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We’ve all seen it. The desk with a growing mound of files, paperwork, Post-Its and empty soda cans scattered around. Desks that are so completely covered with piles and piles of stuff that you swear you’ve seen the piles actually moving. And at the head of the desk, a blissfully unaware employee, okay with the clutter. As a boss, what do you do? For many bosses, this doesn’t even warrant a second thought: many of them will outright call attention to the situation in front of the entire office, embarrassing the employee in front of everyone. But not everyone is so confrontational and if more than one employee is scattered, it could get complicated to address.

Here’s my personal list of dos and don’ts for taking action on a cleaner office.

DON’T attempt to clean it all off of the desk yourself. It’s an invasion of personal space and you have no idea exactly what on the desk you might be tossing.

DO discuss privately with the employee the situation while at their desk. Explain to them that a cluttered environment leads to disorganization and falling off task.

Depending on what kinds of things the employee leaves out like food, medicine, or personal items, DO mention to put everything away instead of leaving it out. Otherwise this could pose serious sanitation and safety issues to the office.

DO warn the employee of the possibility of further discipline or action that might be taken should they decide not to listen to repeated reminders.

DON’T buy the employee organization tools and leave them on their desk with a note on how to use them. DO ask the employee if they need help in keeping their desk organized and offer to assist them with some tips and buy the necessary organization items they need.