Want to increase productivity? Clean up your desk.
Decluttering office desks has always been a challenge. It doesn’t take long for documents to pile up and supplies to fill every nook and cranny. Even when you consistently remove things you no longer use, it seems as if something new fills the space almost as quickly.
Why a decluttered office desk matters
One of the most noticeable effects of a clean desk policy is increased productivity. Experts consistently say that clean desks:
Increase focus and efficiency
Without visible distractions, you’re more likely to work on the task at hand. You’ll be focused on what’s in front of you without the temptation of picking up other items.
Maximize energy
With everything in its spot, you won’t waste time looking for items you’ve misplaced. No more digging for what you need because it’ll be in its proper place.
Simplifies tasks
Working with one project at a time gives you the space you’ll need to dive in and get it done. No more trying to find the room to lay it all out. And when you’re done, you’ll be more likely to put it away and clear up your space.
Improves your health
A messy desk increases stress. Walking into a pile of papers can set your mood for the day, knowing how much work needs to be done. A clean desk gives you a sense of accomplishment and helps make your space more functional for your projects. It also promotes cleanliness and creates a healthier, safer environment all around you.
Steps to help declutter your office desk
Looking at your desk might be a bit intimidating. Where do you begin to reduce the clutter and create a healthy environment you’ll enjoy working in?
Start with a vision
Your desk is as unique as your kitchen or living space. You should design it with your personality in mind. Do you work well with plants nearby? Or how about matching accessories? Considering you can spend hours sitting at the desk each day, it’s worth a few minutes envisioning what improves your efficiency. Consider your habits and what will serve you best as you move throughout your day.
Clear it out
A good way to create an ideal desk environment is to start by taking everything away. Peel away post-it notes, picture frames, and stacks of paper. Then give your desk a thorough cleaning. With nothing on top, you can build your desk back up, creating a space that will serve you better.
Organize
Instead of putting files, post-its, and clutter back in their original location, organize your desk space for efficiency. As you sort through everything, ask: Do I really need this? Create a “home” for the things you use daily. This gives you a chance to rethink the placement of everything.
Select a laptop stand
The majority of desks today center around a computer. For better placement and increased health, it’s time to invest in a laptop stand. Laptop stands free up critical workspace, provide ergonomic comfort, and prevent the laptop from overheating.
The benefits of a laptop stand
A laptop stand is designed to add height and support while keeping it securely on your desk. Some offer the flexibility of being mobile, while others provide a more permanent surface. But no matter which is best for you, adding a laptop stand to your office desk benefits you in many ways.
Ergonomics
Laptops are the workhorses of most modern-day jobs. They are a permanent fixture in most positions. Yet what makes them portable also creates havoc for the human body. Being hunched over a small workspace can strain different parts of your body. Using a laptop stand gives you a better visual experience and reduces repetitive stress in your hands, wrists, and forearms. Placing your laptop at the correct height adjusts the screen to be at eye level, automatically improving body posture.
Improves laptop performance
If you’ve ever worked with a laptop on your lap for too long, you know how hot they can get. The built-in fan turns on as the computer heats, trying to cool it back down. What’s better for performance and longevity is avoiding heat altogether. It’s possible when you rely on a laptop stand that allows air to circulate all around it.
Gives you extra space
You don’t need a heavy piece of furniture to raise your laptop. Today’s laptop stands can be quite sophisticated while taking up little space. It can open up your desk and make it feel less cluttered. It may give you a place to tuck in things you use every day, like pens, eyeglasses, and headphones.
Is a laptop stand right for you?
A laptop stand is worth the investment if you work with a laptop. It’s a way to declutter your desk, giving you a more surface workspace and improving your health.
With so many laptop stands available for you, the only question now is: Which one will you try?