The paper chase

The aim
To show staff how to be more organized, efficient and effective in the way they handle paperwork.

About the program
People must control paperwork, not let it dominate them. The video demonstrates that an office worker swamped by paper doesn't think it's a problem; she's convinced she needs it close at hand to do her job.

Her manager helps her change her ways by showing that there are only four types of paperwork:
-Paper you have to do something about
-Paper you have to pass on
-Paper you have to keep
-Paper you can dispose of

People will learn to efficiently file documents that need to be kept, to pass on or throw away other documents, and to shred confidential information. By clearing the backlog they will be in a position to deal with their work effectively, prioritizing action papers and doing important tasks rather than searching for documents.

The benefits
-An ideal way to motivate staff as part of your own 'clear-desk' day
-Simple, practical approach to dealing with paperwork
-Humorous illustration of a real and common problem

Related training issues:
Time management
Stress

Information:
A Video Arts production featuring Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders. Release date: 1991