How to Get Organized at Work
A lot of people in an office are whirlwinds of activity with no direction. Get organized and work smarter, not harder.
Up next in Office Survival Guide (57 videos)
Between crazy bosses and creepy coworkers, it's a wonder you get any work done at all. Here's a little help.
You Will Need
- Goals
- Calendar or scheduling software
- Time management skills
- File system
- Delegation skills
- Planning
- Backup files (optional)
Steps
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Step 1
Clarify goals
Set clear goals for cleaning up your desktop and personal effects in the office now, not later. Prioritize, and determine how to measure and assess success. Anticipate roadblocks, constraints, and limits.
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Step 2
List steps needed
Use a calendar and list the steps needed to achieve your goals on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. Write everything down or use scheduling software to be sure information doesn't slip through.
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Step 3
Create a logical sequence
Create a logical sequence of your daily tasks, and simplify your plan to get organized. Don't be disorganized in your effort to get organized.
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Step 4
Manage interruptions
Manage mail, e-mail, and calls to limit interruptions. Manage your time so that tasks requiring more concentration are accomplished earlier in the day when you have more energy. Pad your estimated time on tasks to keep yourself on schedule.
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Step 5
Reduce clutter
Reduce clutter to access information with efficiency. Archive materials and eliminate duplicates to keep important files close at hand and everything else put away. Clean and file things daily to stay on top of it.
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Make backup files of important things you don't use every day.
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Step 6
Delegate tasks
Delegate tasks to qualified personnel and say no to requests that threaten your routine and daily objectives. Eliminate wasted steps and non-essential tasks.
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Step 7
Plan the night before
Review, adjust, and refine constantly. Plan for the next day at the end of each day to get a head start. The effect will be a clear mind and a more productive workday.
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The philosophy of time management dates back to the sixth century CE.
