How a Messy Desk Affects Productivity

When is the last time you really looked at your desk? Yes, we know you work at your desk every day, but have you actually seen your desk recently?

If printer paper snowstorms and sticky note tornadoes have descended upon your desk, don't worry. Many of us are too busy trying to meet deadlines and please bosses to find time to organize our desks.

However, researchers have found that productivity is strongly linked to a desk's tidiness. That means that taking fifteen minutes to clean could save you hours of work later in the week.

Here are some tips to keep your workstation clean:

• Go through your desk. The first step is removing old and unnecessary papers, and sorting the rest into logical categories. Don't be afraid to toss things out. Most of us don't actually need that much stuff. This step might take a few hours, so set aside some time for yourself.
• File your papers! Whether you choose to use an accordion folder or binders, make sure that your papers have labeled, separate places to go. This includes virtual files!
• Clear the surfaces. You should really only have the most essential, everyday items on your desktop, so put everything else in a drawer or throw it out. This will help you feel organized no matter how stressed you are.
• Use a writing pad. Sticky notes get messy, are wasteful, and clutter up any workspace, so switch to a lined pad instead.
• Keep knick-knacks to a minimum, and prioritize your space. Your most accessible cabinets and closest counter space should be used for essential, everyday items. That way, you won't have to constantly be reaching to take things out and put them away again.

If you're the kind of person who lets junk pile up until it's unbearable, it might take some diligence to break your bad habits. Luckily, tidying up for a few minutes each day is enough to establish a new routine, and you'll soon find yourself putting things back in their proper places without even thinking about it. A clean desk serves as a stress-free zone in an otherwise fast-paced environment, which is crucial for maintaining health (and sanity!) while at work.

When is the last time you really looked at your desk? Yes, we know you work at your desk every day, but have you actually seen your desk recently? If printer paper snowstorms and sticky note tornadoes have descended upon your desk, don't worry. Many of us are too busy trying to meet deadlines and please bosses to find time to organize our desks. However, researchers have found that productivity is strongly linked to a desk's tidiness. That means that taking fifteen minutes to clean could save you hours of work later in the week.