Many business owners only take notice of workplace cleanliness when things get out of hand. Pest infestations, damage to equipment, and employee injuries are often a result of poor office housekeeping. Before disaster strikes, it is essential that you emphasize workplace cleanliness in your place of business.
A clean and healthy workspace is crucial to running a successful business. Here are some of the reasons why.
-
Healthy Employees Mean Fewer Sick Days
Germs can spread like wildfire in the workplace, especially during flu season. Whether you are managing an office building, warehouse, retail store, or healthcare facility, keep everything clean and sanitary. Disinfect surfaces with EPA-registered, hospital-grade solutions to kill and prevent germs.
Productivity loss due to sick days costs billions of dollars. If your work environment is clean, your employees are healthy. Daily tasks should include dusting, vacuuming carpets, and sanitizing restrooms. Install hand sanitizer dispensers in high-traffic areas.
-
Better Air Quality
They may be invisible but dust, pollen and other irritants that linger in the air are workplace hazards. Poor air quality can influence work performance and affect the overall health of your employees.
Plants can help improve air quality as they filter out air pollutants. Vacuum cleaners must be fitted with HEPA filters. You should also consider investing in a high-quality air filtration system. If you are managing an apartment complex, make sure that the buildings have proper ventilation. Clean or replace HVAC systems to prevent microbial growth and foul odor. Dehumidifiers can also help promote clean air in the workplace.
-
Clean Workplace Makes Employees Happy
Employees spend eight to nine hours in the workplace. Some even stay extended hours to the point that the office becomes a second home. Workplace cleanliness is paramount to keeping your employees happy and comfortable while performing their tasks.
People talk about their jobs all the time. If they are unhappy with their work environment, they will most likely complain about it on social media. If they love it there, they might even talk about your products or services. By keeping your employees happy in the workplace, you get free promotion for your brand or business.
-
Boost Morale
The physical state of your workplace – whether clean or dirty – can affect the morale of your workers. Would you want to eat at a messy pantry? Or take a view of the street through dusty blinds? Morale is high if your office personnel are surrounded by fresh, clean space. Make it a policy to keep clutter to a minimum and dispose of trash regularly. Label wastebaskets for recyclables and disposables.
-
Happy Employees are Productive Employees
When workers are happy, they are efficient and productive. If the workplace is dirty and disorganized, it can be difficult to find motivation. Poor air quality and floating dust and germs could lead to headaches, breathing problems, and allergies. Employees lack energy and look sick in a filthy work environment, leading to a significant drop in productivity.
-
Protect Your Assets
Hard floors, carpets, and office equipment are expensive assets in your building. Without proper maintenance, these investments could go down the drain. Hire a professional cleaner for your carpets and hard floors to ensure that they last longer.
-
Make a Good First Impression
Cleanliness is not only important to those working in your building but to visitors too. Stained floors, smelly boardrooms, and a chaotic reception area are telling signs of poor management. Business partners, potential clients, suppliers, and even bike messengers should leave with a good impression instead of germs. Make sure everything is spic and span, from the front door to the restrooms.
How to Keep Your Workplace Clean and Tidy
Although employees should take the initiative to keep their desks in order, cleaning is not their duty. Hire a professional cleaning service or janitorial staff to maintain your floors, carpets, walls, windows, restrooms, and lobby. You should also have the building exterior washed every few months.
Discussing Workplace Cleanliness with Your Employees
It is important that you educate your workers on office hygiene. They may have a different definition of cleanliness so make sure they understand what you expect from them.
Prepare a cleaning schedule that outlines everything that needs to be done. Address complaints right away. If your janitorial staff does not meet your standards, invest in a different cleaning service provider.
A clean, tidy and sanitized workspace reflects on your brand and business. It tells potential clients that you care about your employees and the environment. On the other hand, smudgy tables and overflowing trash receptacles can quickly turn off your guests.
Keep your employees happy and productive by hiring a reliable cleaning service in Southern California. Our team at Prestige Property Services offers cleaning, handyman, and day porter services for any type of business. We also provide specialty treatment for carpets, windows, and hard floors to ensure your workplace cleanliness.
