One possibility is that the boss wants to flex his muscles and create a fear of insubordination in the office. We’ve seen far too many managers fabricate similarly ludicrous policies that are ultimately a waste of time but are clearly just enforced to make the boss feel like, well, a boss.
Another potential reason is that layoffs are on the horizon. Figuring out who respects the boss’s empty rules might reflect a sign of loyalty to the boss. However, the practice might be put in place to create a sense of anonymity and replaceability in the office. If no one has personal items on their desks at all times, then it will be pretty easy for people to gather their belongings and exit in one trip. Sure, this is probably the most cynical reason, but based on this boss’s savage comments to his team, it doesn’t seem to be off the table.
Unsurprisingly, morale ended up at an all-time low following the enforcement of this new rule. Employees want to be able to make their work stations their own. They should be allowed to come to the office with their personalities, provided that no one is offended by what they put on their desks. That would be the only valid justification for this new so-called “clean desk policy.”
Author: Kayitsi.com
