Why Office Cleaning is Key

Why Office Cleaning is Key

Providing a clean and hygienic workplace is one way a business can make a positive impact on staff morale, productivity, health and safety and satisfaction of employees. That is why office cleaning is key.

The most important asset of any business and the business environment is its people. One main way a business can make a positive impact on their most important asset is by employing a commercial cleaning company in order to provide their employees with a clean and hygienic environment, from cubicles to common rooms through to the business restrooms and kitchens. A professional commercial cleaning company can help their client in the below ways.

Employee Health & Safety

Keeping work environments clean, offer numerous benefits related to health and safety including;

Preventing the spread of germs and illness

Offices can become a significant source of bacteria if they are not cleaned regularly. According to a 2014 study, a virus sample placed on doorknob and tabletops within an office, spread to 40-60 percent of workers and visitors within just 2-4 hours. Frequently cleaning high-touch surface areas such as door handles, phones and desks will prevent germs from spreading and causing widespread illness. A cleaning company can provide a task schedule for an office environment ensuring certain tasks and conducted on a regular basis.

Reducing Stress and Anxiety

Workplace design and appearance should not be overlooked, as cluttered workspaces, dirty toilets and untidy common rooms can increase stress and anxiety levels among employees. This can then have a negative impact on office morale. A clean workspace allows employees feel more organised and focused.

Decreasing the risk of accidents or injuries

An office cleaning company can help prevent or reduce the risk of slips trips and falls in the workplace. For example, addressing spills and leaks quickly and keeping entrances and exists clear will improve safety, thereby reducing lost time injuries and potential costly tribunals.

Increased Productivity and Satisfaction

Sick days cost UK businesses a staggering amount per year. By allowing a cleaning company to keep the work environment clean, and therefore supporting employee health, fewer work days are lost to preventable illness. Employees are more appreciative of and less distracted by working environments that are clean and free of clutter and foul smells. This therefore leads to increased productivity and higher quality of work.

In addition to boosting productivity, cleanliness can result in heightened overall workplace satisfaction and a stronger culture. No one wants to work in a dirty office environment, in fact, according to the 2017 Healthy Hand Washing Survey, 89% of Americans believe that the condition of the workplace toilets is one indicator on how a company values its employees. Regular cleaning of toilet areas and other key areas within the organisation will ensure that hygiene remains at the company forefront and doesn’t go unnoticed by its employees and visitors.

Tips For Maintaining Workplace Cleanliness

Facility managers should consider the following tips to keep workplaces clean at all times.

Conduct top-to-bottom cleaning – Top down cleaning helps reduce cross contamination and the need to re-clean areas. For example, air vents, windows, and walls should be the first focus. In cubicle areas and conference rooms, tabletops, phones and chairs should be cleaned next and floors should always be cleaned last. In toilet areas, the focus must always be cleaning sinks and toilets and then mopping and drying floors.

Choose products carefully – It is important to invest in high-quality and sustainable restroom products to reduce waste while supporting cleanliness. For example, today there is toilet paper that produces safe enzymes to eat away dirt when it makes contact with water. This paper, which is safe for users and the environment, helps to sanitize pipes and septic tanks to reduce the occurrence of costly plumbing issues whilst also fighting unpleasant odours. Meanwhile, some paper towels are designed to be flushed away, dissolving like toilet paper to reduce clogs.

Holding a workplace to a high standard of hygiene may seem challenging at first, but it is ultimately rewarding for everyone involved. That’s because cleanliness benefits more than just the physical appearance of a work environment. A clean workplace can have a positive impact on employee health and safety, productivity and satisfaction.