Organization
I have an office that is small, and I share with 3 other instructors! We have cabinets and drawers to try to keep our office supplies, papers, and books out of immediate sight in effort to keep from looking cluttered. However, we still feel like our office is overstocked, so we are looking for ideas to better utilize a small space? Perception is critical in the eyes of our supervisors and students, so any suggestions would help!
Chip
James, It sounds like you have worked out a great system with your current office mate. I should note that each new addition to an office adds a new dynamic. You might want to collaborate with your current office mate to think of the right approach for onboarding the new person and making sure expectations are set. This way, you can continue to enjoy the environment.
Dr. Melissa Read
This seems to be a theme i also share a small office with 2 other instuctors, and are about to add a 3rd. this has worked well for us, as we learn to trust each other, and work hard to keep our personal stuff out of the others areas and file things when we are finished with them.
I am fortunate not to share because I have my own cubical but we respect each others space. If someone needs something they ask.
Hi April-
I agree about needing to manage with what you have. I am pretty analytical about how physical things are ordered around my desk: The items I reach for the most are closest, those that I rarely need to use are buried in the back of the file drawer- but with a tag identifying it so it can be found when needed.
Gary
I want to remind you, you can only do so much with what you are given. It is good to strive to better a situation but if everything is where it belongs and supplies are organized you sound like you are working the space you have the best way you can. 3 instructors one office is going to be cramped.
I also share a workspace with three other instructors and the things that work well for us are:
clearly defining workspaces
streamlining everything at the desk
and making proper use of the space you know you have
This all really comes down to being able to work and trust the people you work with.
