Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 18th April 2024 Issue no. 1110
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What a messy desk says about you...
Having a cluttered desk may not be a bad thing, a new survey from OfficeTeam suggests. More than two-thirds (68%) of human resources managers interviewed felt it's at least somewhat acceptable to have a messy desk at work.
In fact, 9% even said it's a sign of a creative person. However, nearly one-third (32%) stated they would question an employee's organisational skills and effectiveness if that person had an unkempt workspace.
The survey was developed by OfficeTeam, a staffing service specialising in the placement of highly skilled administrative professionals. It was conducted by an independent research firm and is based on telephone interviews with more than 300 HR managers at companies with 20 or more employees in the US.
HR managers were asked, "Which one of the following statements most closely describes your perception of someone at work who has a messy desk?" Their responses:
* It's perfectly fine to have a messy desk. It's a sign of a creative person! - 9%
* It's OK to have a messy desk. No judgment here! - 59%
* It's not OK to have a messy desk. I question that person's organisational skills and effectiveness on the job - 32%
*Don't know - 1%
(Responses do not total 100 percent due to rounding).
"Although not everyone cares about how your desk looks, having a messy workspace could lead others to question your professionalism," says Robert Hosking, executive director of OfficeTeam. "Keep your desk tidy and you'll be able to find what you need more quickly and increase your work efficiency."
OfficeTeam identifies seven desk organisation mistakes:
1. Creating a pileup. Recycle or shred unnecessary paperwork and file or scan everything else.
2. Failing to contain yourself. Use pencil cups, drawer and file organisers, and trays to keep items in their place.
3. Hoarding. If you haven't touched something in a year, it probably shouldn't be on your desk. Keep supplies you access most often within reach, and the rest out of sight.
4. Not being tech-savvy. Going paperless can help you reduce clutter and find information more quickly, but only if you use a digital filing system or organisational app to keep track of everything.
5. Overaccessorising. It's generally fine to show some personality with your workspace decorations, but leave your teddy bear collection and gigantic cat posters at home.
6. Being 'crumby'. Clear your desk of food wrappers, empty coffee cups and dirty plates. Wipe off your work surface after eating.
7. Cleaning just once or twice a year. Spend a few minutes at the end of each day straightening up your workspace so you can get a quick start in the morning.
22nd January 2015