101 Ways to Improve Customer Service: Training, Tools, Tips, and Techniques

Chapter 42. Desk Stress: Organization

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.

1. Do you have an overflowing in-basket on your desk?	YES	NO
2. Do you keep activities recorded on more than one calendar?	YES	NO
3. Are there more than three file projects on your desk?	YES	NO
4. Are you frequently unable to locate things on your desk?	YES	NO
5. Do you keep piles of unfinished reading on your desk?	YES	NO
6. Do you write phone messages and reminders on scraps of paper?	YES	NO
7. Do you leave work each day with piles of paper on your desk?	YES	NO
8. Are others afraid to leave important documents on your desk?	YES	NO
9. Are others unable to find items on your desk if you aren’t there?	YES	NO
10. Are you known for having a messy desk?	YES	NO
Total of YES responses: ____________

Scoring:

7–10	Your messy desk is hindering productivity and could ...