You spend a large portion of your day sitting at your work desk so naturally, it becomes an extension of you. Did you know that the layout of your desk can reveal a lot about your personality? When you head into the office, you might notice that everybody’s individual desk is laid out slightly differently. This is because we, both consciously and subconsciously, personalise our desk space and reflect our own attitude in the process.
Here, we have a delve into some of the common personality types and the desk layout that they are commonly linked to. Have a read through and see if you can spot yourself, or any of your work colleagues here!
Messy Desk
Do you have the messiest desk in the office? Do you find yourself searching endlessly through piles of paper, printouts, agendas and sticky notes every day, trying to find what you need? A messy desk is chaotic and cluttered, with both personal and professional items scattered everywhere.
A cluttered desk typically belongs to someone with an extrovert personality and a warm and welcoming demeanour. Messy workers tend to be much more creative than their organised and neat colleagues, literally bursting with creative energy! Although, clutter can make you less productive with poor time management skills, as you spend most of your time trying to locate things! If your desk is piled high with paperwork, it might also indicate that you find it hard to say ‘no’ to your boss and co-workers.
Minimalist Desk
Some workers take it to the other extreme, constantly ensuring that their desk is pristine and free of clutter at all times. Are you a minimalist at work? Only allowing the bare essentials of keyboard, mouse and monitor on your desk? While you may lack the creativity of your messy co-workers, people who adopt a minimalist style are usually conscientious, in control and well disciplined. You will likely thrive on structure and organisation, taking the time to construct schedules and detailed plans. While your desk may seem a little boring to your co-workers, you work best with minimal distractions and a clear head.
The Trophy Display Desk
You are proud of your work achievements and why shouldn’t you be, you've worked very hard to accomplish them! Proudly displaying your achievements for the whole office to see, whether in the form of trophies, certificates or medals is a sign of confidence and ambition. If you use your desk to display your accomplishments, then you are likely to be a competitive and goal-driven employee, keen to succeed and willing to put the time in to reach your objectives.
Be wary though. There is a fine line between pride in your achievements and bragging. By all means, give your awards pride of place at your desk space, but avoid plastering them all over the communal work area.
High Tech Desk
Every office has a technology whizz. Someone who always has the latest technology sitting at their desk, whether that is a new smartphone, multiple high-resolution screens or a nifty gadget. This is the person that everyone approaches if they have a technical issue or want some advice on buying new tech. The high tech desk may be a bit messy due to the abundance of wires, cables and gadgets.
The owner of the high tech desk is typically intellectual, friendly, approachable and creative. They are also curious and analytical. This is definitely someone that you want on your team! A technology whizz is a great asset to a company as we edge nearer to an entirely digital-driven world.
Personalised Desk
There is bound to be someone in your office whose desk is like a “home-from-home”. Their desk is packed full of family photos, inspirational quotes, thoughtful trinkets, candles - you name it, and they’ve found a home for it on their desk! They’ve probably got a first aid kit, a spare pair of clothes and some emergency snacks too! This is the place to go to if you need anything while at work, whether that's a spare pen or some painkillers, the owner of the “personalised desk” is bound to have them!
Somebody who creates a mini version of their home at their desk is likely to be an extrovert with exceptional people skills. If this is you - you are probably feeling very settled within your job and unlikely to up sticks and move - great news for your boss!
Think About Your Own Desk
Have a think about your own office desk. Does it sound like any of the ones mentioned above? Given the amount of time that you will spend there, your desk must be well suited to your unique style and personality. Make sure your space portrays the right message about you to your work colleagues and seniors.
