A cluttered office slows tasks, increases stress, and reduces focus. An organised workspace, however, enhances productivity, focus, and wellbeing. In this guide, we share 10 office decluttering ideas to optimise your workspace. Layout changes and smart storage can boost your office’s efficiency and productivity. So, no matter whether your space is cramped or in need of a refresh, these tips will make a difference.
Discover how mezzanine floors can maximise space long-term, enabling you to remain in your existing commercial property, avoiding the extra costs and hassle of relocating.
1. Adopt a Clean Desk Policy
A clean desk policy is one of the most effective ways to improve focus and maintain an organised workspace. Getting employees to tidy their desks at the end of each day helps cut distractions and boost focus.
- Reduces distractions and improves focus
- Encourages accountability with only essentials visible
- Creates a fresh start that boosts clarity and workflow
A clean desk not only makes the office look organised but also improves productivity. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recognise that better workplace conditions can reduce stress. This, in turn, boosts employee wellbeing and performance. Research indicates that every £1 spent on workplace wellbeing can yield between £3 and £6 in gained productivity and efficiency.
2. Go Digital to Declutter Paperwork
Reducing paper clutter is one of the most effective ways to optimise office space. Digitising documents streamlines your workspace and ensures quick access to critical information.
- Frees office space by reducing physical storage
- Simplifies sharing and collaboration
- Supports sustainability by cutting paper waste
Going paperless not only creates a cleaner office but also improves workflow efficiency. Cloud storage options like Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox let you access documents from anywhere. This boosts productivity and makes collaboration easier.
Research reveals that 59% of UK businesses that went paperless saw a full return on investment in 12 months. Additionally, 84% achieved this within 18 months. The UK Government is promoting digital changes in businesses to help create a more efficient, circular economy.
3. Invest in Smart Storage Units
Effective storage is key to an organised and efficient office. Investing in smart storage solutions ensures that everything has a designated place. This way, you can reduce clutter and boost productivity.
- Modular shelving and cabinets offer easy access
- Smart systems save time when locating items
- Customisable solutions provide flexibility
Investing in high-quality storage not only helps declutter your office but also improves workflow. A well-organised workspace lets employees find resources easily. It improves efficiency and reduces the time spent on clutter.
4. Declutter Your Desk Every Day
Committing to daily desk decluttering is an easy yet powerful way to keep your workspace organised. Taking just a few minutes each day to tidy up prevents clutter from building up, ensuring a clean and efficient environment.
- Reduces distractions to improve focus
- Prompts regular review of desk essentials
- Creates a calmer, more controlled workspace
By incorporating this small habit into your daily routine, you can significantly enhance your day. It leads to a more productive and stress-free workday for everyone.
5. Embrace a Minimalist Workspace Setup
A minimalist workspace helps you focus. It cuts down distractions and keeps things organised, which boosts productivity. By encouraging employees to keep only essential items on their desks, you foster clarity and focus.
- Minimises distractions to aid concentration
- Promotes a clean, professional workspace
- Reduces mental clutter to boost creativity
Adopting a minimalist approach encourages focus, making each workday more efficient. If your office needs a refresh, try fit-out refurbishments. Glass partitions and suspended ceilings can create a streamlined space. This helps promote focus and productivity.
The HSE points out that employers must protect workers from stress in the workplace. This requires proper risk assessments. Employers should also make sure the work environment fosters mental wellbeing. A minimalist approach reduces environmental stressors, which helps improve focus and productivity.
6. Use Cable Management Solutions
Tangled cables are a common office issue, but they can be easily managed. Good cable management cuts down on clutter, removes safety risks, and makes your workspace safer and more productive.
- Cable trays and clips keep wires tidy
- Wireless devices reduce clutter further
- Managed cables improve office aesthetics
Beyond aesthetics, effective cable management reduces trip hazards, promoting safety and improving focus. A tidy office space leads to better productivity and efficiency throughout the workday.
7. Maximise Vertical Space with Shelving
Maximising vertical space is an effective way to free up desk space and reduce clutter. By using walls for storage, you can keep your desk clear and optimise your available workspace.
- Wall-mounted shelves or hooks save desk space
- Vertical storage keeps offices functional and open
- Custom shelving adapts to business needs
Using vertical storage keeps your office looking neat and organised. It helps employees concentrate better without the distraction of clutter. If your office needs more space, mezzanine floors can provide additional room for storage without the cost of relocation.
8. Rethink Your Office Layout
The layout of your office directly impacts how well employees focus and collaborate. By changing the layout, you can form specific zones for different tasks. This includes quiet areas for concentration and spaces for collaboration.
- Dedicated zones for focus, meetings, and collaboration
- Planned layouts streamline workflow and save time
- Optimised layouts support seamless task transitions
Reorganising your office layout enhances focus and efficiency. If you are considering a layout change, adding a mezzanine floor can provide extra space for these areas. A new mezzanine installation keeps office disruption to a minimum, and, importantly, allows you to expand your workspace without having to move premises.
9. Introduce Shared Storage Solutions
For businesses with several employees, shared storage solutions can reduce clutter. They also help improve organisation, especially in hot-desking or shared office spaces.
- Communal cabinets or lockers store shared items
- Shared storage keeps desks tidy and resources accessible
- This approach saves space and maintains organisation
Shared storage promotes collaboration by reducing clutter and improving overall office organisation. It helps ensure that your workspace remains functional and organised. Best of all, it provides employees with easy access to what they need.
The UK produces over 200 million tonnes of waste each year. Therefore, using efficient systems, like shared storage, can help businesses reduce waste. Shared storage systems minimise the waste of office supplies and equipment. This supports our goals for being eco-friendly and saving money.
10. Use Mezzanine Floors for Extra Storage
When your office lacks space, mezzanine floors provide a great way to add storage or office areas. This option saves you the cost and hassle of moving. These flexible structures can be customised to fit your needs and expand your office upwards.
- Mezzanine floors add space for storage, staff, or equipment
- Cost-effective expansion without moving or major renovations
- Built to meet regulations for safety and compliance
If your office is quickly running out of space, mezzanine floors are a non-disruptive, efficient way to expand your workspace. Learn more about what to consider for your mezzanine floor solutions to optimise your office without relocating.
A Tidy Office Drives Success
An organised office enhances productivity, focus, and employee wellbeing. Using these office decluttering ideas can create a space that boosts efficiency and inspires creativity. A clean desk policy and smart storage solutions can help create a more enjoyable and productive workspace.
If your office needs more than just a tidy-up, First Floors offers long-term solutions. Our mezzanine floor installations create extra space. You avoid the costs and disruptions of relocating. With over 30 years of experience, we design spaces that work efficiently for your business.
Call 01789 764172 or schedule a consultation to optimise your workspace for growth and productivity.