How to Tell Your Co-worker To Clean Their Desk - The Muse

How to Tell Your Co-worker To Clean Their Desk - The MuseHow to Tell Your Co-worker To Clean Their Desk Truth time You have enough to deal with at home with your roommates mess. No really, no matter how many times you ask him to please take out the garbage when its full, you still havent gotten through to him. So you dont really have the patience to clean up after your co-worker, too. And while you know everyones entitled to their own clutter on their own desks, it really doesnt feel fair to be seated next to someone who lets dirty lunch plates pile up for days on end. Seriously, a week might go by before she thinks to clear the area. Not only is the crusted-over oatmeal starting to look like its part of the bowls design, but the smell of old foods starting to make you ill. How to Put an End to This...if You Hate ConfrontationIf saying something point-blank about the seemingly obvious problem makes you nervous, try hinting. The next time you finish eating at your desk, stand up with your plate and ask your co-worker if you can take anything to the kitchen since youre going there, anyway. At this point, youre hoping for a sheepish expression (and fast feet) as she notices the disgusting situation youre slyly referring to and takes control. If she doesnt get it and instead hands off a few dishes, take them away and return saying, It looks like theres a glassware shortage- good thing were making those available againHow to Put an End to This...if Subtle Hints Dont WorkIf she still doesnt get it, then youll have to be brave and bring out the big guns. Try this the next time her desk begins to resemble a dirty sink, I hate to be that person, but because we work in such tight quarters, I welches wondering if youd mind not letting so many plates pile up?Hard for her to say no to that, right?Learning to do your actual job is important, but so is learning how to navigate awkward workplace issues. So if you spoke up, go ahead and pat yourself on the back for managing thi s one like a professional.Then let me know about any other frustrating office issues youre dealing with on Twitter- I might just write about how to solve it