If you take a look around your office, what do you see? Now imagine an office that has all the tools you need to maximize organization and efficiency. What does that office look like? Everyone knows that you need pens, staplers, and desks in an office, but there are quite a few tools out there that can help you get organized at work. Simply Orderly states that you can boost time management by 38 percent by using the correct organizational tools. Check out this list of office supplies that will help with organization as well as tools that can boost productivity during the workday.
Organize Your Desk
Most people utilize a laptop, phone charger, and lamp at their desk, not to mention all the other office electronics nearby. Leaving exposed cords running wild creates clutter. By using wire clips to wind the cords around your desk and office, you can get rid of this clutter and keep your space looking clean, so you can focus on work.
Erase Your Boredom and Replace it with Productivity
A personal dry erase board can do wonders to keep you on task. A study done at Wake Forest revealed that “by committing to specific plans of action, people can facilitate goal attainment, and, at the same time, limited cognitive resources can be better regulated to serve their multiple pursuits.” In other words, by writing out a list of what you need to do every morning will make your daily objectives clear, and a dry erase board at your desk makes this easy.
Plant the Seed of Engagement
Having some green at your desk or around your office can boost productivity. Research done recently at Exeter University has concluded that having some house plants around the office can increase office productivity by 15 percent. This study shows that employees who interact with their surroundings are better workers. The same study concluded that having plants in an office setting also helps with memory retention. So, by supplying your workplace with some houseplants, you are not only creating a more engaging environment but also encouraging more engaged employees.
Add Some Color
In many offices, it’s hard to get away from paper filing. Unfortunately, it can be just as difficult to keep these files organized in an efficient way. One of the best organizational methods is color coordination. For example, you could put all expense reports in yellow folders, tax documents in blue folders, and payroll papers in red folders. Then, group the folders in sections by color. It might sound simple, but that’s because it is. After you’ve organized your filing cabinet this way, you will be able to visually scan the drawer to quickly locate and retrieve important documents. Need inspiration for colors? Blue and Gold are always great options!
Build Your Own Firewall
If you work at an office or at home, it’s easy to get distracted by social media and news websites. The average employee, according to The Muse, is unproductive for up to three hours a day on average, with 44 percent of that time dedicated to surfing the web. Many offices block unnecessary websites, but what if you work at home, or have unrestricted access to the web at work? There are many apps that you can download that will block websites that take you away from work, so you can stay on task. While this isn’t a traditional physical office supply, it is one that will help those who are tempted to check Facebook or Twitter instead of doing their work.
If you find that productivity is waning at the office or you’re having trouble focusing at work, these office supplies could help. By getting rid of clutter and finding new ways to stay on task, you’ll find that you get more done during the work day and you’re happier while doing it.