When you think about organisation in the workplace, you probably think (first and foremost) about the ability of the staff to do their job and to have proper ways of communication. You think about the employees having all they need to accomplish their specific tasks, and to submit the results without too much of a hassle. Granted, it’s a good start – but it’s not what organisation in the workplace is all about. There’s a lot more to it than that.
Here’s a fact: it starts with management, and with the definition of what exactly needs to be accomplished. Having trouble getting things to run smoothly in the office? Need more efficiency on the job? Here’s how best to be more organised in your workplace.
Take initiative
It’s a fact: most people come to work with the idea that they have to do their job as best as they can, and for the rest they just want to leave on time and focus on their own family or personal issues. Nobody can blame the people – and it’s probably good enough if you are contented to simply move from day to day.
Make a list
The best way to deal with the tasks at hand is to make a list of what needs to be done. This sounds pretty straightforward; however, often we make lists that don’t accomplish what we set out to do – we need to keep the goal in mind. So make a list, but start out with the end in mind.
It’s also a good idea to delegate tasks to the proper people. For instance, if you’ve got to take down the minutes of an important meeting, why not simply record the meeting, and then have it transcribed by transcription services? By relying on transcription services, you are being more efficient and making sure that the task gets done in the proper way, as well.
Be early
The early bird gets the best worm, they say – maybe so, maybe not. It’s true, however, that when you arrive early and get an early start, you’ve got time to prepare yourself for the day ahead before your staff is able to.
Check your productive time
Some of us work best in the morning with nothing in our stomach but coffee. Others need time and get started only after lunch. Find the time when you are the most productive and make the most of it. Encourage others to find their productive peak as well.
In essence, what you want to do is make the workplace more efficient – meaning you want a greater amount of work done in less time and, if possible, with fewer resources wasted. It’s easier said than done, and it requires a learning curve; but it’s all about establishing a system and seeing which works best – and then tweaking it here and there to make the most of what you have. Think it through, and start now.
