Time Management Tips - Office Organization
1. Create a filing system with broad
categories such as “Insurance” and then break those categories down further
into sub-categories (i.e., car, life, medical), alphabetizing them along the
way. Devote one file drawer to each category (if possible) and use a
different color for each category.
2. Create a file index for you and
anyone else needing to access your files. A file index is basically a
user-friendly guide to where each file is located. So if you are looking for
an insurance claim, the entry in your file index may look like this: (I call
it my Bible-do not lose!)Insurance Claims- Insurance (I-10)
3. To minimize interruptions of your
own time and others, schedule a 5-minute meeting somewhere during the day
with the people you most often need to speak with.
This prevents the frequent knocking at
your door you may experience! Let others know when you are available to meet
with them, perhaps between 3-4 PM, for example. Ask your boss for 5 minutes
of his/her time everyday to go over any questions you may have, eliminating
the need for constant interruptions. (Tip-this works great with spouses
also! No more, “Honey, can I just ask you to do this one thing?” Or calling
him/her at the office to find out when to pick up the kids. Daily meetings
are much appreciated by all!)
4. Resist the need to answer your phone every
time it rings. Use your voice mail when you are working on something.
5. Prevent phone tag and wasted time on the
phone. When returning phone calls, gather all the information you need
BEFORE you make the call. See if there is another person who can answer your
question, instead of having to wait around for a response.
6. Sort your incoming paper daily and decide
what you need to do with each piece of paper. Set up a tickler file to
corral these to-dos. A tickler is a 1-31 file with dividers for each day of
the month and months of the year. So, if you have a memo with a phone number
of someone you need to call back, put that paper in the tickler on a day you
can return the call.
7. Use templates and forms anytime you can. So
if people come into your office often to borrow something, instead of having
them leave a note, keep a stack of “Borrowed Item Forms” for them to
fill-in-the-blank and leave for you in a designated location.
Rebekah Slatkin is a
professional organizer dedicated to getting people organized through
hands-on decluttering sessions, teleconferencing, coaching, and her website
http://www.best-organizing-products-superstore.com Visit
http://www.best-organizing-products-superstore.com and subscribe to
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