How do I ask my office buddy to clean up his act?

Question

I share an office and desk space with a co-worker. My office buddy is a pack rat. His paperwork covers his desk and is now invading my space. What's a polite way to get him to move his stuff and clean up?

Answer 1

Get some manila folders or large envelopes. Put each stack into a folder or envelope, including a top sheet with the date you gathered it up. Tell him you were afraid something of his would get lost, so you bundled it up for him. Ask him (without anger) to give back your folders or envelopes when he gets his work orgainized into his own space. (This may never happen, but it doesn't hurt to ask.)

Answer 2

Maybe try to find an article about how your work space is considered a reflection of you abilities. So that cleaning up his workspace could help him with promotions etc.

Try to make it seem like you are on the same team. Keep it professional and light.

Say something like, "I saw this article and it made me think of my brother, but I thought you might want to read it too. It basically talks about how your environment can effect how management perceives you. Like what kind of pictures you hang up etc. After my bro read it he took down his "X-men" calender, and stopped eating at his desk. (casual laugh)"

See if that helps make some changes give it two weeks. Then ask if there is anything you can do to help him stay on top of his organization, so you can both look polished. If you have a simple system give him some pointers. Like binders for different companies, or days of the week, etc.

Answer 3

Be firm but polite. He will respect this approach. ; "Since we are limited for space you need to keep your paperwork inside of the colored tape that you now see installed. For every time you do this I'm going to give you Plus pionts. For every two points you earn will let you buy me a refreshing drink at the the break area. And don't forget to add that he can have the priveledge of delivering the refreshment to you also !!!

Answer 4

Draw a line dividing your office space in half. Tell him anything of his found on your side of the office will be burned. That always worked for me.

Answer 5

The oldest trick in the book is to complain that your side is messy and then say "Oh, boy, we need to clean up. Want to spend about an hour doing so right now, so we can really concentrate on our work?" That way it's not about him, but you both clean up.

Answer 6

Simply say.....
I am not nor will i ever attempt to tell you how to work or how to maintain your space however while i apprieciate our differences in style of work i do have a problem when your clutter is relegated to my space. I would apprieciate it if you would please keep work sheets, paper, clutter in your area, thank you.

If you keep finding his things in your space move it back to his space. If he is there when it occurs then simply ask him to move his things. If he refuses to move it then move it for him.

If none of those things work then you will have to do what needs to be done and take it to management.

Answer 7

Perhaps you could invest in a few cheap file folders and labels. Then, label what is in each folder and put them in the filing cabinet.

If he still doesn't get the hint, tell him to keep his disorganization away from you.

Answer 8

Steal an "item divider" from your local grocery store.

Shove his stuff over gently and place the divider in the center.

He'll get the hint.

Answer 9

Forge a note from the boss saying the place is a pig-sty and it needs to be cleaned Pronto!!

Answer 10

Mention it casually one day that his stuff is spilling over on your desk OR joke that the pile is leaning your way and NO way are you going to do his work AND yours....