Your desk is messy because you’re a creative genius, right? Well, your coworkers don’t think that’s the reason, according to an article from Forbes. In fact, they likely chalk up your clutter to laziness.
“Is your monitor framed with layers of post-it reminders? Is your desktop hidden under stacks of papers, or your guest chair buried under a pile of outerwear? Your colleagues are judging you,” Forbes writes.
The most common judgment: An uncluttered desk equates an uncluttered mind. So, here are some tips for keeping your workspace spic and span — and avoiding those unfortunate looks from your tidier colleagues.
- Set a weekly appointment to clean. Fifteen minutes, that’s all it takes. Toss out papers you don’t need, pack up personal items to take home, and voila: you’re suddenly the picture of cleanliness and organization.
- Don’t make piles, set limits. Those piles of unruly papers on your desk? Don’t fool yourself into thinking that’s an organizational method.
- Your desktop is not a storage space. “The only stuff within arm’s reach should be the stuff you need immediately,” says organization guru Peter Walsh.
- Get things off the floor. Your workspace will look chaotic if you keep bags, gym shoes, umbrellas and other items on the floor. So, hang ‘em up when possible.