Appearances truly are everything, and anyone who believes otherwise is kidding himself or herself. Appearances are the first thing that people see, and what everyone judges you one whether you like it or not.

So why should this stop at what you’re wearing? The appearance of your desk at he office is a reflection of you as a person and an employee. Having a put together desk can even help you get a leg up in your company. Here are a few ways to keep your desk looking proper and polished.

Studies have shown that flowers put people in a good mood, so having a small floral arrangement on your desk can boost productivity.

Don’t be afraid to make yourself at home. The office is, in reality, the place where you spend the majority of your time, so why not make it look nice and cozy? Having a throw blanket or small pillow on your desk chair can easily achieve the cozy look, and come in handy on cold winter days.

And of course, the most obvious, keep your desk clean. Walking into someone’s messy office or seeing someone’s cluttered cubicle makes you think that that person is a mess in their own lives. No one wants an employee that’s all over the place, and that’s certainly no way to get promoted.

Ally | Elite.