The calendar has finally flipped the page to 2023. Like most people, you’ve probably set a few New Year’s resolutions for both you and the farm. Some examples might include:
- Shed a few extra pounds.
- Shoot for higher profit margins.
- Spend more time with family and friends.
All of these are excellent goals to aim for, but how about we add one more to the list:
- Actually keep the barn office organized for once!
The barn office is the heart and soul of every operation. It’s where employees and family members gather to discuss business, gossip about local events and chat about the weather. It’s also a place for clutter to accumulate and for paperwork to pile up.
As farmers, there are just not enough hours in the day to keep the barn office neat and tidy 24/7. However, there are a few things we can do to help keep this vital part of our operation functioning smoothly. Here are a few tips to consider:
Purge Your Space – We’re all guilty of keeping things we don’t need. Sire catalogs from 10+ years ago. Scraps of paper with random notes scribbled off to the side. A lost glove, nuts and bolts from a broken part, that growing stack of unwashed coffee tumblers. The list goes on and on!
To help keep clutter at bay, try setting aside some time each month to purge your space. Removing unnecessary and broken items can help make your office feel a little less like a junk drawer and more like a functioning space to work.
Digitize Files – Sometimes it feels as if the farm paperwork is stacked a mile high. Fortunately, there’s a way to help keep that growing pile under control.
Digitizing files is an easy way to organize paperwork without having to keep every single piece of paper. These systems are relatively affordable and allow you to either scan items via your computer or phone, then upload them to a safe location digitally. Just remember to backup your files regularly!
Storage is Key – How many times have you walked into the office and wondered, “Where did I put ____?” Probably more often than you care to admit. While it might sound silly, having a designated spot for a variety of items can help make day-to-day tasks that much easier. Maybe it’s time to invest in a few storage shelves, bins or hooks. These items can easily be found at every hardware store and are relatively affordable. Plus, they help keep everyone else’s ‘junk’ off your desk!
While prioritizing your health, business profitability and family is certainly more important than a tidy workspace, consider implementing these strategies on your farm’s office this year. They just might help you stay a little more sane in 2023!
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