Slow Summer Days? Organize Your Cube

Community Manager — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 14:05:00 GMT

Has the office summer slowdown hit yet? As tempting as it is to use summer's quiet days for long lunches and other indulgences, savvy employees squeeze extra productivity out of the summer work lull.

When projects move to the back burner and office colleagues decamp for vacation, use the found time to take stock of your office and get organized for the hectic post-Labor Day pace.

Clean Sweep: A simple clean up is the first order of business. Toss old newspapers, magazines, coffee cups, unused office accessories and clutter in the trash. Look around, you are more organized already!

Sort Your Desk Drawers: Next, take time to tackle your desk drawers, tossing unnecessary items and grouping like supplies (i.e. post-it-notes, pens, staples) together. Something as simple as a clean, well-organized drawer provides a sense of accomplishment. Ride that feeling as you move on to bigger projects.

Piles to Files: Filing is not just an end-of year chore. Move those piles into files for greater productivity, more breathing room and a calming sense of order. Set up a desktop file organizer for frequently used files; all other papers need to go into archival files or be tossed.

Eliminate e-clutter: Does your overflowing email box stress you out? Schedule blocks of time each day to get through the email. Once the in-box is empty, work to keep it that way with weekly maintenance.

Summer Lovin': Odds are good you spend more time in your office than just about anywhere else. Don't you want to love it a little more? Improve your relationship with your office space by adding personal accents. Consider a fun task lamp for your desk: a kicky color - bright yellow, hot pink - or one with a decorative lamp with a shade can cozy up your cube. And personalize your space with photos, fresh flowers, wall art or an attractive throw rug. While the mood should remain professional, a more personalized space adds up to a more welcoming work environment.

Do you get a charge out or cleaning and organizing your work space? How often do you take time to reorg and straighten up? Share your thoughts here and on the Pendaflex Facebook page.

Beyond Folders : organization tips, cubicles

Slow Summer Days? Organize Your Cube