What a messy desk says about you.

• Position: Workplace - Brief article

Having a cluttered desk may not be a bad thing, suggests a survey from OfficeTeam, Menlo Park, Calif., a staffing service specializing in the placement of administrative professionals. Sixty-eight percent of human resources managers interviewed feel it is at least somewhat acceptable to have a messy desk at work. In fact, nine percent even indicate it is a sign of a creative person. However, 32% state they would question an employee's organizational skills and effectiveness if that person has an unkempt workspace.

"Although not everyone cares about how your desk looks, having a messy workspace could lead others to question your professionalism," notes Robert Hosking, executive director of OfficeTeam. "Keep your desk tidy and you'll be able to find what you need more quickly and increase your work efficiency."

OfficeTeam identifies seven desk organization mistakes:

Creating a pileup. Recycle or shred unnecessary paperwork and file or scan everything else.

Failing to contain yourself. Use pencil cups, drawer and file organizers, and trays to keep items in their place.

Hoarding. If you have not touched...