Joy at Work

Organizing Your Professional Life

by Marie Kondo, Scott Sonenshein

4.6(2,025 ratings)

10 min read

Brief overview

This book offers a game-changing method for transforming your professional life by tidying both physical and mental clutter. It focuses on identifying what truly sparks joy in your work and eliminating distractions so you can maintain a clear, calm, and productive workplace.

Introduction

Have you ever felt weighed down by endless tasks, messy piles on your desk, and a jam-packed inbox? The idea that our workspace affects how we feel and perform is not new, yet most of us overlook it. This book reintroduces the notion that when we tidy up, we can gain powerful insights into what we truly value in our work.

The approach you’ll explore here goes beyond physical decluttering. It involves organizing time, digital data, tasks, and even your professional network. Each aspect is essential for boosting clarity and reclaiming your work-life spirit.

As you read through these pages, picture an ideal work environment: a desk with only the essentials, a calendar that reflects your genuine priorities, and a team that communicates effectively. This book invites you into that possibility, one step at a time.

No matter your current job or field, tidying is about figuring out what sparks joy and removing what doesn’t—a simple principle that can renew your perspective and productivity.

The Power of Tidying at Work

A cluttered workspace does more than slow your workflow—it affects your mindset. When you can’t find documents or supplies quickly, your productivity dips and stress spikes. Tidying provides a gateway to greater efficiency.

Start by gathering everything—papers, pens, even those random sticky notes—into a single spot. Decide if each item supports or distracts you from doing your job well. This exercise can uncover how reliant you are on unneeded office clutter.

By handling physical items intentionally, you reawaken the sense that each tool or piece of paper can serve a purpose. If it no longer does, thank it for its history and let it go. You’ll find renewed focus in practicing this ritual.

Clear your surface so that it feels inviting each morning. This small shift can make you more receptive to ideas, decrease misplacing vital items, and even lift your mood throughout the day.

A tidy desk is a powerful reminder that you shape your workday, not the other way around.

Looking to dive deeper into Joy at Work?

Download our app to unlock every key idea and gain full access.

What is Joy at Work about?

"Joy at Work: Organizing Your Professional Life," co-authored by Marie Kondo and Scott Sonenshein, offers a refreshing approach to transforming one's work environment through the principles of tidying. Departing from traditional organizational strategies, this book teaches readers to identify aspects of their professional life that genuinely spark joy and addresses the physical and cognitive clutter that hinders productivity and satisfaction. It presents a compelling case for why a tidy workspace is pivotal not only for efficiency but for holistic personal and professional fulfillment.

Leveraging Kondo's renowned KonMari method, the book helps readers simplify their surroundings by focusing on what truly matters. This transformative blueprint, anchored in joy and mindfulness, empowers individuals to declutter everything from physical workspaces to digital files and even unproductive meetings. By aligning workspace organization with personal values and aspirations, "Joy at Work" paves the way for greater clarity, creativity, and connection, encouraging professionals to align their work environment with their life goals.

Review of Joy at Work

"Joy at Work: Organizing Your Professional Life" by Marie Kondo and Scott Sonenshein seamlessly brings the philosophy of the KonMari method into the office. One of the book's standout strengths is its unique approach to professional decluttering, offering a holistic view that extends beyond mere physical tidiness. By focusing on what sparks joy, the book empowers readers to create environments conducive to deeper focus and rewarding interactions.

The practical applications abound, from actionable strategies for organizing physical and digital clutter to guidance on managing time and meetings more effectively. This is paired with an accessible writing style that avoids jargon, making the profound concepts approachable for various audiences. Whether an individual struggles with clutter or seeks a fresh approach to enhancing productivity, the book provides viable solutions fitted to diverse needs.

Readers who appreciate the value of personal development and sustained motivation will find this book particularly relevant. While some might question the need for an emotional connection to workspace tidying, the payoff in productivity and contentment is clear. Empowering and thought-provoking, "Joy at Work" is a must-read for those looking to infuse joy and efficiency into their work life.

This book is recommended for anyone interested in creating a more joyful, organized, and fulfilling professional space.

Who should read Joy at Work?

**Productivity Enthusiasts** - Those interested in improving efficiency will benefit greatly from the practical tips on decluttering both physical and digital spaces, enhancing productivity and focus.
**Remote Workers** - With the growing prevalence of remote work, individuals seeking strategies to manage home-office organization will find this book's insights invaluable.
**Professional Organizers and Coaches** - Professionals who assist others in creating organized work environments will appreciate the fresh perspective and adaptable methods.
**Career Transitioners** - Individuals undergoing career changes or seeking new roles can use the book to realign their workspace and priorities, paving the way for seamless transitions.
**Managers and Team Leaders** - Leaders looking to foster more effective and engaged teams can harness the principles of joyful workspaces to boost morale and team productivity.

About the author

Marie Kondo is a Japanese organizing consultant, author, and TV presenter known for her KonMari Method. She has written several bestselling books on organizing, including "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up," which has been translated into 44 languages and sold over 14 million copies worldwide. Kondo has extensive experience in her field, starting her tidying consultant business at the age of 19. Scott Sonenshein is the Henry Gardiner Symonds Professor of Management at Rice University and a bestselling author. He holds a Doctorate in organizational behavior from the University of Michigan and has contributed to top academic journals. Sonenshein's research and teaching focus on organizational behavior, leadership, and change management, and he has worked with Fortune 500 executives and various industries. His previous book, "Stretch: Unlock the Power of Less – And Achieve More Than You Ever Imagined," was published in 2017.