How the Three-File System Works to Save You Time and Simplify Your Life

Paper.

It's everywhere. And unless you have a simple system for "processing" it, it can overrun your office, kitchen, and home.

Before I discovered the three-file system, I had all kinds of files... maybe twenty or thirty of them, all with a different label.

Every month, I'd go through all the mail and bills and file the statements. Every piece of paper went into a separate file. Which meant I was touching dozens of files every month. Filing paperwork took way too much time, and I didn't like it.

Enter the three-file system. I can't remember where or when I heard about it. But I finally got so desperate (my study was beginning to look like a storage archive minus the filing boxes), I decided to give it a try.

Here's how to set up your three-file system.

1. Get three hanging file folders and put them in your filing cabinet.
2. Label the first one "File #1"
3. Label the second one "File #2"
4. Label the third one "File #3"
5. Get a small mail organizer and place it where you open the mail.

Okay, when you've completed each of these steps, you're ready to begin using the system. Here's how it works...

Whenever you get the mail, adopt a one-touch policy. Either throw it away, shred it, or file it in your mail center. (I put statements in the large slot of the mail center and place payment slips with their envelopes into the small slot. I organize the bills according to when they must be paid.)

Now, do this for the entire month. When the month is over, take all the statements and file them in Folder #1.

During the second month, you will open and process the mail the same way. Then, at the end of the month, you will take all the statements and place them in File #1. All the paperwork already in File #1 gets moved to File #2.

During the third month, repeat the process. At the end of the month, all the paperwork in File #2 goes to File #3. File #1 goes to File #2. And all the paperwork in the mail center goes in File #1.

Got it?

During the fourth month, repeat the process again. Except this time, the paperwork in File #3 goes to the shredder. Or at least most of it. If there's something you must save for tax records or for a longer period of time, simply create a folder to store the "exceptions."

Here's what the three-folder system does. It simplifies your life and saves you boatloads of time. Instead of touching dozens of files every month, you only touch one or two. There's no separating or sorting. Five minutes and you're done.

I've been using the three-file system for about half a year now and I wonder... why didn't I do this sooner? Paperwork is a breeze now. The paper beast has been tamed.

Your action item: Go set up your three-file system now and begin using it immediately. It'll be one of the best organizational improvements you make all year.

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HR Software - Things To Consider

Businesses, over time, have witnessed immense transition and so have the various departments and functioning structures. The once laid back attitudes have now been replaced by enthralling energy and a desire to succeed. In such circumstances, employees have become the key force behind any small or large-scale business? success. Rather, the increasing importance and associated impact of employees on the functioning and eventual result has laid grounds for including them as assets in financial evaluations.

Considering that a factor is so crucial, it becomes imperative to give them due attention by means of granting the deserved treatment, in terms of rewards and motivational tools. However to enable apt treatment for all it is essential to have an automated system in place which can precisely monitor, record and analyze the work force?s potential, thereby leaving no scope of error. This can be made possible only be deploying a smart professional who can fulfill not only the mentioned requirements but can act as a perfect HR partner. This graceful expert, christened as HR software cannot only solve appraisal related issues but is an overall HR assistant.

How to Choose?? Before picking up HR software for your organization, there are various aspects to be kept in mind. To start with, define your need and purpose you expect this software to solve for you. The need factor depends upon the organization type (i.e. whether it is service or a manufacturing industry), the kind of facilities already available and the size of the organizations (i.e. the number of employees). To be concise about the need, it is suggested to undertake an extensive gap analysis, which would enumerate the difference between present and future requirements.

Based upon the need as defined, decide if you want to go for standard software or a customized one is sought. Customized software is suggested for small organizations, while the bigger ones that can afford the relative training cost and require aid that is more extensive can take up standardized offerings.

Various HR software suppliers can fulfill your requisitions; however before selecting any make sure that technical assistance, diligent training and post purchase customer support are included in the package. Most of the packages can also be modified as per requirements at a later stage, if sought.

Benefits: This HR software is a gift of the technical advancement to the human resource departments of the firms, which are often confronted with employee related issues. This one time expenses can considerable reduces the overall expense structure of a firm by imparting the requisite efficiency and expertise.

Hiring, training, performance appraisals, remuneration, transfers and promotion, succession planning, firing, etc. are few of the functions facilitated by HR software. Additionally various other facilities as desired can be programmed.

HR software is almost like a dream come true for the HR & Personnel departments, which were continually loaded with time consuming and clerical administrative jobs. The valuable time of your HR personnel can now be diverted towards more productive jobs, all thanks to HR software!

Alexander Gordon is a writer for http://www.smallbusinessconsulting.com - The Small Business Consulting Community. Sign-up for the free success steps newsletter and get our booklet valued at $24.95 for free as a special bonus. The newsletter provides daily strategies on starting and significantly growing a business.

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