This year, National Organize Your Home Office Day is held on Tuesday, March 8, 2022. This is an important day to remember because more people are working from home as a result of the pandemic. This recent article shares that nearly half of full-time employees are working remotely at least some of the time, and 9 in 10 workers want to maintain remote work to some degree.
However, there are unique challenges to working at home that can affect your productivity, such as blurred work-life boundaries, technical challenges, distractions in the home and a lack of motivation. Fortunately, you can improve all of these challenges by setting up a clean and organized work space.
What is National Organize Your Home Office Day?
National Organize Your Home Office Day is observed every year on the second Tuesday of March. It’s a day to clean up the mess that has accumulated in your office over the years, with the goal of creating a productive and healthy working environment.
The majority of us have been used to working at home since the pandemic, and many of us want to keep it this way. But in order to stay focused and productive, you’ll need an adequate work space that is free from distraction. And this is what National Organize Your Home Office Day intends to do!
What are the Benefits of Working in a Clean Space?
Having a home office may not be a big deal, but keeping it clean and organized is. No matter how small your space is, here are some benefits to keeping it tidy.
- Improved mental health. Decluttering your space can help you feel less stressed and anxious. You’ll know where everything is, helping you work more confidently and effectively.
- Better work-life balance. If you set up a designated work space, you can better manage your work-life balance. You’ll have a better handle on your schedule, and when your working hours are up, you can shut the door (or close off the space) and be with your family.
- Stay on track. When you’re misplacing invoices or losing important files, it’s hard to be an efficient, productive worker. And, you could compromise data and put your business at risk. Staying organized prevents this from happening.
How Can You Organize Your Home Office for Productivity?
If your home office is collecting piles of dust, here’s how to turn things around for the better!
- Declutter your space. Home offices often become the dumping grounds for things that don’t have a home. Go through all the clutter and decide if you want to keep it or not. Hold onto bank statements and utility bills for about 1 year, or switch to paperless.
- Clean all surfaces. With everything in its place, it’s time to clean all surfaces. Dust light fixtures, book cases, shelves, pictures, etc. and wipe down your desk, office chair and electronics.
- Organize cords and chargers. Not only can cords and chargers get tangled, but also they look messy. Purchase clips or zip ties to keep wires neat and organized.
- Take inventory. Go through your home office supplies and take note of what you need. You may even benefit from some useful gadgets to help you stay organized, such as drawer dividers or a bulletin board for important notes.
Once you take the time to clean your home office, you’ll feel more confident and ready to take on new challenges!