10 office organisation tips to boost productivity

Empty boxes, piles of paper, pens strewn about - everyone is guilty of office disorganisation. What most people don't realise is a messy, dishevelled office space can actually dramatically reduce worker efficiency and productivity.

A staggering 98 per cent of office workers say they'd be more productive at their jobs if their offices were more organised, according to a study conducted last year that surveyed 1,000 full-time office workers. That means it's time to get organised - and these 10 simple ideas will help you tidy up your work area and stay on-task for good.

1. Don't sweat the small stuff

At a loss for how to organise paper clips, tacks and other small office items? Small tins are a great way to sort and store these office odds and ends. Place them in drawers so they are out of sight.

2. Keep supplies stocked

Ninety-four per cent of office workers are less productive when they don't have all the supplies they need to work. Make sure you have all necessary stationery and tools before you start your day, and keep tabs on when your stocks run low.

3. Rethink your desktop

A clean desktop is essential to productivity; however, many people are guilty of having their desk covered with unnecessary items. If you don't use it weekly, find another place for it. That means unused folders, staplers, tape dispensers, and the like can go into a drawer.

4. Make notes

Despite the rise of the digital office, Post-it Notes are still an office staple. Keep these handy note pads close by so you can easily use them to mark paperwork or even write your co-worker the occasional note of encouragement.

5. Corral pens

Pens and other office extras like scissors, envelope openers and highlighters look tidy when placed in a jar on your desk. A big jar can hold everything or use smaller jars to sort each item into its own container. Clear glass jars makes it easy to see what's inside.

6. Think vertically

If you're short on desktop space, think vertically. Walls provide ample opportunity for unique storage - consider a shelf on which to stack your books and files. Another stylish and affordable option is to cut a pegboard and place it in an open frame. This eye-catching wall hanging allows for easy access to office essentials.

7. Write it down

Sixty-two per cent of office workers prefer to manage their to-do lists on a piece of paper rather than a computer or digital device. Write your task list out and place it where you can easily see it, such as the edge of your computer monitor or on top of your notebook. This visual reminder will be sure to keep you on-task throughout the day, as opposed to a list stored in a Word document on your computer somewhere.

8. Reduce and recycle

Go through drawers and get rid of paperwork and supplies you never use. Recycle paperwork and give unused supplies to co-workers or donate them to your community's schools. If you're never going to use these things, they're just taking up valuable space.

9. Systemise folders

Tackle that pile of folders in the corner and create a simple organisational system for them. Colour code the folders based on your work responsibilities so each tab colour is tied to a specific task or status of a project.

10. Cut cord chaos

Are you always digging under your desk for the right cord? Black binder clips typically used to hold paperwork together are also great for organising USB, cell phone chargers and other cables. Clip them to the side of your desk and thread the cord through the metal to eliminate tangles.