If a work space is cluttered and disorganized, it is highly probable that information, files, and other important papers are getting lost in the chaos. This means that you may not be at your most efficient when your customers need your assistance. Also, many customers assume that a messy desk or office means that the entire organization is haphazard, if not completely dysfunctional. When a disorderly desk impairs your ability to function or influences customer perception negatively, it’s time to commit to a better business practice.
Directions: Think about the current condition of your work desk and answer each question truthfully by circling YES or NO. Next, take some time to analyze your weaknesses and make plans for improvement.
YES | NO | |
YES | NO | |
YES | NO | |
YES | NO | |
YES | NO | |
YES | NO | |
YES | NO | |
YES | NO | |
YES | NO | |
YES | NO | |
Total of YES responses: ____________ |
Scoring:
7–10 | Your messy desk is hindering productivity and could affect how others regard your work. |
4–6 | You might be a candidate for desk stress. |
1–3 | You are winning the war over desk stress. |
Use the four D’s to overcome desk stress:
DO it.
Handle each piece of paper only once. If action is needed at a later date, file it.
DATE it.
Record the date the item was received and when you will act on it.
DELEGATE it.
Prioritize the work and hand it off to the most appropriate person.
DISCARD it.
If it’s not important, throw it away.
1. | ________________________________________________________________________________ |
________________________________________________________________________________ | |
2. | ________________________________________________________________________________ |
________________________________________________________________________________ | |
3. | ________________________________________________________________________________ |
________________________________________________________________________________ |
To the Facilitator
After the questionnaires have been completed, form small groups to discuss the ratings and identify instances where a disorganized work space had a negative impact on customer service. Conduct a large group discussion based on feedback from the subgroups. Brainstorm a list of specific actions that can be taken to overcome desk stress on the job.