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Your work life can be easy breezy or a pain in the badonk to deal with on a daily basis. Stressful moments are only inevitable as something is always bound to go wrong. Your printer will jam, you’ll spill coffee all over your desk, a co-worker will act crazy, a client will nag you to death…the list can go on for an eternity.
While no one can prevent small fires from starting in the office, you can do something about your workspace. Efficiency depends on organization so it’s important to make sure your space works for you. Think of how much time you’ll save knowing everything is in its own place.
Clutter precedes chaos so here are 10 workspace must haves to keep you productive.
(AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
Office supplies
No work area is complete without essential office supplies. How else can you expect to get work done? Head to your supply room for pens, pencils, tape and tape dispenser, paper clips, calculator, folders, hole punch, and memo pad. Keeping these close at hand will keep the work day flowing. Feel free to pick up other needs – just don’t get caught taking any home.
(Magnetic Dry Erase Board, CB2)
Dry erase board
Rather than rely on hundreds of Post-Its, use a dry erase board to jot down important thoughts and messages. This will save on paper and consolidate all memos.
(Natural Cork Board, The Container Store)
Cork board
Cork boards are a great wall organizer where you can pin up important papers in a traditional bulletin board fashion. This will come in handy when you need to access documents on the fly.
(Staples® Black Wire Mesh 5-Pocket Wall File)
Wall file organizer
Quick! Where’s that file your associate wants?! You know, the manila one? Most cubicles in an office are cramped spaces that force employees to stuff documents in any available space they can find. A wall file organizer is a simple solution that makes finding and receiving papers headache-free. Hang one over your cubicle and fill it with files you are currently using.
(DOKUMENT Letter Tray, IKEA)
Letter Tray
Keep your desk area paper free with a letter tray. They may look like no big deal, but can save you a trip to the trash or recycling in the event you accidentally throw away something.
Tip: Add an “inbox” and “outbox” label to encourage passersby to place papers in your letter tray and not on your desk or chair.
(3M Weighted Desktop Organizer)
Desk organizer
All cubicles should have a desk organizer. And if yours doesn’t have one, you need to get it pronto. These organizers are mandatory as they have mini compartments to store loose items like pens and pencils, tape, and more.
(Kate Spade Long List Pad)
Desk pad
A good desk pad will save you the trouble of searching for scrap paper or a Post-It when you need to jot down a thought or message. Keep a desk pad in your cubicle that you can go back to if needed.
(Quill Brand™ Drawer Tray Organizer)
Drawer organizer
Admit it. You can be a hoarder on the down low. While your desktop may be clean and clear of messes, what about your drawers? People can get so bogged down with work that they will toss all of their clutter into the nearest drawer. A drawer organizer will turn any “junk drawer” into a groomed storage facility for your loose items that don’t fit in your desk organizer
(Magnadate Calendar, See Jane Work)
Calendar
While Google Calendar and other apps provide us with the tools to stay organized, you should still have a physical calendar nearby in the event you can’t look at your computer or phone. Desks or wall-mounted calendars are non-obtrusive, but still in your presence so you won’t forget those important dates and events. Tip: When using a calendar that is in the open, don’t list anything you wouldn’t want your boss to know.
(White + Yellow West 18th File Cabinet, poppin)
File cabinet
File cabinets are your saving grace against public displays of messiness. You need one to store your folders and important items that shouldn’t be left in the open. At minimum, your cabinet should have two drawers and be able to fit underneath your desk for save keeping.
