Book Review: “Joy at Work” with Marie Kondo and Scott Sonenshein

How would it feel to organize your professional life? Do you think it could bring you joy at work? Best selling tidying up expert Marie Kondo has joined forces with organizational psychologist Scott Sonenhein to attempt to do this in their book “Joy at Work.”* I first came across the Konmari method several years ago and fell head over heads in love with the concept. Whilst I am always comfortable decluttering (usually for eBay/Car Boot purposes) I never quite have a tidy house and hang on to, for far too long, things that aren’t useful (and can never find the things that are!). The headlines of the Konmari method are to only keep things that bring you joy and for everything to have its place. Whilst I am still working on developing this as a habit in my life, I was intrigued by how this can be applied to your professional life. Co-Author Sonenshein is someone who encourages us to do the very best with what we have, as perfectly explained in his book “Stretch: Unlock the Power of Less – and Achieve More Than You Ever Imagined”.

So, it makes sense that they have created this book together.

I had considered the way you could use the Konmari method on your work a few years ago, which you can read more on here.  I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked up this book; I was intrigued to see how they identified clutter at work, and why they felt it was important. The synopsis sums up their promise clearly “Joy at work with help you overcome the challenges of workplace mess and enjoy the productivity, success, and happiness that comes with a tidy desk and mind”.
This review is being written during a time in history where a record number of people are working from home; the definition of workspace has evolved and many of us are managing the balance of working at home. For many, who own a digital office, with paperwork stored on a cloud and your colleagues via a screen, you may believe that this book doesn’t offer much help.

You are very wrong!

What can seem a quite lighthearted subject is backed by solid science; the bibliography pages for the studies and references run at 11-pages alone! This book includes case studies and real-life reflections on the impact of having work clutter (both physical and mental) and it clearly shows how a little time and effort can make a difference. At times, the claims can seem a little exaggerated (for example, decluttering leading to job promotions and sales targets being smashed), but when you dig a little deeper into the way that clutter creeps into your working life and steals time and energy, this turn around in productivity, pace and purpose makes sense.
The content is shared between Kondo and Sonenshein; it’s no surprise that Kondo talks more about the physical tidying and organizing, whilst Sonenshein covers mindset and motivation. However, they both provide their insight into each other’s chapters, creating a balanced approach to each other’s specialties.

This book will not blow you away in terms of new techniques and approaches; but not all useful personal development books need to. Most of what they have placed in here are all the things we know how to do. However, when we are overwhelmed, busy, and focused on ticking off ever-expanding to-do lists, it’s easy to let these things slide. They provide a logical, practical, and straightforward way of getting your work life in order, so you can spend more time on work that brings you joy.

Isn’t that something you deserve?

In true Clara Cliff Notes style, here are the three things you need to know from “Joy at Work”

1. Create the workspace that predicts your work life

A cluttered desk can lead to a cluttered mind; just consider the time it takes to find what you need when you need it? From digital files to the receipts you need to keep for your accountant, not creating a space and place means you will eat into thinking space. However, you need to start with considering WHY you are keeping things you do not need. Often clutter is a demonstration of worry, half-finished projects, and a lack of trust in yourself.

2. Your surroundings are who you are and who you want to be

Your workspace can be part of your personal brand, your motivation, and your inspiration. It does not matter where you sit, in an office, in a coffee shop, or in a corner of a room, consider what you want to have around you. Even when you are portable, you can have your personal touches, maybe a personalized notepad or an inspiring screen saver?

3. Tidy Work also means where you put your time and energy.

If you were 100% in control of your workday, would it look the way it does right now? What would you change and what would you keep the same? These are key processes that are suggested in the book. Take some time to pay attention to where your time and energy go, and to consider if it’s valuable, worthwhile, and, most importantly, if it brings you joy.  Then you start to declutter; removing interactions, people, and meetings that aren’t needed, so you can really focus on the things that bring you joy!
If you are looking for a way to start taking action, to feel in control, and free up time and energy to craft a career to enjoy, then you need to start with physical and mental space! Grab yourself some blanks cards or post-it notes (trust me, you will need these as part of the book)* and get reading. This book is ideal for anyone who wants to regain some control, irrespective of who you work for and where your desk is; hopefully, you will find it as inspiring and motivating as I have.

Let me know what you think, by sharing your thoughts on the key methods in Creating Careers to Enjoy.
If you would like to read any more book reviews, you can find them here.

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