Happy 2025 – it’s time to declutter and reset your small-business workplace. Here’s why.
Clutter is more than just an eyesore. It creates the illusion in the subconscious that work is never truly done, leading to mental fatigue and burnout. Mess distracts the eye, reducing your focus and increasing your stress levels. Plus, an untidy environment can hinder productivity. Employees may spend unnecessary time searching for misplaced items, reducing output and energy.
Is your workspace holding you back? Here’s how you can turn things around and get uncluttered for good.
Step one: start
The first step to to start. Here’s a suggestion: begin with your work desk. Remove all items and discard things you don’t use. Next, categorise essentials into separate piles. You might have a pile for ‘personal’, a pile for ‘paperwork to do’, and so on. Find spaces on your desk, in drawers, etc. for each category. You might want to buy some organisers or folders if you need.
Keeping clutter away permanently
Once the clutter is cleared, that is when reorganisation comes in.
Set a decluttering schedule to make maintenance of the workspace easier. Dedicating time weekly or monthly to reevaluate and organise both physical and digital spaces will prevent the buildup of clutter over time, and make organising less of a chore!
Consider using the office space to its full potential by creating designated spaces such as meeting rooms and collaborative workspaces.
To ensure the workplace remains functional and efficient, create systems that support productivity, such as assigning specific places for tools and supplies.
Adopt the “One In, One Out” Rule – for every new item bought, remove an old, unused item. This will allow the workplace to maintain the same amount of inventory and prevent the likelihood of clutter forming in the future.
Digital organisation is equally critical in today’s tech-driven workplaces. Unorganised email inboxes, unnamed files and inconsistent folder structures are just as disruptive as physical clutter. For example, keep unread emails to a maximum of 50 and use tools for team communication to maximise workflow efficiency.
A tidy desk with a categorised tray for urgent, pending and completed documents can ensure that everything is within arm’s reach and easy to find. Labelling systems can also streamline the management of office supplies and stock.
Positive effects of efficiency
A clean and orderly environment promotes a sense of control and competence, which are important to maintaining focus and motivation.
Decluttering and reorganising at the start of the year is good motivation for hitting important business goals. Positive outcomes that come from these practices also foster a culture of discipline and responsibility. This then translates into a harmonious environment where both employees and the business can reach their fullest potential.
