How decluttering can save 10 per cent of a manager’s salary

The National Association of Professional Organisers (NAPO) found that disorganisation can lead to financial losses equivalent to 10 per cent of a manager’s salary and that 80 per cent of the clutter in the office is a result from being disorganised and not due to a lack of space.

According to NAPO & AnyJunk – the largest man-and-van clearance company in the UK – the number one challenge is paper clutter. Studies reveal that the average person can waste up to 4.3 hours a week looking for papers, adding stress and frustration to the workplace while reducing concentration and creative thinking.

Bryan Hunter from Instant Offices says, “Keeping your company organised is paramount. Whether you are a large organisation or a small-business owner, maintaining a clutter-free office can have a huge effect your bottom line.”

Jason Mohr, a former investment banker who quit the City to found AnyJunk, shares the following tips on decluttering at work, and their benefits.

Save time and improve efficiency by using a filing system

When paperwork piles up you waste time looking for what you want:

  • Use a filing system for keeping things where they belong. This will clear the surface of your desk and you’ll know where documents are when you need them.
  • Use a logical flow to keep papers in one spot. Pens, notebooks, and other commonly used items should be kept at arm’s length.

A US study shows the average worker wastes up to one week a year searching for misplaced items:

  • Decluttering your digital space is just as important as the physical stuff – they both have the same effect on your brain.
  • Often, we need to access documents in a moment’s notice, in which case a thought-out desktop file sorter is important.
  • Try using colour coded folders, and not stacks of files.

Reduce workplace accidents and spills with a clear space

A recent study by the Health & Safety Executive reported that between 2013 and 2016 an average of 119 000 employees slipped, tripped, or fell at work in the UK. Have you ever tripped over a colleague’s pile of tossed out paperwork, crammed rubbish bin, or unruly cords?

Remove, or toss, anything from your desk that is not used often. Everything else should go in drawers, cabinets, and containers for easy access.

Keep the space around your computer clear so that your mouse, and hands, can move freely without knocking anything over.

You will instantly be more efficient, energised and fewer accidents will occur.

Keep areas clean for less employee absence and higher employee motivation

Being healthy at work directly impacts productivity – no one works well when they’re ill, and chances are you’ll end up infecting a fellow employee.

  • Initial Hygiene UK discovered that 57 per cent of employees feel more motivated and have greater morale when their workplace is clean and provisions are made for proper hygiene solutions.
  • The tidier your workspace, the more hygienic it is.
  • There are germs and mould from viruses or crumbs that can’t easily be seen. Dust, mould, and animal hairs (if your office is lucky enough to have these furry bundles of joy visit) that get wedged into cluttered spaces trigger allergies and asthma.
  • Don’t risk your health, and that of your colleagues. Keep your desk and other surfaces clean by using powerful cleaners regularly.
  • Even if your office has a regular cleaning service, they won’t get into the nooks and crannies – be sure to tackle these untouched surfaces.