Do we need a tidy desk to work efficiently?
The State of Our Desk
The state of our desk can influence our day-to-day, as well as the perception others have of us.
Every office desk has its own personality, and some attract more attention than others, especially messy ones. With scattered papers, dirty mugs and tangled cables, their appearance is a shock to those who prefer order.
Tidiness and Productivity
Indeed, studies suggest that this chaos could be detrimental to collective productivity. Could a tidy workspace, then, be synonymous with productivity?
Tidiness, or the lack of it, can be a sensitive subject in the workplace. After all, there are two types of colleagues: those who are adept at meticulous tidying, and those who are champions of creative chaos.
The Impact of Clutter
The untidy person is often oblivious to the mess that surrounds them, and can work away unperturbed by their clutter. But many office neighbours find it hard to cope: a survey of 2,000 British office workers by technology supplier Brother UK reveals that a quarter of them feel a colleague’s clutter is detrimental to their own productivity.
This is because a cluttered space not only disturbs the eyes, it overloads the mind. Research published in 2011 in the Journal of Neuroscience demonstrates that physical messes breed mental clutter, making it harder for the brain to focus on important tasks.
The Perception of Tidiness
The question of tidiness in the office is not simply a matter of personal preference – it also relates to the codes of corporate life, particularly in shared spaces. What appears to be a logical organisation for one person may be perceived as a source of stress for another, sometimes feeding tensions and judgements.
Indeed, a workspace says a lot about its occupant. University of Michigan researchers highlighted the impact of clutter on professional image in a 2019 study, and found that a cluttered space is often judged negatively.
The Importance of Image
Remember, what really counts is not what state your desk is in, but how you use it. Its occupant is often perceived, consciously or unconsciously, as less agreeable and more neurotic or unconcerned about others. These preconceptions can influence interactions and work dynamics, underlining the importance of the image that our professional environment conveys.
Conclusion
So, is it imperative to keep things tidy in order to shine in the workplace? The debate remains open, but one thing is certain: the state of our desk has as much influence on our day-to-day as it does on how others perceive us.
FAQs
Q: Is a tidy desk essential for productivity?
A: No, research suggests that a cluttered space can actually breed mental clutter, making it harder for the brain to focus on important tasks.
Q: How can I maintain a tidy desk?
A: Regular tidying up is key, but what works for some may not work for others. Find a system that works for you and stick to it.
Q: What is the impact of a cluttered desk on professional image?
A: A cluttered space is often judged negatively, and can influence interactions and work dynamics.
Q: Is it necessary to keep a tidy desk to shine in the workplace?
A: No, the debate remains open, but one thing is certain: the state of our desk has as much influence on our day-to-day as it does on how others perceive us.