How efficient is your workspace? You’ll be much more productive working in a pleasant, comfortable and convenient environment. As the New Year gets under way, it may be time to think about an office makeover.

Comfort

When you start a business, it’s easy to cut costs, work wherever is convenient, use extra furniture you have on hand and then simply get used to that environment. Take a fresh look at your workspace.

Pay attention to the ergonomics of your office. If you spend a significant amount of time at your desk, invest in a comfortable chair and supports your back and positions you at the correct height and angle to work. Make sure that your keyboard and monitor are at the right height and angle to avoid unnecessary physical strain.

Convenience

Design your office layout to fit the way you work. Time spent designing and setting up good filing systems (both paper and electronic) is a worthwhile investment. Make sure that these systems work for you — that they are logical, easy to access and flexible to cope with business growth and change. Designating a specific place for everything, and putting things back in their assigned place after using them, can save hours of searching for misplaced items. Keep papers, files, books and equipment you use frequently close at hand.

Often, it’s the little things that we quickly become used to, that waste our time and increase stress levels: desk drawers that don’t open properly, placement of the phone, books referred to often that are kept across the room.

If you use your vehicle as a secondary office, make sure that everything you’re likely to need is organized and within easy reach. Perhaps carry a small portable file box containing any forms or documents you might need, basic office supplies and a good flashlight. Keep it well stocked. The cover may serve as a writing surface when you need one.

Enjoyable Environment

Dave has strengths in many areas, but he isn’t naturally an organized person. Last year we noticed that he was spending less and less time in his office. It had become cluttered, confusing and it was seldom easy to find what he needed quickly. He simply didn’t enjoy working there any more. We took time out to plan and redesign the entire office. We designed a new desk, computer center, storage and shelving areas, and had them built. We created new electronic and paper filing systems. He now loves working in his office. He is organized, efficient and more productive. Our physical environment can make an enormous difference to our productivity and how we feel! Don’t underestimate the value of this.

Several years ago, I made a wish list of what was important to me in an office. My criteria included: bright light and sunshine, windows through which I could see the sky, trees and green grass, flowers around me, and all files organized and within easy reach. I have thoroughly enjoyed my ‘dream office’ for more than four years now.

During the holidays, I spent two days designing and creating a filing system that matches the growth of our business. It wasn’t a lot of fun, but the results are rewarding — knowing instantly where to find everything is a big plus. Getting organized takes time but will save time, stress and frustration in the long run.

Victoria K. Munro is co-founder (along with husband Dave Block) of Make-it-Fly® LLC, a company dedicated to creating success for small business owners through creatively designed programs and tools. Victoria has started and run nine different businesses. To receive FREE business success articles with tips to help you with your business, sign up for their award-winning ezine, “In-Flight Refueling,” at: www.Make-it-Fly.com, and receive a free copy of the eBook, Get More Done in Less Time: 101 Quick and Easy Time Tactics & Tips.
Article Source

Please Note... All links within articles are placed by their author-owners and not by this blog.Products with in those links may or may not be the best in the world.If it sounds too good to be true it could be a scam.Articles are posted for their info,ideas and or entertainment value only.

Powered By WP Footer

With the New Year only just beginning, many people have made or are making their New Years resolutions for the year ahead, but how many of them will be as important as helping to save the world?

With landfills in the UK increasingly getting more and more full, recycling should be a priority for all of us living in this country, as the more products we can recycle, the less we need the landfills and the more we help to save world from the ever increasing threat of climate change.

Recycling is the process of taking old materials and making them into new, which means the product can theoretically have an unlimited lifespan, or, definitely used more than once or for more than one purpose once used.

Recyclable materials include many kinds of materials, including –

Glass Paper Metal Plastic Textiles Clothes Electronics

Normally, when you recycle a product it will not be used for the same reason again, it will normally be turned into something different. This is due to the complexities or cost of making the same product again, but when you recycle it for a different use, that is when recycling really comes into its strong front, as this is not only cost effective but also has a massive green impact.

The UK does seem to be quite behind its neighbouring countries when it comes to recycling. According to a DEFRA survey back in 2004, out of 30.5 millions tonnes of waste that was produced in the UK, only 17% was collected for recycling. Some other European countries at the time were comparing to well over 50% of their collected waste being recycled, which is a massive difference.

As the worlds population continues to grow, the focus of importance on recycling become even more important, because we are running out of space with regards to landfills and the impact of reusing materials means there is less strain on the existing stock of raw materials the world currently has.

Many people are often disheartened with recycling because of the amount of time they think it will take. All UK councils now provide some sort of recycling program, meaning you do not have to visit your local tip to recycle anymore, you can do it from the comfort of your own home. If more people in the UK begin to recycle, the impact will be felt for many years to come, as if every generation becomes used to the fact that recycling is the norm, then more and more people will do it.

Home and Office recycling bins are a fantastic way of using recycled products to collect even more recycled products, with some of these bins being used for the commercial and domestic market, but all service the same purpose, to make sure that all of the population in the UK start recycling and help to have a positive impact on the environment, not only in the UK, but for the World.

Andrew Bartle is the Managing Director of Acorn Office Accessories LTD.
Acorn Offices only sells products which are manufactured from sustainably sourced materials, which also contain a high percentage of recycled paper fibres.
To minimise ‘manufacturing miles’ all products are made in the UK. From site of manufacturing to our distribution centre is 99 miles (Chinese Imports typically 11,000 miles)

Article Source

Please Note... All links within articles are placed by their author-owners and not by this blog.Products with in those links may or may not be the best in the world.If it sounds too good to be true it could be a scam.Articles are posted for their info,ideas and or entertainment value only.

Powered By WP Footer