BLOG: 'Lifehacks' for the workplace

References:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/22/diy-life-hacks_n_5065065.html

http://mashable.com/2014/05/12/diy-office-hacks-tips-tricks/

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/20-awesome-diy-office-organization-ideas-that-boost-efficiency.html?bd=2015527

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20131022165909-5799319-25-office-hacks-you-need-to-know

AKRON — Being a business professional for a few years now, I am all about making the work day go smoother.

I am out of the time frame of life where I end up making things harder for myself “just because” — and I am all about making things a bit easier.

The term “Lifehacks” has been everywhere these days, detailing quick ways to make your life easier. I have recommended the above sites for you to look through, but I did want to detail some of the tips I have acquired as I venture through the business world. I created Top 5 lists for both workplace and business travel.

• Binder clips can work wonders:  Binder clips are great for organizing things in the office or service shop. They can be used to clip papers together, sure, but their use can span so much beyond that. One of my previous irritations at work was that I was constantly rolling my chair over my cell phone charger. I know, not a big deal, but phone chargers are expensive. Every time I rolled over it, I knew I was one roll closer to having to purchase a new one. However, I got a mini binder clip and stuck it on my calendar that hangs above my charger, and I haven't rolled over the cord since. I am really interested in making a phone stand out of two binder clips, but as I was experimenting with some of these tricks, I ran out of clips.
• Coffee mugs have endless possibilities: While the Mashable article  points out that you can fit your entire burrito in your coffee mug when you need a holder, I use mine for more than just coffee, too. I always keep dry oatmeal in my desk for when I need a little snack. One day I realized that I didn't have a bowl to put it in, but the coffee mug is so much better anyway! You just pour the oatmeal in the cup, go to the coffee pot and use the hot water dispenser and you've got yourself a snack. I have also used it to hold candy, etc. Basically, a coffee mug can be a great food holder. Or if you need a new pen and highlighter holder, it works great for that, too.

• Personalize: While this isn't technically a hack, I do think it goes a long way. Earlier this year I made it my mission to spruce up my office space. Like it or not, we all spend significantly more time in our office spaces than at home, so why not put a little effort into how it looks? I can honestly say that I have enjoyed my desk much more since I customized it.
• New ways to store: The Lifehack article detailed some really cool ways to take some things from the kitchen — such as muffin pans, re-purposed disinfecting wipes containers and old cereal boxes — to make great organizational tools in the office. A muffin pan can house all kinds of little office trinkets in your drawer, instead of having to open a drawer with these items scattered all over.
• Coffee pot notification: I definitely want to start doing this in the Tire Business office. Get two Styrofoam cups and place them together. On the bottom one, write all the times of the day and on the top cup write “Time coffee was made.” This way everyone will know how old the coffee is and whether a new pot needs to be made. This is great, too, for the customers in your service shop. You will always be on top of things both for your employees and your customers with this easy “hack.”

Don't forget to check back on Wednesday for some business travel tips!