Here's how to get organised at work

Many of us end up spending more time at office than our homes, making it our own cosy corner. Always running around to meet deadlines often makes us ignore our special work corner.

Many of us end up spending more time at office than our homes, making it our own cosy corner. Always running around to meet deadlines often makes us ignore our special work corner. It is also believed that our surroundings affect and consequently reflect our state of mind and because of this reason, it’s vital to make our work desk a personalised entity. Don’t turn the page if you think your work structure doesn’t give you the freedom to play with your station, but just remember few cardinal rules that can keep you organised.

Clutter combat
A clean work desk makes for a neat mindspace. If your table is not embedded with many drawers, go for paper trays. These not only help you stay organised, but also facilitate your functioning as it’s easy to colour, date or subject code your documents and files in these. Also, it’s a good idea to carry a multiple USB enabled cord for youre tablet, phone or other gadgets.

Clip-on magic
There are many desk essentials that you have to avoid because of lack of space. So, pick up office supplies that are utilitarian. From clip-on cup holders to clip-on lamps that can be stuck to the edge of your table and book-ends that banish the need for an entire rack, make the most of what you have. Go for tall containers rather than rectangular surfaces, and paste-on wall calendars.

Desk rules
Make desk rules that you’ll not only abide by, but let your colleagues know too. If you don’t appreciate coffee mug rings or stranded paper pins, keep them off-limits. Post-it notes are a good way to make your point... politely! Also, pin a soft memory board on the wall facing you. They work as easy reminders.

Personal touch
We call it a home away from home, so a personal touch is must. It can come from a photo frame, your favourite novels or a souvenir from your last travel destination.

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Work from home?
If you work from home or are thinking of setting up your workspace at your own residence, there are a few things that you must keep in mind. From interior options to architectural intelligence, simple steps can banish your doubts and help you make smart moves. Abhishek Bhatia, an architect, suggests that the entrance makes a huge difference. “We used to have an office at home but there were different entrances to go to the house and to the office. This is the primary rule. Also, your office reflects your work like nothing else, your clients judge you by how you do it up, so you must put in the effort.” If you already work from home and are just looking to jazz up the space, interior decorator Amita Kanwar of Window Passions has some tips: “We have had people import desks in the shape of foreign cars and demand for oriental-style blinds and company logo prints for curtains. People are experimenting more now. If you’re setting up an office at home, I would suggest that you should pick up simple things and do application work afterwards.”

Add some fun
Go for potted plants or good luck saplings available across markets to add some eco-fun to your desk.
If you are in the habit of losing one pen a day, holders can be your saviours. And no, we are not talking about tea mugs.
De-stressing is as important as working to the maximum. So, if you have some weaknesses, then indulge. In your secret (keyed) drawer, keep the chocolate bars handy and coming!

Desk quirks
We love this clip-on lamp. You can pick them in different colours. Available at fabfurnish.com at Rs 799

The fat stapler will add colour to your desk. Available at officeyes.com for Rs 30

How cute is this memo board with magnetic hand holders? Buy at homeshop18.com for Rs 949

If work gives you a headache, use this Medisun Box, available at Happily Unmarried, in N block, Connaught Place for Rs 220