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Rejuvenate your office with a spring cleaning

Nurse Leader Weekly, February 27, 2006

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1. Reorganize your files. Cull old files to make room for new files and make paperwork easier to handle. Throw away documents older than the statutory limit you need to keep them, and archive files you no longer or rarely use.

Remember to organize your electronic files as well. Computers hold many files that contain important information but that can be stored somewhere other than directly on the computer. Back up this information on an external disk to free up space on your hard drive and improve your computer's performance.

2. Give your office a facelift. Do you need a change of scenery? Start by rearranging furniture. A new layout can be refreshing and may even make you more efficient.

If you ever wanted to brighten up your office, now is the perfect time to do it. Swap out last year's vases, paintings, and photos with those that are more up to date. Also, add a vase of fresh flowers to mark the onset of spring.

3. Take out the trash. Be ruthless and throw out anything that clutters the office. This can include broken or chipped mugs, old magazines and brochures, or anything else you may be hoarding but never use. Go through all stationery cupboards and office desks and throw out everything that doesn't work.

4. Clean your slate. In some units, disagreements and disharmony between staff members can reduce productivity and dampen spirits. Suggest everyone in the unit write down any grudges they harbor against a coworker or any gripes that may affect their mood and productivity during their workday, then have them seal their writing in an envelope.

When complete, collect the envelopes and then throw them away or burn them. Tell your staff they are spring cleaning their minds, ridding themselves of old grudges, jealousies, and anger. This helps everyone start the first of spring with a clean slate.

Source: Written by Terri Levine, MCC, PCC, CCC-SLP, CEO of Comprehensive Coaching U, a master certified coach, public speaker, and author of Stop Managing, Start Coaching, Work Yourself Happy, Coaching for an Extraordinary Life, and Create Your Ideal Body. Visit www.terrilevine.com for more information.

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