Following the revelation that contrary to popular belief, there is absolutely no negative connection between clutter, success and profit – Yell Business spoke to some workplace interior design experts to get their opinions on whether a clear desk means a ‘clear mind’, or if clutter is the key to creativity.
Keep the important items at arms-reach
Gareth Jones, Commercial Manager at Kit Out My Office said: “It comes down to the definition of clutter. As the findings show, many people admit that their desk is cluttered, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t all necessary to their job. De-cluttering could mean that you’re moving important items out of arms-reach that help you in your daily routine, so if you do de-clutter, make sure it is things that you don’t use regularly.”
The key to the right kind of clutter, is organised clutter
Georgina Burnett, Interiors Coach & Vlogger said: “Mess and clutter can be one of the biggest contributors to procrastination, which in turn tends to stunt productivity. There is a big difference though between prioritising an immaculate desk and just keeping it tidy enough to get cracking on the task in hand – and find the necessary files or tools!
“One of the habits of successful people is that they can see beyond what is in front of them and not be bogged down by the daily chores that distract others.
“If you can find a happy medium though, whereby you keep on top of what’s in front of you so that it’s at least an organised chaos, this is likely to make you more effective and also reduce stress levels in the long term. “
Reduce unnecessary items & replace with inspiration
Daniel Walsh, Marketing Manager of Hunts Office said: “Eliminate visual clutter & unnecessary items – do you really need that hole punch or pen holder? Not only does a messy desk impede on your productivity, it also impacts on your fellow colleague’s perception of you.
“Embrace a minimalist workspace and reap the benefits. That said, do enrich your workspace with art or an organic element to empower your working environment.”
This being an approach also echoed by Emma Brindley, Resident Group Interior Designer at Redrow Homes, as she offers some tips on how to go about adding to your office to bring some more inspiration and management to the clutter: “Consider your wall space and really think about what you need. If you are from a creative background, you are more likely to need to display work. Frame large cork boards and chalk boards with copper, for a contemporary way to keep your work in order as well as having that all important inspiration around you”.
Remember, the same applies to the home office!
Working from home is as popular as ever in 2017, with exactly half of small business owners taking advantage of being their own boss and working from home for the majority of their time, according to the Yell Business study.
With that in mind, and while we can now say clutter doesn’t impact productivity, it can be even more important to keep it in order and avoid the home becoming a hive of work-based clutter. The need for a well ordered and inspirational home-office is something expert Emma Brindley feels is essential.
“The home office or ‘study’ as it is traditionally referred to, can be hard to get right. The ability to immerse yourself back into the comfort of your home life in a couple of steps means the average home-based employee requires a lot of self-discipline and motivation. But when the balance is right the results can be profound – less stress from the commercial office, difficult colleagues and poor resources often means a more productive work day.
“Make sure you have plenty of storage – wire baskets and weathered wooden crates are always a great industrial inspired addition the office and will stop any ‘clutter’ overflowing outside of the home office.
“Finally, make sure you finish off your design with the things that matter most, a small wall gallery of family and friends will guarantee to brighten your day should the work load prove heavy.”
