Does a messy office contribute to a lack of upwardly mobility?
This is the question posed in Monday’s "Ask Annie" column in a CNNMoney.com Fortune article. The answer? Yes– and you need to do something about it now, or pay the consequences later.
According to Productivity Specialist (and friend) Christine Reiter, of Time Strategies in Pasadena, California:
"People often don’t realize that piles of paper, boxes in corners, and stacks of stuff behind the office door can affect one’s upward mobility," she says. "Appearances are important."
Why? "Your office is a reflection of your capabilities," Reiter says. "Even though a messy desk isn’t a sign of a character flaw, it does tend to give your managers and peers the impression that the job is too much for you to handle, you can’t make decisions, you are not doing the job, or all of the above."
It was fun surprising my friend Chris with the knowledge her expertise was used in the article. Thanks to Denise Wakeman for forwarding the story.
Readers– What’s your opinion? Is is important that your work space, desk and office be neat or not?
Leave a Reply