Desks You are in charge of your desk. This means you are in charge of keeping your own desk in a neat and orderly fashion. Your own preference and the kind of work you are  assigned  will  often  govern  how  you  choose  to arrange your desk. In any case, you should try to have an  orderly  plan,  use  sound  organizational  procedures, and apply the following general principles: l Use shallow trays or drawers to store pencils, erasers, paper clips, and other small articles. l  Use  slanted  stationery  trays  in  upper  desk drawers  to  separate  different  types  of  stationery. . If you use carbon paper, keep carbon papers in their original boxes to keep them from curling or soiling the  stationery. l Store correcting fluids in a supply cabinet. . Keep personal belongings in a separate drawer of your desk. l Clear your desk at the end of the day and close all desk drawers tightly. . Keep classified materials in designated spaces rather than in your desk. As  stated  previously,  the  appearance  of  your  desk contributes to the immediate and lasting impression your office makes on the individuals who visit the RMF. Office Spaces In the RMF, the arrangement of office spaces can contribute signiticantly to the morale of the persons who work in these spaces and the individuals who seek assistance in the office of the chaplain. An  ideal  office  arrangement  should  reflect  the following   principles: l Plan an arrangement that not only is convenient but also looks orderly and uncluttered. Keep things as simple and neat as possible. l Arrange desks so that lighting is sufficient but persons do not have to face the light. l Seat RPs so they can see visitors entering the office  spaces.  Anyone  in  the  office  should  be  in  a position to see and assist a visitor. . Adjust chairs so the feet of typists rest firmly on the floor and so that chair seats are 12 inches below the base of typewriters or computer keyboards. . Proper ventilation is very important. Keeping people away from strong drafts may reduce illness among personnel. .  Have  sufficient  working  space  to  move  about. l Use a copyholder to help reduce eyestrain for typists. l Filing cabinets should be separated from office traffic. . Have bookcases and special shelves for books, magazines, and pamphlets to keep them from taking up workspace  on  tables  and  desks. l Keep unfinished work in a tray for that purpose (if  the  work  is  unclassified).  Consult  your  supervisor  as to whether you should leave your work on top of or inside your desk at the end of the workday. l If you have the opportunity to arrange the office furniture, think and plan ahead before you start moving things around. l Arrange equipment for routine work so that the work will flow in one direction and not crisscross the room. l  Place  tables  and  counters  conveniently  for handling supplies or assembling papers. Place files where they are handy for those who use them but where they  are  also  separated  as  much  as  possible  from  the general  office  traffic. l Arrange a quiet, private spot for interviews. Remember, orderliness and good appearance are the rules  in  any emphasis  on functions. l  Most office,  yet  do  not  allow  an  obsessive appearance  to  interfere  with  important importantly, remember the best office arrangement is the one that most effectively simplifies the  work. In addition to the appearance of your desk and the arrangement of your office spaces, your efforts to store your  materials,  supplies,  and  gear  correctly  will contribute to the atmosphere of your office. 6-2