As you get your office better organized there are a few key steps to take in creating optimum efficiency. Those familiar with Lean Office techniques recognize what is referred to as the 5S process. Those steps include:
- Sort
- Straighten
- Sweep
- Standardize
- Sustain
Here’s a review of Step #3, Sweep.
Sweep – A clean space consistently insures quality and efficiency.
Toyota has discovered the benefits of keeping their manufacturing plants spic and span. Machinery continues to work like new, break downs decrease and lower costs related to maintenance of equipment adds value to the end product.
How can the Sweep step be applied in your office? Take a look around at the flat surfaces of your office. A really good look. You’re probably looking at some dust and grime that has been there for a while. Take a damp paper towel and wipe down filing cabinets, book shelves and your desk surface. You’ll probably be surprised at what you pick up. Take a can of air and blow off your keyboard and the space where your computer cables dangle. Chances are you might find a few dust bunnies living there.
Now take a look at your computer desktop. If you’ve got dozens and dozens of icons staring at you each day, it’s time to “sweep” your screen so you’re only left with the shortcuts and program icons which you use on a daily basis.
Go one step further and go into the Control Panel of your computer. Review your programs list. If you have programs installed which you never use, removing them will free up space and speed up your computer at the same time.
Finally, take a look around for sticky notes. Is the frame of your computer screen layered with reminders of things that have already expired or you’ve forgotten about? Do a quick sort and purge, removing unnecessary notes. Better yet, transfer some of these reminders to your To Do list in order to de-clutter your desk space.
Sweeping your office is more than vacuuming and dusting. It’s about keeping your work environment neat in its appearance, allowing you to better focus on your job.
