Ad hoc or piecemeal homeworking can raise a few challenges when it comes to paper filing systems.  As we well know, paper, organisation and filing are still very much alive and part of our day-to-day work routine. From bank statements to receipts which must be stored, as well as data protection and GDPR considerations. While digital systems are all integrated, how do we manage the paperwork in our lives?

Smart filing systems

Paper filing systems were around back in the day when remote digital working and working from home was not even a distant dream.  Now, technology allows you to work in more than one location so how can you manage any attendant paperwork? 

 

Here are some handy tips to get you sorted.

• Try and mimic the categories and classifications for documents online that are in use within your office setting or work environment.  The idea is that when you go back to the office, you can effortlessly slot in your paperwork to the existing filing structure
• Most people don’t have the luxury of acres of space in a small home office so this puts an even greater premium on good organisation and proper filing systems.  Equip yourself with some decent filing products such as ring binders, walletsand filing cabinets
• Whether you are working out of the living room or in a bespoke designed home office, good storage equipment can make the most of a small space.  Use bookcases and  small office shelves to keep files out of the way and free up your working space
• Colour co-ordinate your look with the Leitz WOW storage systems with vibrant colour pops that will actually make you look forward to doing the filing!  With lever arch files, indexes and dividers, these will make light work of your documents and can be re-used by other family members when you finally return to the office
• A tidy office space is important to mark the delineation between office time and family time.  Clearing away on a daily basis is a very important habit to get into and allows other family members to use the workspace, like teenagers studying for exams
• Homeworkers must also be GDPR compliant and your employer should have in place a protocol to protect data and documents away from the office.  Self-employed and small and medium-sized businesses can download SME work from home toolkits which help you to get organised and stay compliant. 

 

Sensitive and confidential paperwork that is no longer required can be disposed of using a home paper shredder. If you are really not confident about shredding something, then scan and store an electronic version before you press the button

 

It was Benjamin Franklin, the American politician, polymath, scientist and inventor who famously said in the 1700s, “a place for everything and everything in its place” and never was a truer word spoken when it comes to office filing.  Cleanliness and order have a huge impact on mental health and wellbeing as well.  Revisit the lost joy of office stationery in the 21^st century which has just got funky and is stylish enough to complement any interior design in your home.