5 Hacks to Help You Whip Your Work Space Into Shape

Contributed by Edward Francis
Even if you have the best possible intentions, it can be difficult to keep your work space tidy. This is especially true when deadlines are looming and your only concern is getting the work finished. Thankfully, there are a number of tips and tricks you can use to ensure that your work space is well organized and remains so, no matter how much pressure you are under:

⦁ Messaging board
In a modern office with all the technology available, including digital calendars and notice boards, a manual messaging board may seem like an antiquated item. However, it can be an excellent method for recording important messages and for listing your current position and what work needs to be achieved. At a glance, you will know where you are, what else still needs to be done and if you can adjust your schedule in any way. All without looking at a single piece of technology!
⦁ Drawer organizers
Your drawers can be filled with pens, paper, staples and a myriad of other accessories. All of these are needed, but they also take up space. Instead of putting all your items in a drawer and wasting time trying to find them, you should invest in some drawer organizers. These will enable you to separate everything you want to keep in your drawers, whether it be a pen or your operating manual. You will then know exactly where to find something, and will have the incentive to return it to the same spot; so that you can find it again!
If office organizers are not your thing, consider investing in custom furniture. A multi-purpose desk with built-in shelves and drawers might be the best idea. Choose a custom model that best matches with your current office décor, and find a way to be original. The best offices are those that look innovative and out of the ordinary. Choose top-quality materials for the furniture such as hardwood, for example. Or go with glass and metal because these are also in trend. Great furniture will transform your working spot into the best room of the house.

⦁ Color coding
This is an exceptionally useful tool if you are dealing with multiple projects or parts of a business. Even one project can be split into several smaller parts. Each part is stored in color coded folders, and you will always know where to go when you are looking for a specific file or document. It can also have a pleasing effect as it will brighten any room.
⦁ Layout
The layout of your office is very important. You are probably aware of the importance of correct posture, the need for an adjustable chair and even how to sit at your desk properly. What you may not have thought about is the importance of how your office is laid out. You will need adequate room around your chair to maneuver. Also, it is best to have your folders and frequently-used files within arm’s reach; so that you do not have to twist and possibly injure yourself when grabbing a file in a hurry. If you perform a variety of different tasks, it can be a good idea to organize your office into different areas. This can also encourage you to get up from your desk and adopt a standing position for some of your work.
The layout should be conducive to the way you organize your work and follow the same pattern as you would. This includes considering where a printer should go to maximize access and ease of obtaining printed documents.

⦁ Paper processing
Finally, it is advisable to have a process for dealing with all the paperwork you will receive. Despite all the best intentions, the paperless office has not become a reality yet. You will quickly have a mound of paperwork to deal with if you do not attempt to sort it as you go.
The best approach is to have a paper tray which splits the paperwork into several sections. There should be an “in” tray, an “out” tray, an archive tray and potentially a query tray; for those items that need to be queried with someone else.  This system can be adjusted to match what best suits your needs, although anything that arrives in the tray should be sorted immediately into the relevant order of urgency.

By Edward Francis and Tomfaulkner.co.uk!