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Many companies are starting to implement and enforce a clean desk policy. Basically it is exactly what it sounds like – employees are expected to have a clean and neat tidy desk at all times.
While you would think having an organized work space would only make sense and seem natural to most people, unfortunately that is not always the case. I know several real estate agents who are constantly missing files and papers, have boxes piled to the ceilings, and so much stuff all over their desk there is no way possible they could ever actually sit there and work! Some agents even need two or three desks to hold all their clutter and disorganization.
Here are some of the main reasons companies and brokers are adopting these policies:
1. Increased Security: In most businesses, privacy and security are huge concerns. Real estate is obviously no exception. You may have client’s banking information, their personal contact info, and other things that should be kept confidential. When you have papers and files everywhere it is easy for things to get misplaced or get into the wrong hands. Sadly in some offices I have also seen agents go through other agent’s files if they are left out. You may have other things that could be potential security risks also – passwords, phone numbers, networking contacts, etc. Don’t trust anything you leave in plain sight on your desk to be safe!
2. Better Impressions: Imagine your clients walked into your office to see everything strewn about. How seriously are they going to take you when you now tell them they need to stage or clean out their home to get it sold? A clean desk will make you and your office appear more professional.
3. Improved Efficiency: Think about how much time you spend looking for things each day. 5-10 minutes here and there can amount to hours of lost and wasted time.
4. Reduce Paper: When you are forced to have a neat desk, there’s a good chance you will be less likely to print off things such as emails or other things you don’t really need. Less paper being used means less office costs and it’s better for the environment too!
If you decide to have a clean desk policy at your office, you should make sure that it can be enforced and that there will be consequences if someone does not follow it. You can also go for the positive reinforcement approach and regularly reward those who keep a clean desk. Even if your office has not required that you keep your work space clean and neat, it’s one you may want to start practicing on your own. You can never be too careful!
What are your thoughts on having a clean or messy desk and work space area? Is it reasonable for companies to practice these policies? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
4 Comments
I have heard it increases productivity. When people are sitting at a messy desk they are more likely to goof off instead of diving into work because it seems to overwhelming.
I love the clean desk policy. A tidy appearance goes a long way towards a good impression. I also hate having a desk near a slob who makes the office look unprofessional. And yeas Jill, it does increase productivity.
Well, I certainly am not what I would consider messy, but I do typically have three or four things hanging around on my desk that I eventually dispose of – leads that didn’t pan out, flyers for Realtor Open Houses, etc… My wife, on the other hand, could have written this article. The mere act of placing my keys and pocket change on the kitchen table when I walk in the house is grounds for withering stares (with a disdainful smirk) and crossed arms. All in fun (most of the time), and I get the point fast enough!
On the other hand, I continue to be productive – hate clutter – and will not allow anything to stay in my vehicle (my REAL office). A previous afternoon shuttling kids to and from sporting events leads me to lengthy apologies to my clients about the grass clippings and dirt on my floorboards. They seem to give me looks similar to my wife’s when I do this – since the car is never in as bad a condition as my OCD mind believes it to be.
My wife’s influence on me has certainly increased my productivity. She’ll typically come to my office (she handles her side of our business from home) at least once a month to get me back on the straight and narrow. I’m glad I married her – my clients are too!
I like a clean desk. For some reason I got in the habbit back in college where I couldn’t do homework if my room or desk was a mess. It probably was due to organization and knowing where everything was even if it didn’t pertain to the task at hand.