6 More Tips To Help Organize Your Office

In a previous article, I shared 6 tips to create a great work environment from author and business consultant Michael Masterson. Today I have 6 more tips to help you create a more organized, work-optimized office. 

1. Use two inboxes and two folders

The first inbox is the one that other people put stuff in. The second inbox is for you. Go through the first inbox every morning and select from it any important work you intend to do that day. Transfer that work to the second inbox. Take the rest of the stuff in the first inbox and file it in one of two folders.

Make sure the second inbox (your inbox) is cleaned out by the end of every day. Watch what this does for your sense of organization.

You also need one folder that has 31 pockets, one for each day of the current month. And you need one with 12 pockets, one for each month of the year. As you go through your first inbox, decide (specifically) when you will attend to each item. If that date falls in the current month, file it in the first folder - in the pocket that corresponds to that date. If it falls in a future month, file it in the second folder - in the pocket that corresponds to that month.

2. Have one or two drawers for everything you might need in case of an "emergency"

In one of your desk drawers, keep all the tools you might need at the office or on the field. Small screwdrivers (even a jeweler's screwdriver that fits the tiny screw that holds the arms to reading glasses), WD-40, duct tape, etc.

In another drawer, stash some back-up clothing (two laundered shirts and two monogramed coaching shirts) so you can look good for an unanticipated but important meeting.

3. Hang a clock on the wall that your visitors can see

Nod at the clock at the beginning of each meeting as you announce exactly how many minutes you have to solve the problem at hand. Having the clock will help you, and your visitors, stay aware of the valuable time being consumed during your time together.

4. Get a small refrigerator and keep it stocked

There are a variety of reasons that this is preferred over running down the hall to a vending machine for a quick snack. At the top of the list is that you can keep healthier foods on hand, as well as healthy drinks. Small office refrigerators are inexpensive, and I highly recommend them.

5. Bring some life into your office

A live plant breathes back oxygen into the environment. It also makes your office look a lot nicer. Select a big green plant, if you have room for it. Care for it on a few of your five-minute "egg timer" breaks.

6. Decorate your office with "signs" of who you are as a complete person

Put up your family photos, your team or groups photos, and maybe even any awards your group or team has won. The walls and spaces of your office are gazing grounds for your visitors. Make sure the message they are getting is the one you want them to get.

And make sure there's at least one thing in your line of sight that makes you smile—maybe an inspirational quotation. Keep it there to work its magic until it loses power, and then find something new to replace it.

Bonus Tip

Invest in a sound system, too. You don't need anything fancy - just something that puts out soft background music.

 

There you have it. 6 more quick and simple ideas that can help create a more productive work space for you whether you are working at home or at the office.  If you have any other great office organization tips, please feel free to share them in the comment box below.