If you want to get more done during your workday, it’s important that you keep less clutter in and around your workstation.
Clutter kills productivity. Not only does it make it more difficult to find the important documents that you need, but it also serves as a constant distraction that keeps you from staying focused on the most important tasks.
Work Hoarders
One of the most popular cable television programs right now features people who fill their homes with old newspapers, magazines, and other items to the point where they can’t even walk around. These hoarders are fascinating because they often can’t even see how cluttered their homes are.
Some people’s workstations are the same way. Because they keep every document, report, file folder, and other items, in a very short amount of time their desk starts to disappear under all the paperwork. And like their counterparts on TV, these work hoarders often aren’t even aware that they are doing it.
Clearing Space
With today’s digital technology, there’s little reason to hold onto paper copies of just about anything. Nearly every document you could ever need is likely backed up somewhere either online or in your business’s digital files.
So keeping reams and reams of paperwork not only doesn’t help you be more productive, it’s also completely unnecessary. The first step to organizing a cluttered workstation is to throw everything out that you possibly can … or at least recycle it. Those documents that you aren’t sure are duplicated digitally can be quickly scanned and stored in an electronic file.
Boosting Productivity
Once you get used to working with digital files rather than paper files, your desk will be a lot clearer. You probably will also be much more efficient in your work because you won’t have to dig through piles of paperwork to find what you need and you also won’t be constantly distracted by all the clutter.
Digital files are much easier to keep organized. Plus, they don’t take up a lot of physical space. You literally can store enough paperwork to cover a dozen desks on a single jump drive.
Start with a Clean Slate
If you aren’t sure where to begin when clearing away the clutter on your desk, how about starting with a new workstation?
A brand new desk with nothing on it will help keep you focused. And if you strive to keep your new desk clear of paperwork and other clutter, you can enjoy a more productive workday.