Messy Work Habits Could Cost You Your Job

Keeping your workspace organised isn't just about aesthetics—it could impact your job security. New research from Atlassian reveals that nearly two-thirds of employees would consider firing a disorganised colleague to improve team performance. The findings suggest that messy work habits don’t just affect individuals—they create frustration, harm productivity and can even contribute to a toxic work culture.

The company, known for its workplace collaboration tools, surveyed 6,000 workers across six countries, including Australia. The study found that almost 80% of respondents would rather take on extra work themselves than collaborate with a disorganised teammate. Many workers reported having to redo tasks or take on additional responsibilities due to poor organisation within their teams.

With a 21% revenue increase in the last quarter, the tech company has been expanding its influence. Its latest artificial intelligence tool and project management suite have been driving a significant portion of its $1.28 billion quarterly revenue. The company is now extending its system of work to Formula One, partnering with a racing team looking to improve performance after finishing near the bottom of last season’s rankings.

The research highlights broader concerns about efficiency in modern workplaces. Many professionals struggle to manage an overwhelming influx of emails, notifications, and messages, leading to inefficiencies. To combat this, experts suggest implementing structured methods such as ""timeboxing,"" which involves setting dedicated time for specific tasks, and making task lists more manageable. Employees who actively manage their to-do lists and decline unnecessary tasks tend to be more productive and less stressed.

Source: The Australian