Maximizing Productivity: A Guide to Organizing Your Workspace for Fall

This year, as the leaves turn color and the air turns crisp, fall is a great time to also turn your workspace into a more productive and comfortable environment. Here’s a guide to help boost your productivity, reduce stress and create a more enjoyable work atmosphere, whether in a home-office or on site.

1. De-clutter Your Space If your workspace is filled with clutter, it’s more difficult to focus. Get rid of it. Also, don’t save unnecessary papers. Shred them and save space in files and on desks. Incidentally, we now offer at our office a locked, secure shredding service for just $10 per bag.

2. Optimize Your Desk Layout Arrange your desk so that everything you need is within easy reach. Imagine the time you’ll save if you don’t have to hunt down essential tools.

3. Create a Filing System Develop a filing system for your documents. Use folders, binders or digital tools to categorize and store important papers. Label everything clearly so you can find what you need quickly.

4. Personalize Your Space Add personal touches to your workspace – like favorite photos, plants or artwork that inspires you – to be more inviting. Photos especially remind us of why we work, whether family or a vacation photo. Embrace the season by incorporating fall-themed décor. Warm colors can make your workspace feel more inviting.

5. Manage Cords and Cables For safety and efficiency make sure loose cables are not a tripping hazard. Use cable organizers or clips to keep them tidy. Make sure all cables are labeled and tucked away or covered and consider wireless options where possible to reduce clutter.

6. Prioritize Comfort A sore back or neck is unhealthy and unproductive. Invest in a good chair and/or a height-adjustable desk for standing and sitting. Likewise, use an ergonomic keyboard and mouse. Next, good lighting is essential for good vision and productivity.

7. Name Digital and Hard-Copy Files Carefully Files only help when you remember their names. A hastily named file is quickly forgotten. Create a digital cross-referenced file list to find files quickly.

8. Implement a Daily Cleaning Routine At the end of each day, take a few minutes to tidy your workspace by putting away any items that are out of place. You’ll start tomorrow refreshed, organized and ready to dig in.

9. Use Technology to Stay Organized If your reminders are Post-it Notes atop more Post-It Notes, it’s time to stop the visual clutter those create. Instead, leverage your productivity with digital calendars, task lists and other apps.

10. Review and Adjust Regularly Your workspace should meet your current needs. Fall is a great time to experiment. Revise it using these tips. What motivates and what distracts? Try it out. Then, come January and “Get Organized” month, see if you can improve it.

Happy Fall Organizing!