Your work set up, whether it be at a public office or out of your home, may be something you don’t really take into consideration on daily basis. It might just simply be a means to an end for you. However, it might be affecting your workday more than you think. The way your workspace is set up may not only influence your productivity but also impact your mental wellness without you even realizing it.

Why does this matter?

It may seem obvious to some, but optimizing your workspace in a way that benefits the flow of your day will only make you more successful within your chosen profession. Not only can doing so improve speed and efficiency, but staying organized can also have a positive impact on your mindset and overall mental well-being. Experts have found that clutter has a negative impact on your mental health.

Studies from Princeton University and others have provided evidence that clutter may have a negative influence on the body as it can contribute to anxiety, depression, and higher levels of cortisol. In the report it states, “Evidence suggests that having a messy, cluttered environment can create stress and interfere with your ability to concentrate, at least for some people. The actual act of cleaning and decluttering can boost your mood, help you move your body more, improve focus, and help you feel more in control of your surroundings”.

To be clear, this is not the case for everyone, but there is no harm in knowing evidence-based tips that could help you further your career.

Organizational tips from the professionals.

To successfully implement organizational habits into your daily routine, you need to find out what works best depending on what you use your desk/workspace for. For example, if you require tools or materials regularly, you may need space for a functional shelf to keep everything organized.  On the other hand, if you hold a more creative position where you need open space, than it might be best to keep your workspace free of clutter and other items that might get in the way.

No matter what career path you’re on, here are some general desk organization tips from professionals:

• Declutter – this is the obvious first step as you can’t begin to have an organized space if your desk is in disarray
• Smart storage tools – as mentioned above, depending on what your workspace is used for, most likely you will have items in your space you use daily. Invest in space-saving shelves or storage solutions to keep the items in arms reach while also tucked away.
• Multipurpose accessories – find products that hold more than one function to save space. Items such as a laptop riser with drawers or a filing system that also has compartments for pens, paperclips, and/or a calculator.
• Incorporate daily routines – be sure to take time each day to put everything back where it’s supposed to go, even if it’s only a quick tidy. The more organized your space is, the less time this should take.
• Make use of labels – label items such as drawers, bins, folders, and/or files. This will save you time and the burden of not being able to locate an item in an efficient manner.
• Reset your desk – if you notice you are not using an item on a regular basis, store the item

In conclusion..

Many people underestimate how much small daily habits influence productivity, focus, and mental clarity. In the workplace, there are often multiple stressors adding to either a disruption in workplace routine or creating unnecessary mental strain. Why not try the tips above? After all, when your space is organized, your mind can be too.