How to Get Organized at Work When it Is Chaos

Follow a few steps to get organized in a chaotic workplace.

Even when you try to do a good job while at work, disorganization in the surrounding work environment can hinder your performance. Finding a level of personal organization helps to renew focus and leads to higher productivity. Limit your concerns to your own level of organization and take a few simple steps to prevent yourself from being overwhelmed. You may find that your environment is not as chaotic as you'd first believed.

Instructions

1. Clear excess clutter from your workspace. This enables you to feel more in control of your own space and better able to prioritize your tasks. Remove garbage, such as empty coffee cups and food. File any paperwork and reference material that you are not currently using. Leave on your desk only your current paper work, a calendar, a stack of post-it notes and a few pens.

2. Write a list of task priorities. These should include urgent work items to be completed. If you have deadlines attached to each item, include this on your list. You may find it helpful to set a personal deadline before the actual deadline so you are aiming for a completion date well ahead of when the task is due. Include even small items on your list to give you a sense of accomplishment as each task is completed. However, do not lose focus of the tasks that should receive a high priority.

3. Place your task list on your desk where you can always see it. As each task is completed, cross it off the list. If your boss continues to give you more work to do, simply add each task to the list and keep it handy. If you wish, you can transfer the list into a computerized calendar that prompts you with alerts as projects become due.

Tips & Warnings

• Take a picture of your workspace with a digital camera to spot areas of clutter. Sometimes you can become so accustomed to your workspace that you overlook large areas that can be cleared out.

References

• Focus Manifesto: Finding Simplicity

Resources

• The Bridgemaker: 14 Ways To Find Serenity Amid The Chaos
• Inc.com: How To Organize Your Workspace