When it comes to increasing the efficiency of your office space, it's not about working harder. It's about working smarter. There are some creative ways you can increase the efficiency of your office. Here are some tips on how to increase efficiency at work, whether you work at home or not.

Make It All Your Own

Because your office shouldn't like just any other office. It should look like your office. Studies have shown that having a personalized office space leads to increased happiness and productivity. Making your office comfortable and soothing can help prevent that afternoon crash. 

There are plenty of cool things for the office that can increase efficiency. Think about the things that make you happiest. Is it paintings of your favorite artists? Is it photos of you with loved ones? Maybe it's that knick-knack you got from a significant other. Incorporate some or all of these elements into your office. Decorate your office with comfortable furniture, live plants, soothing colors, and pictures of friends and family. Each of these elements can make your office the perfect place to live. 

Keep Your Office Clean

A clean office helps shift your focus on important matters. A lack of focus starts with decluttering your office. Think about how much you waste looking for something that's not in its place. How often do you lose computer files or important pieces of information? 

If you don't have an organization system in place, it's time to establish one. It's not about organizing your files either. It's about having a designated place for your desk accessories and office supplies. Keeping your office clean and organized leads to a productive work area.

Divide & Conquer

Divide and conquer means to make plans and set goals. Getting started without a plan is a sure way to experience failure. Make sure to have a to-do list to plan your day, week, month, or even year. Setting goals during each of these time periods can help you focus on the tasks you need to complete. You should divide and conquer your office supplies too, so you know where to reach for them. 

One way to tackle your to-do list is to use a whiteboard desk. This makes coming up with a to-do list and crossing off those tasks a lot more fun. You'll look forward to tackling your to-do list every day. If this isn't an option for you, then consider using a dry erase board. Hang it over your desk so you can refer to it every day. 

Accomplishing the big goals isn't impossible when you break them down into manageable tasks. So, break down each of those tasks into chunks. And then break those tasks into even smaller chunks. If you're getting started with a plan, then you're off on the right track.

Eat the Frog

This step isn't about eating frog legs. Eat the frog means to tackle the hardest task on your to-do list in the morning. You know that sense of relief you get when you finish the one thing you didn't want to do? What if you could experience this feeling every day? That's what eating the frog means. 

When you're dividing and conquering each of your tasks, you can make that dreaded phone call or send that scary e-mail. Or, you can get started on that business proposal you didn't know how to start. Get started doing the first thing on your list that gives you the most dread. But instead, you'll end up feeling a sense of pride.

Timeboxing

Timeboxing isn't as fun as beatboxing. But it's an important tool to have in your office. Prioritizing each of your to-do list items with time constraints will increase your productivity levels. Timeboxing means setting time limits and deadlines for each of these tasks. 

You're basically telling yourself that you won't let this task take up your entire day. You'll get it done as soon as possible, so you can move onto the next task. Time spent on a giving task leads to time wasted. So, take advantage of that task and get it done as soon as possible.

Don't Multitask

While multitasking may make you feel productive, it's not the best way to kickstart your week. Multitasking isn't good for your productivity since it can stress you out. You should never put half of the effort into a given task or project. You should put your entire effort and focus into it. That's the secret to true productivity.