Our desks see a lot of action throughout a typical work day. Over time, the drawers and cabinets that make up our central work station tend to collect random papers and office supplies that urge disorganization. This mess can lead to decreased productivity and increased stress. Here are a few helpful hints on decluttering and rearranging your desk to help foster productivity.
Declutter and Purge
The first and most important step in organizing your desk is getting rid of everything you don’t need or use. Recycle unnecessary and outdated papers. Discard pens and markers that have dried up. Take home that extra pair of shoes and sweater that are cluttering up the bottom desk drawer. Once you’ve removed all redundant objects, you’ll have a better idea of how to most efficiently organize your desk.
Surface Design is Key
Ensuring that your desk’s surface is free from miscellaneous office supplies and laid out correctly is a top priority. First, be sure that your computer monitor is about 17 inches away from you and at eye level. Experts suggest that this is the most ergonomic position to promote good posture and less strain on the arms, shoulders, and neck.
Remove anything that isn’t touched on a daily basis. Keep pertinent files, reminders, and your day planner open and easily accessible. Confirm that your office phone is positioned on your dominant side so you can quickly answer it. Cut down personal items like family photos and mementos to a maximum of three pieces. Your desk can still be fun and welcoming without overly communicating your personal life and style.
Group Related Items in Drawers
Unless you’re an artist or editor, you probably use one pen at a time. Get rid of that overstuffed pen holder and place your pens, pencils, and highlighters in your desk’s top drawer. Miscellaneous office supplies like sticky notes, paperclips, thumb tacks, and other small items can go in here as well. Use an organizational tray to group items together and keep things from rolling around when you open and close the drawer.
Color Code Files
That sliding file drawer on your desk can do more than store your lunchbox. During your surface restructuring, determine which files can be put away and color code them accordingly. Pertinent files will remain accessible without being a distraction.
Neatly Hide Electronics
Even though that tangle of cables and wires may not be hindering your work performance, it’s certainly an eye sore. Use zip ties to group cables together and neatly tape them toward the back of your desk. This helps avoid entanglement and prevents inadvertently unplugging important devices.
Now that your desk is the epitome of neat and tidy, you can move through your work day successfully and efficiently. EON Office promotes productivity in the workplace by offering superior furniture and products. Our online ordering options mean you don’t have to spend unnecessary time shopping for office supplies. To learn more, contact EON Office today.