It can be hard to always work at maximum efficiency, especially if you’re working on a tough project and you don’t have ideal working conditions. But in order to increase your efficiency it’s really important that you identify and then eliminate anything that keeps you from working as efficiently as possible on projects. So how can you re-assess your workspace and figure out what changes you need to make in order to increase your efficiency?

The first thing that you need to do is figure out how your workspace factors into the equation. Most of the time when people aren’t working at their maximum efficiency it’s because there are problems or distractions in their workspace that are hurting their efficiency. Look around your workspace right now and see if you spot any of these common workspace distractions.

Food and beverages

Most people keep a cup of coffee or tea, or a can of soda on their desk near them in case they get thirsty. Generally this is not a huge distraction but if you have 9 empty soda cans and 3 cups of coffee sitting next to your monitor that is a distraction that you don’t need. Tidy up. And make it a rule to only have one beverage in the workspace at a time. You shouldn’t eat near your computer because then you get crumbs in your keyboard and sometimes in your computer plus it makes your workspace messy. Snack times or meals can be a good time to get away from the computer and clear your head so stick with one beverage and no food in your workspace.

Toys and photos

Do you have a desk clutter problem? Do you have photos of family and friends or small desk toys littered throughout the top of your desk or arranged in special patterns? Get rid of them. Your desktop needs to clean and uncluttered so that you don’t get distracted and pulled away from the job at hand. Stay focused on the job you’re working on and you’ll increase your efficiency.

Gadgets

Phone, cell phone, Blackberry, pager and other gadgets- If you’re like most coders and programmers you have the full range of gadgets that keep you constantly connected to your boss and other co-workers. But if you’re trying to increase your efficiency on a project you need to learn to turn them all off and put them away so they don’t distract you. Put them in a drawer, put them in a bag, or hide them in a secret compartment in the closet. Do whatever it takes to minimize the distractions in your workday. If it’s really an emergency they will send someone to find you. If it’s not a real emergency, they can wait.