A few weeks ago, I opened a cabinet in my office and was nearly taken out by an avalanche of old training binders. The topple was so dramatic I had to laugh—how long had these been collecting dust? And more importantly, why was I still holding onto them?
At some point, these binders had been useful. They were packed with notes from past workshops, team discussions, and strategy sessions—ideas that once felt urgent, but now? Just clutter. I started flipping through them, scanning highlights, remembering conversations. Some pages still held value, but most were tied to projects long completed, systems we no longer used, or ways of working that had been outgrown.
And that’s when it hit me: Workplaces have a habit of holding onto things long past their expiration date.
It’s not just about the physical clutter. It’s the extra steps in a process that no longer make sense. The meetings that could be emails (or better yet, nothing at all). The reports no one reads but we still generate because… well, we always have. Over time, these inefficiencies pile up, unnoticed until they’re suddenly in your way—like a stack of old binders waiting to stage a workplace coup.
I decided then and there: It was time to clean house.
That week, I started paying closer attention. I asked our team what processes felt outdated, what slowed them down, what they wished they could change. The answers came fast—everyone had something. The weekly check-in that had lost its purpose. The approval process that required way too many signatures. The software we were paying for but barely using.
One by one, we started clearing things out. Some processes were cut entirely. Others were streamlined. We rethought how we used our tools, reworked how we communicated. And just like decluttering a messy house, each small change created more space—more room to focus, to breathe, to work smarter instead of harder.
It’s funny how you don’t realize how much weight you’re carrying until you set something down.
How to Start Your Own Workplace Spring Cleaning
If this sounds familiar, consider this your sign to step back and take a fresh look at how your team works. Here’s how to start:
- Reevaluate the “Why” Behind Each Process
If the best explanation for a system is “we’ve always done it this way”, it might be time to rethink it. Ask: Does this still serve our goals? Is there a simpler way? - Ask Your Team What’s Slowing Them Down
The people closest to the work often see inefficiencies first. Have open conversations about what feels clunky, redundant, or frustrating. Their insights are invaluable. - Eliminate Unnecessary Steps
Not every task needs multiple layers of approval. Look for places where streamlining can increase speed and clarity. - Audit Your Tools and Technology
Are your digital tools making work easier or adding to the noise? If a platform isn’t helping your team work more effectively, it might be time to let it go. - Create a Culture of Continuous Improvement
Spring cleaning shouldn’t be a one-time event. Encourage your team to regularly challenge outdated processes and suggest ways to improve.
Making Room for What’s Next
Cleaning up your workflows isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about making space for the work that truly matters. By clearing the clutter, you free up time, energy, and attention for bigger goals and better results.
If you’re ready to take a deeper dive, we can help. At Success Labs, we work with leaders to build smarter systems, rethink team dynamics, and create structures that empower—not overwhelm—their people. Let’s talk about how we can clear the path for what’s next.
Success Labs is a leadership development and management consulting firm in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. For 40 years, our expert team of consultants has worked with hundreds of companies to grow leaders, build teams, and drive results through great people strategy. Contact us to get proactive about expanding your company’s potential and stay up-to-date with our latest news and leadership development updates here.
