Refresh and Reset: Cleaning Your Workspace Before the Holidays

How a Clean Workspace and Digital Domaine Can Set you up for a Stress-Free Return

A clean workstation

In mid-December, there are two kinds of people: those who are overwhelmed by trying to finish the year out, whether it’s closing those last sales, finishing work projects, or, if you are in retail, surviving until Christmas.  The other kind are those who are highly undertasked at work and are just going through the motions as the holidays approach. 

If you are in the first category, my sympathies – I’m trying to get it done as well.  If you are in the latter category, I might suggest using at least some of the time productively to “get your house in order” so you can clock out guilt-free and come back in January energized and ready to hit the year running.

But before you log off and step away from your desk, take time to clean up your workspace—both physically and electronically—so your return in January is smoother and far less stressful. Here’s how to give your workspace a proper year-end refresh:

Step 1: Tidy Up Your Physical Workspace

·       Clear Your Desk: Remove old papers, expired snacks, and random items that have accumulated over the year. Recycle or shred documents you no longer need, and file away important ones for easy access later.

·       Do a deep clean.  Dust your monitor, keyboard, mouse, and desk. Consider using disinfecting wipes to keep your space hygienic, especially during cold and flu season.  Clean your whiteboards, chair, and vacuum under your desk.  Even if your office has a cleaning crew, they probably don’t do this work.

·       Organize Supplies: Restock and neatly arrange your pens, notepads, sticky notes, and other office essentials. This will save you time searching for items in the future.

·       Personal Touch: Take down any seasonal decorations or old notes and update photos of family and friends.  Consider adding some live plants to your space when you get back in January. 

·       If applicable and appropriate, do the same with the community space, like the breakroom.  Give coworkers a deadline to take their Tupperware home, or it’s going in recycling.  Clean out the fridge and anything that has gone over.  That ranch dressing that’s two years past its expiration date is not delivering any value to shareholders at this point, so you can let it go. 

Step 2: Declutter Your Digital Space

·       Clean Up Your Computer Desktop: Move files into appropriate folders, delete what you don’t need, and back up important documents. A tidy desktop helps you find things faster and reduces stress.

·       Email Inbox Zero: Sort through your inbox, archive or delete old emails, and unsubscribe from newsletters you no longer read. Set up filters and folders to keep things organized in the new year.

·       Update Software: Install any pending updates for your operating system, security software, and frequently used programs. This ensures your devices are secure and ready to go when you return.

·       Clear Browser Tabs and Bookmarks: Close unused tabs, organize your bookmarks, and clear your browser cache for a speedier experience.

Step 3: Set Yourself Up for Success

·       Make a To-Do List for January: Jot down key projects, deadlines, or goals for your first week back. This helps you hit the ground running after the break.

·       Backup Everything: Scan & Store copies of essential files in the cloud or on an external drive. Peace of mind is a great holiday gift to yourself.

·       Out-of-Office Message: Don’t forget to set an out-of-office auto-reply so colleagues and clients know when you’ll be back.

Enjoy the Holidays!

Taking the time to clean up your physical and electronic workspace before the holidays is a small investment with big returns. When you come back, you’ll be greeted by an organized, welcoming environment that makes it easy to start the year with clarity and focus. Happy holidays and enjoy your well-deserved break!