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Messy Desk Syndrome

"Do You Suffer From Messy Desk Syndrome?"

From Career Tips, 2005 Volume 1, January 2005

 

A toddler reaching out with excitment

I've always been impressed by those who are able to keep an immaculate desk, working on the "1 page, 1 time" philosophy. I've done better at it some times than at others.

 

This week I came across the results of a study done by Ajilon Office, part of global staffing firm Adecco Group. They conducted a phone survey of 2,039 adults last May, with these results:

 

  • Higher earnings = more mess; only 11% of those making more than $75,000 described themselves as "neat freaks", vs. 66% of those earning less than $35,000.

 

  • More education = more mess; 16% of college graduates claimed to be tidy desk workers, vs. 29% of high school graduates.

 

  • Older = more mess; 36% of older workers claimed a clean desk vs. 60% of those 18-24.

Maybe there's still hope for me!