Top tips for staying organised at work
2024 feels like a pivotal year for me and charged with an energy of endless possibilities to turn my goals and dreams into reality.
Managing my priorities effectively is crucial, especially amid the chaos of a bustling, noisy life. For me, striking a balance between my work and my personal life has posed some challenges. I'm a very busy, social person with a big family and my personal life can sometimes overtake my work life.
I had been working part-time with @meritomarketing during my final year at university and following my graduation I was blessed to be offered a full time position as their Marketing Tactician. Adjusting to working from home was initially super scary for me because I didn't want anything to get in the way of this amazing opportunity and I found it difficult to balance the distractions and still perform at my very best. Fitting around others' routines and being surrounded by home comforts led me to take breaks or complete my work at odd hours of the day or night. My workspace became disorganised and I began to feel overwhelmed and my performance was suffering at a time when I was desperate to unlock my potential.
I reached out to my team who did their very best to help me and gave me some ideas, which I've been trying out. And with that I have successfully navigated this problem by identifying the routines that suit me best.
So here are my top tips for staying organised:
Set Boundaries: Whether I'm working in an office or working from home, establishing clear boundaries is crucial to minimising interruptions during my focused work periods. I want to emphasise that it's okay to request time to work without interruptions and I've learned to communicate my availability to both colleagues and family.
Declutter Your Space: Before I dive into my work, I make a clutter-free desk my priority, especially in a noisy or busy environment. This not only helps me feel more prepared but also sets a positive tone for the rest of my day.
Prioritise Tasks: To avoid feeling overwhelmed I identify my most important tasks and prioritise them. I always start with time-sensitive work, ensuring that high-priority items are addressed first. Whether using digital tools like Asana or notebooks and Post-it notes, I leverage these resources to assist me in managing my tasks effectively.
Time Blocking: Implementing time-blocking techniques is key for me. This allows me to allocate specific periods for different tasks, including wellness breaks such as going for walks or taking a moment to relax and take deep breaths. This method helps me stay focused on one task at a time, preventing me from multitasking, which can lead to disorganisation and mistakes.
Regular Reviews and Reflection: At the end of the week, I seek feedback on my work or set aside time for self-reflection. I assess my progress, review my goals, and reflect on my organisational strategies. This dedicated time allows me to make necessary adjustments, celebrate achievements, and identify areas for improvement based on my unique perspective and experience.
If I can do it, so can you! It's about finding out what works for you!
