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7 Quick, Cost-Effective Ways to Update Your Office Environment

7 Quick, Cost-Effective Ways to Update Your Office Environment

Posted on Oct 6th 2016

Office environment ideas

Setting up your office for success is crucial for promoting productivity, worker happiness and efficiency. Yet, you don’t need to invest thousands in a complete office makeover to do that. There are simple, cost-effective steps that you can take, like quick aesthetic upgrades and rethinking your how you process paperwork, that will make your office run more smoothly. So what does it take?

Start with listing the things that work and the processes and décor that don’t. Is your filing system a little dated? How warm and welcoming is your office’s reception area? If you notice that something is slowing you and your employees down, customize a solution to fit your needs. Here are 7 quick fixes that can streamline office work and boost productivity:

1. Update Your Filing System

Law firms and medical offices process a ton of paperwork, and that’s why an organized and easy-to-manage filing system is so important. Unfortunately, over time, your filing system can get messy and disorganized. The same holds true for your own personal, in-office filing; it’s estimated that workers waste weeks every year searching for missing files and paper.

Is your office filing system in need of an update? If so, start with stocking up on filing supplies, like folders, labels, and a color coding system. Then, consider what will work best for your office. Do you need to completely revamp the system? Or will updated labels make the system more manageable? Color-coding and consistent labeling will do wonders. Plus, replace overloaded file folders with expanding versions, and old worn-out folders with new, crisp manila folders.

2. Consider the Furniture and Décor

Believe it or not, the seat that you sit in can promote productivity. Updated furniture boosts comfort and can help you get more work done. It’s not usually in the budget to replace each and every piece of furniture in the office, but if there’s one item you should consider, it’s a new desk chair that provides mobility, comfort and support. Additionally, the office décor can do a lot to boost efficiency.

One study found that placing plants throughout an office and on a worker’s desk resulted in enhanced cognitive attention and increased productivity. Fortunately, a few jade plants are a low-cost, easy-to-care-for investment.

3. Set Up a Mail Station

If your office processes a ton of paper mail, consider revamping your in-office mailing station. That starts with purchasing and stockpiling supplies that you will use – letter envelopes, customized stationary, and specialized mailing supplies like X-ray mailers (if you work in a medical office) or large manila envelopes and/or boxes. Then, consider upgrading your postage system. You can use a U.S. Mail postage weight station, or there are a number of systems online that enable you to print postage at the office. This will save you loads of time and help you avoid lines at the post office.

4. Clean Off Your Desk

It sounds simple enough, but it’s always a challenge to keep your workspace free of clutter. It’s important though, as research has shown that clutter-free environments enhance productivity. Here are a few quick tips: Start with an on-desk filing system like a set of in/out boxes. This will eliminate the heaps of paperwork on your desk, and help you determine what needs to be looked at. Then, remove all items that aren’t used regularly and organize your computer wires. Finally, a few desk drawer organizers can go a long way in keeping your space organized and tidy.

5. Light Up Your Office

Natural light is an extremely useful and free productivity tool. Workers are happier in well-lit workspaces, and it can help reduce fatigue. Ultimately, this can increase overall productivity. So if you tend to keep the binds closed, consider opening them up. Plus, you might want to update those florescent lights: They’re drab and can wear on workers. Instead, opt for LED lights, which are brighter and more efficient, as they’re becoming increasingly cost-effective.

6. Create a Warm and Welcoming Reception Area

Your office’s reception area is so important for client retention. It’s your customers’ first impression of your business, and that’s why you need to create a space that welcomes your guests. Some options include updating furniture with more modern and comfortable pieces. Also artwork, plants, and small fountains or water features can enhance the aesthetic of your reception space. You don’t have to be a billion dollar company to put a fountain in your reception area.

7. Clean Out Your Supply Closet and Reorder Supplies

Office supplies need to be readily available, but over time, the office supply closet can get a bit disorganized. Every so often, consider cleaning out the closet. Look for un-used items and donate or return them to your office supply provider. Then, use baskets or shelving to organize your paper, pens, and other supplies. Finally, don’t forget to reorder and stockpile your most-used office supply items.

BeagleLegal has been the source for law filing products, general office supplies, and medical filing products since 2006. Start your order today and save!

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