8 Organizational Tips for the Office

As we are slowly getting back to our routines, that may include getting back to the office, and good organization will help you gain control of your time so you can plan and complete the tasks needed to achieve your goals. Success is a result of long-term planning and daily action.

Here are eight organizational tips that will help you reach your long-term goals at work.

1. Focus on what’s important

Remind yourself of your long-term goals and revise them when necessary.  Set daily priorities to meet your goals.  Keeping photos of your loved ones or inspirational pictures nearby helps.

2. Make lists

Make daily, weekly and monthly to-do lists of important tasks.  Review your daily priorities at the beginning of each day.

3. Manage your time well

Schedule quiet time at work to accomplish tasks that need extra concentration.  Do your most challenging work when your energy is at its highest; save less demanding work for other times.  If you tend to procrastinate, focus on the sense of accomplishment you will feel when the job is done.  Use commute time to plan your day’s activities. 

4. Use calendars and planners

Check your work calendar daily to review your activities and avoid conflicts.  Write down all commitments in pencil rather than trusting your memory.  Use planning and scheduling forms and software to help you map out long-term projects.

5. Delegate tasks

Don’t be afraid to assign tasks to others if you have support, or when the task is not on your level of expertise.  

6. Manage your mail and phone calls

Sort incoming mail into categories by priority or action.  Use voicemail to screen phone calls.

7. Reduce clutter

Clear your workspace.  Keep only the most critical items and information you need daily on the top of your desk.  Archive resource materials you rarely use.  Toss out duplicate documentation and materials that will soon be outdated.  Utilize a scanner to have items available at a click of a button and eliminate excess clutter on your desk. Leave blank space on bookshelves for growth.

8. Stay organized

Organize files by priority and keep the most important ones within arm’s reach.  Spend 15 minutes at the end of each day clearing your desk and 15 minutes the next morning planning for your day’s activities.  

By: Alana

@organizedbyalana