How to Use Color-Coding to Improve the Office

One of the easiest ways to add structure and organization to your workspace, files, and more is to use color-coding. Research shows that not only do colors trigger certain responses in the brain when we see them, but we also process seeing color before anything else, which improves comprehension and helps us retain information longer.

When the workspace becomes chaotic, color-coding may offer a solution. Here are some tips on how to implement a simple color-coding solution in your office.

• Developing your code. Start by evaluating your current environment. If colors are already associated with specific projects or departments, consider working those into your new system as-is. And depending on how many colors and categories you create, map out a color-code key to help maintain the system.
• Tools. Colored file folders, binders, and labels are all great options to help implement your new color code. Using colored paper, like Boise FIREWORX^® Premium Multi-Use Colored paper, that matches up with the same colored folder or label will help eliminate any confusion on where a file belongs.
•  Organizing files by color. If your teams are regularly passing documents or files back and forth, it’s a good idea to assign colors to departments or tasks. Colored file folders help distinguish which documents need to head to the HR department or be reviewed by the financial team.
• Color-code your calendar. Ease the stress of a full calendar by assigning colors to events to get a better understanding of your day-to-day activities. Visualizing events like this can help control how much time you allocate to each activity or project.
• Color code your inbox. Many email systems have settings to adjust how emails are displayed in your inbox. Assign colors to specific people or subject lines, such as your manager or a project you’re currently working on, and let your inbox prioritize itself.

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