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Original poster

Family photos on desk at work - yay or nay?

111 replies

ParkerPen · 30/06/2018 16:17

Context - My dh works for an investment management firm in London. I popped into his office yesterday (we were meeting to go out for dinner) and I noticed that he didn't have any photos of our family on his desk, whereas the desks on either side had several photos of children.

I have loads of photos of our girls and family on my desk at work (I work for the NHS, not in London, and not private sector like dh), so thought this was a bit strange. I like having photos of lovely holidays to look at during the day.

Dh said that when you put photos of your kids on your desk, it's basically saying, "Don't sack me, I have a family to support." He thinks it's a bit pathetic.

Who is right?

OP posts:
AnchorDownDeepBreath · 30/06/2018 16:47

It's not a thing in my office; or the bank I used to work in - but it's very individual.

If your DP doesn't want one; it doesn't mean anything. Just that he doesn't need a photo there. Some people would find it motivating; some wouldn't. I'd hate it.

flippyfloppyflower · 30/06/2018 16:47

I have never seen any photos on desks within my workplace but most of us having personal photos on our desktops or as screen savers (I have my cat). Chances are if you had photos actually on your desk you would be asked to remove them

Eifla · 30/06/2018 16:48

It’s a bit cringeworthy. I have a photo of my dog as my work PC desktop but no photos on the desk, no one else in the office does either...

EmmaGrundyForPM · 30/06/2018 16:56

I work for an L.A.. There's a blanket hotdesk policy across the whole organisation so no.personal items on any desk.

Larasshadow · 30/06/2018 16:59

What does it matter? Some people like photos on desks and some don't. (I don't but then I don't have room on my desk for any anyway)

Chewbecca · 30/06/2018 17:01

I work in a similar London office & have no photos, no one does.

givenchycallsmyname · 30/06/2018 17:08

I think it says "oh look at me and my perfect family, we have an hour of hugging every night because we all want to snuggle, and we cry when we leave in the mornings." It also makes them seem like the type to send Christmas cards with a picture of them all on the front which say " Dear X, happy holidays and remember, it's not what's under the tree that matters; it's what's around it. Love from our family to yours, the Joneses." 🤮🤢 I feel sick writing this.

Nanna50 · 30/06/2018 17:09

Oh dear I have photos of grandchildren, postcards, plants and even some gadgets on my desk / wall / pin board. I've always personalised my space even when that space was only a locker. However I wouldn't think twice about anyone who didn't, I dread hot desking Grin

givenchycallsmyname · 30/06/2018 17:12

Ps, I agree with @KneesupGaston!

henpeckedinchief · 30/06/2018 17:15

Its not really about who is wrong or right is it, because surely it's just about personal preference? It's never really occurred to me to have family pics at work to be honest but I wouldn't have any issue with anyone else doing so. I don't think it reveals anything about the psyche.

LalaLeona · 30/06/2018 17:16

Wow knees up Gaston..You sound a barell of laughs. It is possible to work hard and also have a few photos around!!

mirime · 30/06/2018 17:21

In my office we have loads of personal stuff on our desks. Artwork and photos are the least of it.

I think it's rather nice. Everyone's desk says something about them as a person.

SwedishEdith · 30/06/2018 17:24

I think it says "oh look at me and my perfect family, we have an hour of hugging every night because we all want to snuggle, and we cry when we leave in the mornings."

I think that says a bit more about you, givenchycallsmyname Grin. And, no, I have nothing personal on my hot desk.

Doodlebug5 · 30/06/2018 17:26

I have a picture of me and OH when we were at a work function but that's it...
I think a clear desk is better

greendale17 · 30/06/2018 17:27

It’s a bit cringeworthy. I have a photo of my dog as my work PC desktop but no photos on the desk

^I think you will find that most people would regard your dog as your desktop background more cringeworthy

BonnieF · 30/06/2018 17:27

No photos or other personal stuff on my desk. I keep my work & home life completely separate.

crispysausagerolls · 30/06/2018 17:28

DH works 70+ hour weeks, and has one of our wedding photos on his desk. Why not? Nice for him to see and motivational - I always think of that wonderful Simpsons episode where Mr Burns has put “don’t forget you’re here forever” on his desk, and he has covered it with photos of Maggie so it says “do it for her” 💖

OurMiracle1106 · 30/06/2018 17:28

I have schedules etc on my desk and noticeboard but NOTHING personal except my water bottle which has butterflies on it!

HowManyEyesDoYouNeed · 30/06/2018 17:28

I personally wouldn't.

I remember years ago, different office but same company. A guy mentioned to the manager he wasn't comfortable with photos on desk, he wasn't mean about it, just upset. The reason was because the lady he worked with had a big photo on her desk of her son. Sadly her son had been still born and in the photo he was very discoloured because he'd died. Her colleague found it upsetting because they'd nearly lost their own child. It was a horrible situation for all involved.

I could see both sides and when the manager said no photos full stop it was the only thing he could do.

VladmirsPoutine · 30/06/2018 17:32

No. It looks tacky.

FrannySalinger · 30/06/2018 17:33

I'm not a fan of family photos on desks (but I do have a screensaver of my dog Hmm)

raviolidreaming · 30/06/2018 17:36

I can understand why people did it before camera phones, but as I now have about 3000 photos in my phone to look at if I feel the need I don't need one on my desk too.

StillNoClue · 30/06/2018 17:36

I used to share a desk with someone (he worked days, I worked nights) and the desk was full of photos of gappy toothed children alongside photos of pets, and various other people.
I used to turn the pictures round once he left the office.

redexpat · 30/06/2018 17:38

I found it too distracting. I have one in my drawer so I can open it and look at them if I need to.

givenchycallsmyname · 30/06/2018 17:43

@SwedishEdith I think your comment is impertinent!