4 Office Hacks to Improve Your Work Day

CHICAGO - May 20, 2016 - PRLog -- Office productivity can easily be derailed by disorganization and distractions, but you might be surprised that common office supplies and some simple tricks can improve your working environment and help you stay on track.

"The smallest things can make the biggest difference when it comes to efficiency and productivity at the office," said Sarah Yedlick, office expert and inventory analyst for Boise Paper. "With supplies you already have on hand, you can make a big difference in your work day and keep yourself motivated and on task."

If you're looking to make a change to your inefficient work routine, these office hacks from Boise Paper can help increase your productivity and improve your work day.

Get creative with office supplies -Office supplies (http://mashable.com/2014/05/12/diy-office-hacks-tips-tricks/#sL5oH0vbtmqW) can be extremely functional beyond their intended use. Binder clips can keep computer and phone cords untangled and out of the way, serve as hooks on a bulletin board or be used as a cell phone stand. For cords that have a tendency to split, take a spring from an old pen and wrap it around the cord to reinforce it. If you're looking for a simple way to clear the dust from your desk and keyboard, sticky notes or tape work great.

Harness the technology at your fingertips - Apps are available to help with almost everything in your day-to-day life, and your workplace productivity is no different. For those who have a hard time focusing at work, several apps (http://mashable.com/2012/01/03/block-internet-distraction...) and browser plug-ins will limit the amount of time you can spend on social media and distracting websites. Another common feature that gets overlooked is the office calendar. Set up alerts on your computer to remind you to switch gears, ensuring you're not getting sidetracked on one project or running out of time for another. You can even set alerts to remind you to take breaks! If you are constantly forgetting and resetting passwords, opt for an app that keeps track of your login information. If you feel inundated by emails, consider using an app that allows you to freeze your inbox (http://inboxpause.com/) so you can tackle your mail in small batches.

Practice the Two-Minute Rule - This rule (http://lifehacker.com/use-the-two-minute-rule-to-stop-procrastinating-and-get-1521792128) says if a task will take two minutes or less to complete, you should do it right away. This mindset helps to avoid pushing small tasks to the side, and guarantees that they won't be forgotten or pile up over time, leaving you with a bunch of miscellaneous tasks to tackle.

Capture your thoughts in color - A key to staying organized is color coding. Keep tasks separate for different clients or projects by assigning a different color to your various files. Boise® Fireworx® Premium Multi-Use Colored paper (https://www.boisepaper.com/boise/products/office/fireworx.html) is great for labeling and taking notes, helping keep all your projects separate and organized. Having a visual way to separate files cuts down the time you spend searching for papers and notes.

For more tips on organization and productivity at work, visit www.BePaperSmart.com.

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About Boise Paper:

Boise Paper is a division of Packaging Corporation of America, headquartered in Lake Forest, IL. Boise Paper manufactures a full line of quality papers including imaging papers for the office and home, printing and converting papers, and papers used in packaging, such as label and release papers. Through its Paper with Purpose® promise, Boise Paper commits to delivering excellent value while sustaining environmental, economic, and social resources for future generations. Keep current with news and events at www.BoisePaper.com.