Work spaces that are well organized and arranged for maximum efficiency can save you hours every month. Using the wrong office furniture and layout will waste your time and can cause physical strain or injury. Sometimes disorganization has a lot to do with physical obstacles. Office organizing begins with the convenience of the layout and location of key items.
12 Questions to Ask About Your Office Work Space:
- How do you feel about your office work space?
- Is your current office set-up working for you or against you?
- Is your chair comfortable, adjusted to the right height with good back support?
- Do you have adequate lighting?
- Do you have glare on your computer screen?
- Are the things you use frequently within easy reach?
- Do you have the keyboard and mouse positioned at waist level?
- Is there a lot of visual clutter?
- Is the space too isolated?
- Is there adequate storage for files and supplies?
- Is there too much noise and commotion?
- Do you have to go to another room for frequently used supplies or files?
Office Workspace Do’s and Don’ts:
The best layout for an office work space is U-shaped, at the very least L-shaped. While sitting in your chair you should be able to swivel and easily reach everything you need to do your work.
Traffic flow can directly affect productivity. Traffic should flow easily in and out of the office, be aware of the traffic patterns and anything that blocks the traffic flow. Traffic flow in the office can impact how organized your office is and can cause papers to pile up between the door and the desk.
If at all possible use a furniture arrangement where you sit facing the door, not with your back to it. Most people prefer being able to see people as they enter or exit a room.
Place your inbox on the corner of your work area closest to the door. If your inbox is at the back of your desk people will leave things randomly on your desk, chair or on flat surfaces between the door and your desk.
Place the garbage can where you can easily drop items into it or the trash will end up on the desk top and floor.
Make sure there are no gaps between the furniture for paper items to disappear into.
Note: For people who are left handed the set up should be customized to accommodate your needs.
Tip:
Color has a big impact on your mood, energy, and productivity. The colors you use in your office have an impact on your business. Use a color that improves productivity and enhances your creativity. Colors will vary by personality type and individual tastes. If you are not sure about colors use a professional color consultant. People who tend to get stressed can use calming colors that also enhance their productivity. If you can’t change the wall color, use art or some other means to bring in the colors that do work well for you, and at the same time keep the space professional.
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