Tuesday, July 19, 2016

The Organized Workplace - is that an Oxymoron?



I've purchased paper planners, to-do pads, downloaded digital apps, read numerous articles and tried every tip I know and I still struggle to stay organized at work. 

Part of the problem is that I'm always afraid that the minute I toss something, my bosses will want a copy.  It's happened to me.  It could happen to you.

I find myself picking up the same pieces of paper over and over.  

I have a long way to go, but there are a few things that I'm trying very hard to implement that seem to be taking away just a bit of my clutter chaos.

1.  Continue to maintain and update your "to-do" list daily.

2.  Make best use of what you have.  That means you probably don't need five cute little notepads.  Pick one you like and toss the rest. 

3.  Allow yourself ten minutes before my actual day starts to check my emails for the most important ones.

4.  If your computer hard drive sits on your desk, try moving it to the floor.  More attractive and gives you a larger workspace. 

5.  Don't hoard supplies.  It's easy to get in the habit of keeping a supply of labels at your desk, but one or two sheets is all you need at a time.  Otherwise, you won't remember where you hid them when you need them.

6.  If you're like me and need to see things in actual print, then by all means, print the email instructions for your ease of comprehension.  After the task is complete, recycle it.

And last but not least, one task at a time.  We all multitask to a degree.  However, not as well as we might think.


Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Moving to a New Neighborhood (aka Cubicle) - Space Makeover - What's Appropriate/What's Not?



I've been sitting in my new 'hood (workspace) for three weeks now.  So far, I've decorated nothing.

I'm sort of afraid to over-personalize.  On the other hand, it feels like it's not really my place.

That said, how much is too much and how little is too little?

I thought about getting a new stapler.  I mean my red one has been to a couple of firms now and could probably be replaced.  I mean it works fine, but red is so 2010.  Gold staplers are really hot right now but my neighbor has one.  I can't just "steal her vibe."  Or, can I?

I have a poster from my last "work home" but it doesn't have a frame.  I could bring art from home, but I don't really have a "wall."

My chair is unique but worn.  Thinking maybe it's time to "retire" that.  And the tape on the arm doesn't exactly say "shabby chic."  More like, "it's over."

I decided not to bring my candy dish.  Mainly because candy is so "out."  Is tea better?

I could bring in a personal sized Keurig, except that's not really 'eco-friendly.'

Plants?  Real or artificial?

So, as I ponder and ponder and do nothing, I'm becoming increasingly frustrated and "out-decorated" by my colleagues.

Decisions.  Decisions.  What would Martha do?