.png)
Every year many of us make resolutions and promises to ourselves to “be better” and to make big changes in our lives. I am guilty of this too and have decided that the one area in which I can make huge changes, is to become more organized. This can be the catalyst to other positive changes too.
A great starting point is to declutter your office or workspace. A clear desk, with minimal clutter seems to bring a new energy and open one’s mind to new plans and ideas. As a business owner, it is a great idea to give staff some lovely new desk items at the beginning of the year. If these are branded, this creates brand awareness amongst the team and also makes the employees feel appreciated as they are welcomed back to work. So, what does one need on a desk, you may well ask. A few practical and useful items are the following;
A notebook - Place a memo book or notepad on your desk where you can write notes and lists of things to do. Even though professionals today have many digital options for taking notes and recording information, a notebook is still convenient for writing details down quickly. These are also easier to bring into meetings than laptops and writing in them is less distracting than typing.
A desk tidy or organizer - Keep small items such as pens, highlighters, paperclips, and business cards in one tidy place with a desk organizer. You can choose simple organizers such as pen holders or more elaborate setups designed to organize your files, paperwork, books, and office supplies.
Headphones - Choose either wired or Bluetooth headphones. These are useful if working in an open office space with other staff members. Noise cancelling headphones are of great help when trying to focus when there is noise around you. These are a MUST for attending virtual meetings and conferences privately, without imposing on your colleagues.
A mug – choose a non-spill option, to make sure that your laptop remains intact and does not “share” your coffee with you. Or how about a personalized ceramic mug with your name and company logo on it? If your name is on it, hopefully it will remain on YOUR desk!
A pen – Investing in a good quality pen is always a good idea, as this also instills a feeling of professionalism, when taking notes during meetings. Choose a comfortable grip which is easy to write with. Again, branding is a good idea and personalization too is possible if one makes use of laser engraving. A pen with an employee’s name on it, is ALWAYS appreciated and will be valued by the recipient.
An eco-friendly water bottle – Staying hydrated at work is always important to maintain a clear mind and prevents tiredness. Choosing an eco-friendly option prevents waste, thus being kind to our planet too.
Desk plant – Plants not only add a touch of class and greenery to a desk, but they are also great for improving air quality by removing pollutants and increasing humidity levels. Clear, clean air makes for clear thoughts and can lead to better productivity. A nice touch for employers or team leaders is to add a personal note to each plant and let the recipient/employee know that they are seen and not just a number.
Diary or daily planner – a must for each and every employee as meetings, plans and appointments need to be made and kept. Yes, we do have digital versions, but there is NOTHING more satisfying than physically ticking off items from your to-do list in your diary or on your planner.
These are but a few desk top ideas to add to your workspace and to encourage productivity. However, one cannot be productive if one’s head is cluttered with “stuff” that is holding you back. Make this the year to let go and forgive people, including yourself. Release those resentments which are holding you back and which are taking the joy away from the New Year. Settle debts and resolve disputes by being the bigger person this year.
Keep the “good stuff” and make a list of what you have achieved the past year, and what you hope to further improve upon in the new year. Sticky notes are a great way of affirming oneself or employees, as positive affirmations can be passed around the office amongst employees, as a team building exercise. Great idea to make this a daily ritual, as each person is asked to write down something that they like about someone in the office, and asked to leave that note on their desk, anonymously.
Out with the old, in with the new. Here’s to a new year, here’s to you! Everyone deserves a bit of a spoil at the beginning of the year. Make those employees feel valued and welcome them back with some lovely new desk items this January. Contact us should you need assistance with ideas and please visit our website for further inspiration. Thank you for your time.
Comments