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Admin
Administrator
USA
1664 Posts |
 Posted - 01/30/2002 : 5:22:13 PM
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Do you or one of your co-workers have a problem keeping your office organized? Are you overwhelmed by stacks of paper, files, bus routes and other office clutter?
What steps can be taken to organize your office and increase production? What are the advantages to having a neat, comfortable work area?
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wagonmaster
Top Member
USA
2298 Posts |
Posted - 01/30/2002 : 5:35:05 PM
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Clearly a nice neat desk is more user friendly and attractive than a cluttered, messy one. Many of us that have a lot of irons in the fire at one time, may be more guilty than others of not being as neat as we could. To ease my "congestion", I have added a file rack to hold the manilla folders of various current projects. I can at least determine at a glance where the needed folder is without delay. With completion/board approval dates, as many as 90 days apart, it is important to keep them accessible, but out of the way.
Of course the old adage is still true, "a clean desk is a sign of a warped mind" !! LOL!
Joe
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largebus
Advanced Member
USA
468 Posts |
Posted - 01/30/2002 : 6:33:43 PM
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I think a great way to cut back on papers is to increase the use of computers. A fully networked office with a file server could store just a huge amount of data. In the future all of these papers could be scanned in as needed. Of course most of us are a ways away from the paperless office, but computerizing could cut back on papers and an effective filing system would also make things easier. It might be important to grab a paper quick at times.
"They carry your kids-SO LET 'EM THROUGH!!" |
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Skip
Senior Member
USA
72 Posts |
Posted - 01/31/2002 : 03:33:23 AM
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I agree a clean desk is the sign a person in this buiness is not get somthing else done. I have tried to convince the administration to hire someone to file papers,answer the phone and radio.We are a small district but it would be nice to dedicate someone to the office.
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UncleNeal
Senior Member
USA
153 Posts |
Posted - 01/31/2002 : 08:37:17 AM
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Some stacks of paperwork are almost inevitable. Drivers turn in 2 to 3 pieces of paper daily, and it must be checked, sorted, and corrected before it can be entered into our computer system. Computers can reduce the amount of paperwork, but not eliminate it. In some circumstance, software can increase paperwork, like our fleet maintenance software has done in our office. My desk will probably never be empty of paper, especially since we need another supervisor to assume some of the daily tasks. Some of the paper has been at least removed from view through well organized file cabinets and a vertical file on top of the desk (a real fancy in & out box helps!).
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Debusguy
Senior Member
USA
114 Posts |
Posted - 01/31/2002 : 09:28:36 AM
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My desk is known as 'the black hole'..drivers know if they put anything on it, it is at their own risk. A driver gave me a little sign which I proudly have hung above my desk, " People who are ORGANIZED are just too lazy to look for it!". LM
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John Farr
Top Member
USA
642 Posts |
Posted - 02/01/2002 : 7:35:22 PM
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Like Joe, I keep current projects in manilla folders in a wire stand-up holder. I use small 2" X 2" notes for phone call info and the like. If some sort of follow-up is needed, I enter this in my Outlook "to do" area as soon as possible (with deadline, if appropriate). This helps to get rid of the little slips of paper from my desktop. I like Outlook and use it to keep organized. I must have a warped (my wife says "twisted" mind because my desk is usually pretty clear.
My appointment calendar is set up so all office staff can look in Outlook see where I am at any given time.
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busguy34
Senior Member
USA
100 Posts |
Posted - 02/02/2002 : 3:34:35 PM
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HEY HOW ABOUT THIS MY SHOP IS CLEANER THAN THE OFFICES.WE CLEAN UP ALL MESSES IF ANY MADE AND EVERY FRIDAY WE SCRUB GARAGE DOORS,WALLS AND FLOORS AND EVEN WAX THEM MY FLOOR LOOKS LIKE ICE SKATING RINK
MARK R. EGAN |
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John Farr
Top Member
USA
642 Posts |
Posted - 02/07/2002 : 2:49:42 PM
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We just purchased a floor scrubbing machine for the shop. Works like a Zamboni at the ice rink. The floors were clean before. Now they're spotless.
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rockpik98
Active Member
USA
44 Posts |
Posted - 02/07/2002 : 3:48:45 PM
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How many mechanics do you have that have nothing better to do than clean your floors?
Gilligs are the BESTquote:
HEY HOW ABOUT THIS MY SHOP IS CLEANER THAN THE OFFICES.WE CLEAN UP ALL MESSES IF ANY MADE AND EVERY FRIDAY WE SCRUB GARAGE DOORS,WALLS AND FLOORS AND EVEN WAX THEM MY FLOOR LOOKS LIKE ICE SKATING RINK
MARK R. EGAN
Michael Woolery |
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busguyuk
Active Member
United Kingdom
31 Posts |
Posted - 02/08/2002 : 12:06:51 PM
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One of the best ways of keeping paper off the desk even if you are organised on the computer is to have a 31 section (marked 1-31 for every day of the month) follow-up file in an easily accessible drawer. As soon as you have read it drop any correspondence in the file on the most relevant date of the month for your future attention. Not everything is urgent! As early as possible very morning pull out that days' file and completely deal with it, even if it is to move some correspondence back a few days as it's urgency has diminished.
You won't lose papers and you can control your workload in a more timely fashion. It also keeps your desk clearer!
When you have dealt with 'it', file 'it' straight away in some simple well labelled and color coded files.
This also works well in a disorganised household too!
'The future's yellow' |
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Topic |
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Organized Office
