Laptop Bag Lifeline

The arrival of spring often motivates us to clean our homes and spruce up the yard. Why not do the same for your office? Cleaning your office is typically not a top priority, but the resulting clutter and disorganization can definitely slow you down. Follow these 5 SPRING cleaning tips for a fresher environment and a new outlook.

Before you begin go buy yourself some flowers for your desk to put you in the mood.Who doesn’t love flowers?

1. Schedule your clean-up advance. The day before, have large waste receptacles and cull through old files and remove unused desk items. Make it fun with a casual day and a healthy lunch whether it is your home office or company office. While taking a few hours to clean will likely interrupt the work flow for the day, in the long run it will make you all much more efficient.  Don’t forget a shredder for sensitive items like receipts, bank statements, or confidential client information.

2. Recycle or Donate.

That old monitor, printer, blackberry’s (so 90’s) stored for the last two years is taking up prime real estate. Go through your office and collect old electronics and extra still-usable supplies like tape dispensers and staplers. If items are salvageable, donate them to a local non-profit, otherwise recycle them along with appropriate paper products.

3. Invest in new supplies.

Now that drawers and cabinets are free of clutter, it’s time to restock. Make a list of the frequently used items and be sure to include organizers for drawers and desktops as well. Having the right supplies at your fingertips will keep you focused on your work, not wasting time tracking down incidentals.Also consider buying fun and colorful files. Workd does not need to be boring.

4. Neaten up your computer.

Sift through emails, deleting unneeded files and organizing those you want to keep. Turn a critical eye to documents, photos, and files on your desktop. If you haven’t used or looked at them in a year, do you really need them front and center? Delete them or refile.

5. Organize your desk. Start with your filing system. I share an office with someone who needs to have everything on his desk that he thinks he might be working on. We are talking CHAOS! While we each have our own way of organizing, in general it’s helpful to set up a system that includes four components:

This Spring Desk Accessories and File Totes from Jamie Raquel now sits on my desk and in my office.

1) An Inbox such as a letter tray for random items
2) A Review File for magazine articles or potential projects
3) A Tickler File for future action items
4) A Current Projects File often kept handy in a wire filing rack on the desktop

Next, think about your overall practices and procedures. Are there any new or simpler ways of doing things? This is a good time to re-evaluate and update.

A thorough cleaning always brings a renewed sense of optimism and freshness to your life. Boost your outlook and your productivity by sprucing up your office today!

Your workplace demands a certain code of conduct. Although, you have different aspects of a personality, there are things that you need to keep in check when you are in the work environment or it gives a wrong impression of you to your subordinates and seniors. I know that you think that you have friends at work but remember they are “Work Friends” and still competition.  Here are 4 essential qualities that will keep you in good standing with your company and ensure a growth in your career path.
1. Dress appropriately
They say do not judge a book by its cover but your attire and physical appearance does go into your evaluation report. You must only dress in business attire such as shirts and a knee length skirt or trousers, a coat, etc. Make sure you only wear business clothing. Do not wear skin hugging clothes with deep neck lines or extremely short skirts. Carry a professional looking work bag that has a classic quality look to it.
2. Contact with juniors and employees
Although every company has a different work culture, it is advisable that you greet your superiors or subordinates with a hand shake. Hugging or kissing is a strict no, especially with your boss. This can seriously jeopardize your career.
3. Relationship with students and assistants
Woman employers in power position often become easy targets. If you are in authority and have female or male assistants/students/scholars working under you, a romantic relationship is not tolerated in most organizations and institutions.
4. Office flirting
Are you someone with a high energy disposition? Perhaps your conduct can be misinterpreted. It’s alright to talk to people and be friendly but flirting and playing around physically or verbally should be avoided. Maintain a healthy professional interaction with your colleagues.