Published: Tuesday, August 31, 2010
What's filthier than a toilet? Your desk
What comes to mind when you think of germs? The toys at the pediatrician's office, public restrooms, the shower floors at your local YMCA?
While all of these places can harbor germs, did you know that one of the dirtiest places is your own desk?
It's not just the phone and the keyboard that attract germs, though. It's the crumbs from last week's blueberry muffin or the reusable water bottle that just never quite makes it through the dishwasher.
Add on the piles of paper clutter and your desk is a war zone of germs and disorganization.
In fact, a recent study showed that a typical desk has 400 times more bacteria per square inch than an office toilet seat. So grab some disinfectant wipes and swipe the surfaces.
And don't forget that clutter is as bad for your health as yesterday's coffee cup.
Clutter not only makes us feel stressed, but it makes us less efficient.
Set a plan in motion for tackling clutter before it makes a mountain out of your desk.
3 rules for a clean desk
Book it: Set a recurring monthly appointment (the 15th of each month is a great choice) in your Outlook or your calendar and prepare for heavy lifting. This is the day to roll up your sleeves and get rid of anything that doesn't serve a serious purpose.
File it: Pick one day a week to file papers that are taking up valuable space on your desk and seriously messing with your office chi.
Friday afternoons tend to be slower in most businesses, so use that time to get yourself prepped for the next week. Pick the time that works for you.
If it doesn't have a file folder or you don't know where it goes, keep it in a "general" folder for a few weeks. Go back to it on your monthly day (see No. 1), and if you haven't used it, toss it.
Prioritize it: Some days, the assignments pile up and the work seems insurmountable.
Instead of feeling overwhelmed and overworked, spend a little time at the beginning of each day to determine your three most important tasks.
It seems small, but identifying the most important items on your to-do list ensures that you focus on the right things that need to be tackled at the right time.
Sarah Welch and Alicia Rockmore,
getbuttonedup.com
While all of these places can harbor germs, did you know that one of the dirtiest places is your own desk?
It's not just the phone and the keyboard that attract germs, though. It's the crumbs from last week's blueberry muffin or the reusable water bottle that just never quite makes it through the dishwasher.
Add on the piles of paper clutter and your desk is a war zone of germs and disorganization.
In fact, a recent study showed that a typical desk has 400 times more bacteria per square inch than an office toilet seat. So grab some disinfectant wipes and swipe the surfaces.
And don't forget that clutter is as bad for your health as yesterday's coffee cup.
Clutter not only makes us feel stressed, but it makes us less efficient.
Set a plan in motion for tackling clutter before it makes a mountain out of your desk.
3 rules for a clean desk
Book it: Set a recurring monthly appointment (the 15th of each month is a great choice) in your Outlook or your calendar and prepare for heavy lifting. This is the day to roll up your sleeves and get rid of anything that doesn't serve a serious purpose.
File it: Pick one day a week to file papers that are taking up valuable space on your desk and seriously messing with your office chi.
Friday afternoons tend to be slower in most businesses, so use that time to get yourself prepped for the next week. Pick the time that works for you.
If it doesn't have a file folder or you don't know where it goes, keep it in a "general" folder for a few weeks. Go back to it on your monthly day (see No. 1), and if you haven't used it, toss it.
Prioritize it: Some days, the assignments pile up and the work seems insurmountable.
Instead of feeling overwhelmed and overworked, spend a little time at the beginning of each day to determine your three most important tasks.
It seems small, but identifying the most important items on your to-do list ensures that you focus on the right things that need to be tackled at the right time.
Sarah Welch and Alicia Rockmore,
getbuttonedup.com
Related
Comments
(