re saving. When in doubt, just throw it out.
If you badly need a hard copy for those papers, create a more organized filing system so that you’ll know where to locate it.
6. Eliminate paper as much as possible
Eliminate the incoming paper flood in your office. If you can’t entirely stop it, then at least try to minimize it.
Reduce the number of those memos and paper reports if you can. Also, get rid of all those irrelevant subscriptions. Do you need a hard copy of that file? If not, then stop it from coming to your desk.
To Wrap It Up
Having a clean and organized work area is the key to the success of every organization. It helps you get more work done by giving you more space where you can work, instead of stacking new files on top of old ones, making everything look cluttered and untidy.
So, it’s crucial to keep a workplace that’s spotless and well-organized to maximize your productivity in the long run.
About the Author — Raymond Chiu is the Director of Operations for MaidSailors.com, the leading Office Cleaning NYC company. Maid Sailors take pride in providing outstanding office cleaning services at affordable prices. Maid Sailors helps workplaces transform into spotless places.
