What does your desk say about you?

Did you know one in three people could be missing out on promotion simply because of the contents of their desk? From photo frames and desk tidies to personalised pens and piles of work, how you decorate your desk could be giving away more about your personality than you think. With UK workers spending between four and nine hours a day at their desk it makes sense that hidden beneath your notepads and trinkets might be lots of clues about your personality.

We delve into the science behind what the subtle choices you make about your workstation might actually be saying about you as a person.

See if you recognise any of these traits in yourself, or colleagues, as we break down the psychology behind how you chose to decorate your workspace and how it could be influencing your working life.

Funny coffee cups

If when you reach for your morning shot of coffee your mug is emblazoned with a funny saying or quirky slogan then you could find your morning brew giving away more about your personality than you think. Funny coffee cups are often seen as a little rebellious and you will probably be seen as the joker of the office and quite social. They can be divisive with not everyone sharing the same type of humour so be careful when choosing your slogan to think how it might be seen by others.

Uniform, branded office mugs are seen as a sign of professionalism and can make a business stand out with visitors who appreciate the stylish, clean lines of the crockery.

Clear desk 

People with tidy desks tend to be more productive with a lot of statistics around the benefits not only for productivity but also health. Research shows 1 in 3 office workers could be missing out on promotion because they have a messy desk with 40% of workers admitting an untidy workspace makes them less productive.

However, be mindful that keeping your desk super tidy, with not a piece of paper or stationery in sight, could also signal you are reluctant to adapt and change. It could therefore have the opposite effect being seen as a negative by employers looking for individuals to flex and adapt to different situations.

Chaotic desks can also benefit creatives. A study by University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management found that piles of paperwork and ‘mess’ can help spur creativity with clean, organisation stifling creativity. It can be a sign of a creative mind bursting with new ideas and working on more than one concept at a time, with most creative types having chaotic desks. So, how you see the mess should be determined by the type of work you do.

Photos of family and friends

Adding a personal touch to your desk could be seen as a sign of someone who is relatable and easy to get along with. Sharing photos of loved ones helps to build connections and is the basis of human interaction. However, research from Harvard has also found that letting employees share family photos could also have a more unusual impact on business as well.  Following a survey of working adults researchers found that people with photos of loved ones in their workspace are actually less likely to engage in unethical behaviour such as embellishing expenses reports or rifling through stationery supplies. So, those family photos might actually be creating a more harmonious office life.

Clock

Having a clock on your desk highlights how important time management and a strict schedule are to you. Most people have the time readily available on their phone, laptop or even a wristwatch so taking the extra step to display a clock on your desk means that this is something that is very important to you. It may help you focus and be a sign that you are very productive. Research shows that regular time management and breaks is essential to maintaining focus. The Pomodoro Technique focuses on working in short bursts with regular breaks to keep the brain’s attention focused and sustain higher levels of concentration.

Post it notes 

If you’ve got sticky notes on everything it is not hard to see your love of lists and organisation. The bright sea of coloured sticky notes highlight your need for order but their haphazard placements could also indicate someone who is frazzled trying to create order with constant reminders to keep you updated.

Puzzles and interactive fidget toys

If your desk is home to a variety of Rubix cubes, memory toys and puzzles it could be a sign you like to challenge yourself and are intellectually curious. Again, moderation is key though. Too many and your coworkers might wonder if they are more of a distraction.

Awards and trophies 

Displaying your awards and trophies openly on your desk highlights you are very goal orientated. It shows your career and how well you do in it is important to you. If your desk is surrounded by mementoes of your achievements it tells others you are a hard worker, high achiever and motivated by setting goals. Just watch out though as too many outwardly signs of success could look like bragging and see you isolated from the team.

Gadgets and high-tech devices

If your desk looks like a space age flight deck and you are always reaching for the latest high tech gadget then you probably have a fast, analytic mind. The fact you keep up to date with technology could also be viewed as beneficial by superiors who will view you as indispensable for the future of the business in an ever-digital world.

If the research has you thinking your office might need a refresh LG Davis are experts in all things office related. We have been supporting businesses with print, stationery, office furniture, branded merchandise and workwear for more than 60 years. So, if you are looking for new coffee mugs for the breakout rooms or looking to create more space to file paperwork we have everything you need to keep your office working efficiently.  

Or, if you are looking for more top tips about how to get the best out of your office, then why not download our 60 top tips? From time savings, to cutting costs, we share our six decades of knowledge in one handy free guide.