The Clean vs Messy Desk Debate
       They say that the outside environment is a good indicator of the internal environment, but how much of that is true? New research finds that while it’s easy to say things are always off better organized and tidy, there’s hidden benefits to less organized spaces. The Clean vs Messy Desk Debate explores the contrasting perspectives on workspace organization, with advocates touting productivity versus creativity proponents favoring clutter.
               When it comes to your working desk, less clutter on the desk is a sign of a better worker, right? Researchers at the University of Minnesota may surprise you with the answers they found when investigating that theory! Participants filled out questionnaires in different working environments (messy vs. tidy), were asked to come up with new ideas, and then they were asked behavioral questions that measured generosity. Finally, they were offered the choice of a healthy snack (apple) or an indulgent snack (chocolate) to measure how the different environments impacted their willpower.
Clean vs Messy Influence
               Clean room occupants tend to adhere more to societal norms, showing stronger willpower and generosity, unlike their messy room counterparts. Despite the messy environment, productivity matched that of clean offices, but ideas were notably more creative and engaging.
               Carefully, researchers varied the exposure to clean and messy rooms, altering locations and room types to ensure diverse testing conditions. The participants acted similarly despite being in different locations: the only thing that mattered was the state of clutter.
The coworker’s messy desk affects them, but the disorder may actually benefit their productivity and creativity in that environment. Disorder exposure encourages risk-taking and innovation, while tidiness fosters adherence to societal norms and structured thinking.
To extrapolate these findings, the researchers are underway to find out if the same rules apply when it comes to viewing webpages. One thing is for certain though—the environment does affect your inner state of being. Depending on what you’re hoping to achieve, clean your desk, or mess it up!
Further Reading
K. D. Vohs, J. P. Redden, R. Rahinel. Physical Order Produces Healthy Choices, Generosity, and Conventionality, Whereas Disorder Produces Creativity. Psychological Science, 2013; DOI: 10.1177/0956797613480186
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