A clean office is a productive office. A dirty office can often be a recipe for failure. Let’s face it, if you offer an employee the choice between a pristine office and one with dirty carpets, over-flowing bins, grimy windows and that nasty smell no one can figure out the origins of, we all know which they will opt for.
Statistics gathered over the last 20 years have shown that a clean, pleasant office environment greatly increases productivity and profit margins for most businesses.
- It makes your staff feel valued and raises morale. If an employee believes you care about them they are more likely to work hard for you and have a smile on their face as they do so.
- It makes staff believe they are part of something substantial and worthwhile.
- It encourages them to be more organised in their own workspace.
- A clean office reduces stress, a factor which also increases staff retention. If they feel good, your staff are less likely to look for greener (and cleaner) pastures.
- People who work in a clean office feel a greater sense of trust towards the company they work for.
And with an upsurge in shared office spaces, such as The Bank Building in Limerick which offers co-working & hotdesk facilities, it’s never been more important to ensure the workplace is a healthy and productive environment.
5 ways to clean up the office and improve business
An uncluttered desk equals an uncluttered mind. Employees who keep a tidy desk are more likely to be happy in their work than those who have to search through piles of paperwork to find what they want. Returning to a heavily cluttered desk can be depressing and may easily sap employee motivation, so try to ensure they keep a tidy desk free from distractions.
Making sure a desk is tidied before a staff member leaves for the day may seem a little draconian to some but it can have surprising effects on morale when they return for work the next morning.
Empty bins regularly. There’s nothing worse than an overflowing bin, especially if it has food containers or bits of discarded lunch in it. Emptying bins helps clear the air and make the office a better place.
Keep carpets and furniture clean. Regular cleaning keeps the office smelling fresh and free from dust, mites and other things that, if allowed to accumulate, can cause irritation. A nice, comfortable and clean office chair encourages employees to sit down and work. Don’t neglect the telephone or equipment like a keyboard which can harbour bacteria if not cleaned regularly.
Keep toilets and wash areas spotless. Use the right eco-friendly chemicals to keep the toilet clean, including the floor and mirrors. There’s nothing worse, if you have been working hard, than having to use a dirty toilet.
Maintain your staff room. If you have a general communal area that staff use to relax, make sure it is looked after. A pleasant communal area promotes good staff relations and can go a long way to improving morale, reducing stress and, in the long run, increasing productivity. Clean furniture, dusted and polished tables, and a freshly smelling carpet will ensure the area is habitable.
There’s no doubt if you can keep your office in pristine condition then it will help with future productivity, making it a happy place to work and a profitable one.
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