Nothing can derail a workday faster than misplacing a critical document right before a big meeting. And here’s the sour cherry on top of that frustrating work moment: messy offices provoke more than short-term stresses.
Studies find a disorganized office space can negatively impact both productivity and motivation. That’s partly because for most people, clutter makes it harder to concentrate and process information. A chaotic workspace can also be a source of irritability, which further inhibits focus.
Messy workspaces can also affect a company’s bottom line. One survey found that the average worker spends up to two weeks a year searching for lost or misplaced items in the office, which amounts to serious losses both in terms of employees’ time and company finances.
Related Article: 4 Ways Organization Can Help You Stay Productive
As if that wasn’t enough, the level of organization in your office also makes a statement to coworkers and employers—not always in a good way. One survey found that more than 50 percent of Americans judge their coworkers by the cleanliness of their workspaces, with harsh assumptions made about people who allow messes to pile up.
In contrast, an orderly office can make us feel more focused and productive, and it sends a positive message to other people about the way we conduct business. Avoid the pitfalls of disorganization—and take control of your workspace—by implementing the tips below.
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9 Smart Yet Simple Ways to Organize Your Office
Infographic by Quill
Author: Laura Newcomer is a writer, editor, and educator with multiple years of experience working in the environmental and personal wellness space. Formerly Senior Editor at the health site Greatist, Laura now lives and works in Pennsylvania. Her writing has been published on Washington Post, TIME Healthland, Greatist, DailyBurn, Lifehacker, and Business Insider, among others. She has taught environmental education to students of all ages in both Pennsylvania and Maine, and prioritizes living an environmentally sustainable lifestyle. Informational credit to Quill.com.
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