Why having a messy desk can show positive work traits

Tidy desk, tidy mind? Not necessarily. Researchers from the University of Minnesota found that people working in a messy office come up with better ideas and are more productive. 

However, tidy people are more likely to be generous and healthy eating.

In the experiment, two offices were used with the same view, furniture and sunlight. However, one was scattered with paperwork and computer equipment and the other was completely free of clutter. After the experiment, those involved were given the opportunity to donate to charity and were offered either an apple or a chocolate bar.

Those working in a neat environment were more likely to give to charity, with 82% giving money as opposed to 47% of messy desk workers. Tidy workers also chose a healthy apple afterwards, whereas only 20% messy workers were unable to avoid a delicious chocolate bar.

In a series of other tasks in the offices it appeared that those who were surrounded by an untidy environment were much better at coming up with original, more creative ideas. They were also seen as much more interesting and intelligent, with much better things to say.

Albert Einstein once said: “”If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?”. So it is no wonder why the scientist loved his messy surroundings then if it actually helped him be more intelligent.

Katherine Vohs, psychological scientist at the University of Minnesota, said: “Prior work has found that a clean setting leads people to do good things: Not engage in crime, not litter, and show more generosity. We found, however, that you can get really valuable outcomes from being in a messy setting.”

She added: “Disorderly environments seem to inspire breaking free of tradition, which can produce fresh insights. Orderly environments, in contrast, encourage convention and playing it safe.”

So next time your colleagues say your desk is a mess, point out that you’re doing it for intelligence and creative reasons, of course…!

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