The items that you hold on your desk affect the productivity and efficiency of your work. We will tell you which things you can leave and which should be put away in the far box.
Can items on your desk damage your productivity? According to experts, this is quite possible. Whether it's creating a mess that makes it difficult to find what you need, or distracting attention that spoils your concentration, the things you put on your desktop affect your productivity and impair your motivation.
How does clutter affect workflow efficiency?
According to a specialist, visual clutter can be incredibly distracting. People think that everything merges with the background, but in fact it is not.
The study showed that when we are in a cluttered space, our cortisol level rises, increasing the reaction to "fight or run" and the level of stress. Clutter overloads your senses, just as multitasking loads your brain, causing stress and anxiety. This can lead to distraction and an inability to focus on a specific case.
Because of the clutter, you can spend a lot more time solving problems. An average Russian resident spends 2.5 days a year searching for lost items, according to a study.
What can be kept on the table
So, what is allowed to be left in your work area if you want to be productive and not be distracted every time?
Nothing, or at least as few things as possible. Most successful people have only a computer on their desk, and sometimes a cup of coffee.
Allowed Items:
- your computer, mouse and keyboard;
- a notebook and pen to write a note when you have a thought, or to help you think through a project;
- a cup with a drink;
- tools that you use on a regular basis, such as a stapler, tape or scissors.
If you can store them on the surface of your desk and in a drawer, this is even better. The cleaner the surface, the easier it will be to concentrate on important matters.
What to get rid of while working
This is not easy, but the first thing to do is to clean your cell phone.
Keep it in your bag or desk drawer if you need it soon. Our phones are one of the biggest distractions, and just turning it on silently is not enough. We recommend keeping smartphones out of sight and keeping out of sight, because most people have the habit of often looking thoughtlessly at the screen while checking the time. Remove your phone and you will immediately see the growth of your productivity.
Disorder also often affects people's mood. If you are in constant chaos, it is not surprising that you can often experience irritability and anxiety.
Keep used paper separately. Put it in a pile, hiding it in a drawer.
The best way to design a desktop that will make you as productive as possible is to remove everything that you don’t need in the process and leave only those items that you really need.
Having picked up your table, you will be surprised how much your productivity will grow, and the desired success will await you.