If you’re in work, take a look at your desk. What do you see? Notepads, paper and stationery scattered across the place? Or a few orderly files, a cleaned-out coffee cup (on a coaster) and a well pruned potted plant?
Here’s a closer look at what your desk space says about your work – so even if you’re not operating a clear desk policy, don’t worry: you might just be a creative genius. Judge and dread Cleanliness matters: research carried out by digital marketing software company Marketo found that 57 per cent of American workers admit that they judge co-workers based on how clean – or how dirty – they keep their desks. Nearly half of all those asked admitting that they have been ‘appalled’ by the messiness of certain colleagues. The same study found that 90 per cent of workers believe clutter has a negative impact on the work, with 77 per cent saying that it negatively affects their productivity. Perhaps now is the time to have that clear out. A riot of ideas Or perhaps not. Psychological scientists at the University of Minnesota found that a messy setting can have positive outcomes, particularly when it comes to creativity. They asked participants in a study to come up with new uses for table tennis balls. In a messy room, the ideas people came up with were judged to be more interesting and original than by those who generated ideas while sat in a tidy office space. Kathleen Vohs, who was part of the team of research scientists, believes their findings suggest that being in a messy room encourages creativity. “Disorderly environments seem to inspire breaking free of tradition, which can produce fresh insights,” she concludes.
Safe and tidyVohs says her research shows that a more orderly environment will breed more sensible decisions. This might not be good when it comes to creativity, but on the other hand it suggests order promotes rational thought. In one test, participants were asked to complete questionnaires, some in a tidy office, others in a messy one. Both groups were asked afterwards if they wanted to donate money to charity or be rewarded with a snack. More of those from the clean office chose to donate the money. Orderly environments, Vohs says, “encourage convention and playing it safe”. Break the mould The research points towards principles that can be incorporated in to interior office design. Creative companies should consider how a small dose of disorder can promote imagination and resourcefulness, while the opposite applies to orderly, minimalist spaces. Of course, very few businesses work in such regimented terms. The ideal solution is to create a dynamic, textural office space that promotes productivity across the whole company. It’s a delicate balance, but achieving it, as the science suggests, can have huge benefits for the entire office and the people who work in it. Richard Sanderson is furniture director at office design specialist Peldon Rose.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.