3 Signs Your Desk Is Affecting Your Productivity

Your desk might feel like the focus of your life. After all, it could be where you spend most of your working days and have some of your best ideas. But unless you plan and organise your desk carefully, this office staple could end up hindering rather than helping you. Here are three sure signs that your desk is affecting your productivity, along with some suggestions to help you to whip this piece of furniture into shape.   1) You just can’t seem to stay focussed   The odd family photo or stress ball could help to give your desk some character, but if you continually find yourself nudging your Newton’s cradle, rotating your Rubik’s cube and generally passing the time with toys, the chances are your desk is too full of distractions. It can be hard enough to concentrate on demanding work tasks without these office extras competing for your attention.   2) You seem to spend your days searching   If you seem to spend your days searching through piles of paperwork and digging around in drawers, your desk is almost certainly too disorganised. In an untidy workspace, locating documents and other items can be a major challenge, and this could make your days much more difficult than they need to be. It’s impossible to work effectively and efficiently if you’re forever trying to find things, and this can also send your stress levels soaring.   3) There just isn’t enough space   Another dead giveaway that your work area is in need of a rethink is a lack of space. Trying to function properly when your desk resembles a giant, stationery-themed Jenga set is all but impossible. If you’re frightened to move in case you send staplers, books and files flying, it’s either time to jettison some junk or buy a bigger desk.   How to deal with your desk problems   Whether your desk is too distracting, messy or simply full, now could be the time to make some changes. One top tip if you want to be more productive at your workstation is to get rid of any unnecessary objects you have lying around. This could include anything from toys to surplus stationery. Also, bear in mind that a desk tidy could help you to keep the things you do need in order.   Consider setting a weekly appointment to clear your work surface too, and get into the habit of filing paperwork straight away rather than letting it sit out gathering dust. Extra storage units, like under-desk pedestals, bookcases and filing cabinets, can make it easier to keep your paperwork organised and out of sight.   Ideally, the only things you should have on your desk itself are the items and equipment you need immediately, like your computer, phone, pens and paper. By paring down the possessions you keep on this surface, you can create an organised space that’s pleasant to work in. You might even boost your productivity, so it’s well worth giving changes like these a go. You may be surprised by how much of a difference they make to your daily life.