A Messy Desk Leads to a Bad Rep

March 29, 2011 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Many human resources (HR) managers interviewed in a new OfficeTeam survey think a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind.

More than eight in 10 (83%) respondents said the appearance of an employee’s workspace at least somewhat affects their perception of that person’s professionalism. Specifically, according to a press release, 18% said the appearance of an employee’s workspace greatly affects it, while 65% said it somewhat affects it.  

Only 17% indicated the appearance of an employee’s workspace does not affect their perception of that person’s professionalism at all.  

“A tidy desk won’t necessarily boost your career, but a messy one can leave a bad impression on colleagues,” said Robert Hosking, executive director of OfficeTeam, in the announcement. “By taking simple steps to organize your workspace, you also will be able to find materials more easily and increase your productivity.”  

The survey is based on telephone interviews with more than 500 HR managers at companies with 20 or more employees.

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