AdvantEdge Workspaces Blog

Chances are if you are on any social media platform, or have logged onto Netflix recently, you’ve heard something about Marie Kondo and her KonMari method of organizing. Although Kondo’s book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up has been a bestseller for years, she recently shot to internet fame with her Netflix show “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo.” A key tenet of the KonMari method is to ask if an item “sparks joy” when deciding whether to keep it. While it might be easier to decide whether a sweater sparks joy, this same question can be asked about your office, workspace, and even your computer.

1. Your Physical Space

You spend eight hours a day in your office, so the space needs to spark joy. Tackle each part of your space separately. The KonMari method divides organizing into these categories: books, papers, miscellaneous, and sentimental items (and clothing, if you keep that at work). Conquer each area on its own, asking not only if the item sparks joy, but if it helps you at work. For example, a file cabinet may not be joyful, but if it is the best way to organize your papers then it has a proper place in your office.

2. Your Digital Space

Clutter on your computer is just as problematic as piles of papers. Take time to organize your files and put them in folders by topic, account, client, etc. You may want to switch to Google Drive or Sharepoint to aid in the organization of work materials. Go through your hard drive and delete all those random photos and documents that you have downloaded over the years. Five different copies of an old letterhead? That definitely does not spark joy! Create folders on your desktop to house your most frequently used files. If you’re feeling extra ambitious, take the KonMari approach to your inbox too.

3. The Greater Workspace

The areas surrounding your personal office are just as important. Your office building, suite, or floor should spark joy. In this case, it is less about physical items and more about the feeling you get when you walk in every morning. The environment should be inviting and clean. The amenities should suit your daily needs and the office staff should be helpful but not intrusive. If you feel like your workspace does not meet these criteria, it is probably time to switch to a place that does!

At AdvantEdge Workspaces, we strive to spark joy for our clients every day. Having your own personal office space give you the flexibility to KonMari whenever you please! Additionally, our clean and professional aesthetic is perfect for any business, no matter if your a high-powered law firm or a creative non-profit. So if you are wondering what the ultimate way you can spark joy at work is, come visit us at our two D.C. locations!