Clean Desk Policies

A messy desk can pose a security risk.

Although a clean desk policy may sound like a draconian measure intended to control an employee's personal style, policies that require an orderly work area can provide a number of benefits for organizations.

Function

In a clean desk policy, according to the real estate business website Upstart Agent, a company sets expectations that employees keep their desks and work areas in a clean and orderly condition. Clean desk policies may place restrictions on the appearance of the desk in general and set requirements that employees clean their work areas at the end of each shift.

Purpose

According to a sample clean desk policy provided by the Sans Technology Institute, such policies help ensure the presentation of a professional work environment to visiting guests. In addition, a clean desk policy can help increase organizational security, as employees will more likely notice an intrusion in an orderly environment. Finally, individuals with clean and organized desks often work more efficiently than their disorganized counterparts.

Enforcement

Implement compliance guidelines in addition to a clean desk policy. If employees do not follow the policy, managers should uniformly execute the disciplinary requirements. Alternatively, a manager may choose to provide positive reinforcement to those who abide by the policy.

References

• Sans Technology Institute: Sample Clean Desk Policy
• Upstart Agent: Clean Desk Policy - What Is It?