As we head into a new year, many of us are resolving to declutter—whether it’s our closets or finally tackling that stack of unopened mail. And if you’re like me, you’re intrigued by the popular Marie Kondo method, which encourages us to keep only those things that truly “spark joy” and add value to our lives and let go of the rest.
But what if we applied that same principle to something that could truly benefit from a little decluttering—our jobs?
When applied to work, this isn’t just about clearing off your desk—it's about simplifying your workload and aligning your daily tasks with what truly matters.
If it doesn’t serve a clear purpose or bring value, it’s probably time to reevaluate.
What’s Weighing You Down At Work?
Just like physical clutter at home can raise our stress levels and lower our mental clarity, "clutter" at work can have similar consequences. But clutter at work can also have negative impacts, such as weighing on your productivity, morale, and mental health. The end of the year is the perfect time to hit pause and give your work a much-needed detox in the following areas:
Projects: Are there *initiatives* still hanging around that no longer align with your team’s goals? Maybe they've outlived their usefulness, or perhaps they’re dragging on because of a lack of direction or resources. Take a hard look at your project list and consider whether it’s time to wrap things up or let them go. (* I secretly despise the word “initiative” because all I hear in my head is “let’s start another project”!)
People Practices: You know the ones—the often toxic or ineffective practices that keep your team going in circles. (I can say this because I've built a career building and then rebuilding many of these.) Whether it’s micromanagement, outdated performance reviews, or unclear feedback systems, these practices drain energy and hinder progress. A little decluttering in this department can work wonders for team dynamics and workload.
Mental Clutter: Let’s not forget the mental clutter. Trying to juggle too many tasks at once, constantly dealing with interruptions, or working in a disorganized environment all add up. This kind of mental overload reduces focus, productivity, and even sleep quality. It’s time to create some space for clarity and efficiency.
How to Marie Kondo Your Job
So how exactly do we Marie Kondo our jobs? For many of us, asking “Does this spark joy?” may be a stretch. Instead, however, we can focus on value and purpose. For example, we can ask ourselves:
Does this process/project/practice serve a clear purpose?
Does this process make things easier or harder?
Does this bring value to my team or just drain my energy?
With these questions in mind, let's look at how to actually put this into practice.
Step 1: Detox Your Workload
The first step is to triage your tasks. You can’t do everything, so focus on the important stuff and let go of the non-essentials.
Prioritize tasks that align with your team’s goals and bring you closer to success, and get rid of the busy work that just fills up your calendar.
Delegate More: Don’t be afraid to delegate. You hired great people—trust them with the tasks that don’t align with your strengths or that are simply too time-consuming.
Drop the Guilt: Letting go of tasks doesn’t make you a failure—it makes you strategic! You’ll have more energy for the work that matters.
Learn to Say No: Need I say more?
Find a Parking Space for Uncompleted Work: Need to complete a task but don’t have all the information yet? Block out time on your calendar for a future date when you’ll have everything you need. In the meantime, remove it from your to-do list and let it go (for now).
Step 2: Declutter Your Processes
Next, look at the processes that keep your team running. Are they efficient, or do they slow everything down?
Streamline: Evaluate your team’s workflows and remove bottlenecks. For example, automate repetitive tasks, reduce meeting frequency, or simplify decision-making procedures. Is there a technology you've been overlooking that could make your work easier? Prioritize putting that into practice.
Audit Regularly: Conduct regular audits to ensure that processes still serve their intended purpose. If they’re not, it’s time to update or give them the boot.
Step 3: Delete the People Practices That Don’t Serve You
Next, it’s time to take a hard look at your people practices. Are they empowering your team or do they feel like unnecessary burdens?
The next time you find yourself engaging in one of these people practices, ask yourself, “Did we just check a box or create real value here?”
Get Rid of Toxic Relationships: Sometimes the biggest clutter at work is toxic interpersonal dynamics. Whether it’s negative colleagues, poor communication, or broken trust, addressing these issues head-on, in a constructive way, can clear the air and lead to better collaboration and morale.
Create Space for New Ideas: Just like a cluttered desk stifles creativity, a cluttered mindset stifles innovation. Re-evaluate your routines and stay open to new ways of working and thinking. Maybe working from your couch isn’t the most productive for all tasks?
Reevaluate Feedback Systems: Consider simplifying your performance review process (I once participated in one that took 12 weeks from start to finish–Marie Kondo would have had a field day after she picked her jaw off the floor!)
Make more frequent, informal feedback part of your team’s culture and the performance management process begins to improve immediately.
The Benefits of a Work "Declutter"
When you Marie Kondo your job, you’re not just tidying up for the sake of it. The benefits go beyond a cleaner desk and a less stressful environment.
Enhanced Focus and Productivity: With fewer distractions and unnecessary tasks, your team can focus on what truly matters and get more done.
Boosted Morale: Employees feel more motivated and engaged when they’re freed from time-wasting practices and can see the direct impact of their work. After all, alignment to a purpose/mission and meaningful work are clear engagement drivers! When we see the value we bring, we intuitively want to do more.
Improved Team Collaboration: When processes are streamlined and communication is clearer, team members can collaborate more effectively and avoid the confusion or misunderstandings that come with chaos.
Better Personal Well-being: By clearing away mental clutter, you’re improving both your own well-being and the well-being of your team.
Making Marie Kondo a Habit at Work
Marie Kondoing your job isn’t something that happens overnight, but with some intentional effort, you can make it a regular practice.
Set Aside Time for Reflection: Regularly carve out time to reflect on your workload and your team’s processes. This is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix. Even thirty minutes of reflection each quarter can yield tenfold returns in saved time, improved morale, and increased engagement.
Get Feedback from Your Team: Ask your team what’s working and what isn’t. They’re often the ones living with the clutter, so they’ll have valuable insights on where to streamline.
Try the "Joy Test" on Your Tasks: Every time you take on a new task, ask yourself: "Does this bring value to me, my team, or the company mission? Is it essential?" If not, consider letting it go.
Create “Decluttering” Rituals: Implement regular "check-ins" or "audit days" where your team reviews processes, projects, and workloads. Everyone can share the load of tidying up. Ask your team to bring one idea to declutter and streamline work to the next team meeting!
Decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of what’s not working. It’s about making space for more meaningful work, better productivity, and a healthier, happier work culture. By letting go of the clutter that’s weighing you down, you’re creating a work environment where everyone can thrive.
Here’s to sparking joy on the job in the coming year! Be well!
Interested in learning more about coaching and building human workplaces? Send me a note at Katherine@worksproutpartners.com. I look forward to hearing from you!
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