[OfficeArrow]

We all have different ways of staying organized at work. From systems we set up to tools we use, there's a host of different methods to consider for clearing that big pile of paper off your desk and simplifying your work life. Take a moment to share your favorite organization tool and you could win a fabulous prize pack from the organizational experts themselves, Avery.

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[Phyllis]

My favorite tool for organization is to be very specific - it's in the details! Whether it is electronic or paper-based, I label it with precision. For instance I would name a file Marketing Brochue A&B Co. 2009.

This makes it easy to find in a search. I can quickly find what I need, every time. But best of all, I look like a queen to clients!

[wolovich]

Originally Posted by OfficeArrow

We all have different ways of staying organized at work. From systems we set up to tools we use, there's a host of different methods to consider for clearing that big pile of paper off your desk and simplifying your work life. Take a moment to share your favorite organization tool and you could win a fabulous prize pack from the organizational experts themselves, Avery.

View The Full Article

Color makes it happen. All my files are color coded by using different colored file folders. For example, I use yellow for finance, blue for travel, green for presentations, etc. My manager was at first skeptical but now can't live without the system. When he travels, all information is located in his blue file which is easily identified. Image all other managers have manila folders and hunt for their presentation but my manager has his green folder and can quickly be ready to present.

[mah7b6]

Incredible volume of time sensitive and confidential paperwork is the name of the game when you work for a community health center. To keep my sanity and stay organized "DAILY", I follow and believe one creed: TOUCH A PAPER ONLY ONCE! Keep a limited amount of storage spaces to avoid stacking, color code and label, and most important of all, keep a tickler calendar to track what needs to be done daily, weekly and monthly.

[lavawerks]

I hate to admit it, but I actually use a system that involves electronic and paper organization methods - there are some elements that I truly believe are best served and archived with a paper file - I create contracts, info pages, tracking elements in my VA business that are better handled with paper - and then I can process the other elements electronically. I have a system that lets me use the best of both worlds, and I keep supplies on hand that allow me to do it efficiently.

[virtualdream]

Organization is something I have a long ways to go on but the good thing is I am trying. Starting my business I had so much to read and no time. A year ago I purchased an Ipod. Now instead of reading I listen to teleseminars and ecourses all the time. One of the ways I organize them is by using an electronic filing system in my documents. This way my favorite speakers I can go to their folder look for their topic and bring the audio up again for listening.

[elfbaumdesign]

I keep current projects in appropriate folders on the desk in a step-file holder. Others, are kept in cabinet. I always keep a paper copy as well as a desktop folder on the computer. I never delete anything unless I have backed it up.

When all else fails, take the "top" of a case of copy paper and sweep ALL desktop files/paperwork in it. Go home, sit in front of the "tele" and go thru it one by one. Categories should be (1) trash, (2) post-its with call to action and generally (3), preparing new folders where necessary.

Works like a charm.

[llmarston]

My favorite organization tool is my 'tickler file', dated by month and day. Each day I pull a daily pocket folder that I fill with my executives next days calendar, folders and any information to help her day run smoothly. This tickler file system save me countless hours of wondering where I put that document that is needed tomorrow. llm

[KatyD]

I have a couple of things that I use but mostly it's planning. I use the "4D" Formula. Do it now, Decide when, Delegate it, Dump it. I spend 10 mins at the beginning middle and end of every day to go through my emails, paper files and tasks and each item is rated under the 4D system. That way I know exactly what I have to do and I don't spend all day chasing my tail and getting next to nothing I need done actually done! I have 5 files on my desk from Monday to Friday so any paper that needs to be actioned goes into the day it's planned to be started. So my Monday file has work that needs to be started on Monday. If I need to re-organise when to start the project, it goes into one of the other files.

[Jodith]

My favorite organization tool is Microsoft Outlook.

I use e-mail for answering inquiries and getting tasks. I try and convince all managers to provide requests in writing via e-mail. That way details are in writing and nothing gets missed, and we always have a "paper trail".

From E-mail, I can drag things to the Calendar to create meetings or to Tasks to create tasks. I always share my tasks list with my boss and/or bosses so they can always have an idea of what I'm working on and the kind of load I'm carrying.

In my task list, I have all recurring tasks, whether they be daily, weekly, monthly, or annual, each with a reminder set. For bigger projects, the task includes updates on progress, as well as notes to remind me what I've done and where I'm at in a project. If I have to set it aside for a period of time, I always know where I'm at when I come back to it. I can also attach files to the task to be more productive.

I still use my spiral notebook for when someone comes by my office or stops me in the hall, but notes from there are transferred to Tasks or Calender as needed.