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Research reveals the role organization plays in workers’ productivity.

Two people in an office using colourful Post-It® Notes to plan on a white board

Data emphasizes the importance of organization and access to supplies in the workplace

Year after year, “organization” appears on countless New Years resolution lists, particularly at the office and in professional settings, as we strive to start the year with increased productivity and workplace efficiency.

How does office organization affect productivity?

Earlier this year, Post-it® Brand from 3M revealed results from a study1commissioned to gather data surrounding office organization, access to office supplies and how these elements affect office workers’ day-to-day routines.

Organization affects office morale, attitude and productivity

The survey amplifies the continued need for appropriate office supplies in the workplace and also reveals the importance of organization, including how it contributes to overall office morale, attitude and productivity.

Post-its on an office cubicle

According to the study, organization and access to the necessary office supplies play an integral role in office life, both for individual workers as well as the office as a whole.

  • Disorganization Conundrum: In today’s offices, disorganization not only looks bad, it can lead to decreased morale and productivity. Three in four office workers believe a disorganized office is indicative of deeper problems at a company.
  • Setting the Example: Executives might want to tidy up their desks as 96 percent of office workers believe that organization is a sign of a better leader.
  • Undersupplied Equals Less Productivity: 94 percent of office workers are less productive when they don’t have all the supplies they need to work.

Post-it® Products offer hands-on organization in an increasingly digital world

The research also revealed that Post-it® Products continue to play an important role in office workers’ daily lives. Despite the rise of the digital office and digital tools, the data showcased that workers continue to embrace analog and rely on paper and Post-it® Products to help them stay organized and on task.

  • Paper vs. Computer: 62 percent of office workers prefer to manage their to-do list on a piece of paper rather than through a computer or digital device.
  • Supply and Demand: There can be stressful days in the office, but one way to combat the stress is having the supplies you need to be productive; 47 percent of office workers feel overwhelmed without Post-it® Notes during the work day, followed by a daily planner (43 percent) and a professional notebook (30 percent).
  • An Office Supply Staple: The Post-it® Note is a staple of office life; office workers, on average, use 30 Post-it Notes per week, with more than 2 in 5 (43 percent) using 25 or more.

“Office organization and the access to appropriate office supplies directly contribute to how successfully office workers can do their jobs,” said Kate Semersky, a global business manager for Post-it® Brand. “Post-it® Brand is dedicated to helping professionals get and stay organized to help boost efficiency and workplace morale.”

Get additional information on helpful Post-it® Products, organization tips and solutions.

1 The 3M Post-it® Brand Office Organization survey was conducted by Wakefield Research among 1,000 full-time U.S. office workers in 2015, using an email invitation and an online survey.

 

About the Author

[enBio=Across the globe, 3M helps companies and individuals succeed every day. All while contributing to true global sustainable development through environmental protection, corporate and social responsibility and economic progress. We are applying our science to make a real impact in every person's life around the world.],[enJob=Science. Applied to Life.],[frBio=Chaque jour, 3M aide les entreprises et les gens à réussir. Tout cela en contribuant au développement durable réel par le biais de la protection de l'environnement, la responsabilité sociale en entreprise et le progrès économique. Nous appliquons notre science afin de faire une différence réel dans la vie de chaque personne dans le monde.],[frJob=Science. Au service de la Vie.]

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