Maintaining workplace cleanliness and organization can be cumbersome. But that should not stop you from doing it. That is because workplace cleanliness is crucial to your business’s success and the well-being of your employees.
In addition, you should also prioritize workplace safety. That is because even the most productive employees will be unable to function well if their work environment is untidy.
The Importance of Maintaining Cleanliness at Work
Office clutter comes in various forms. It can be a pile of paper, a desk filled with dust, a dingy bathroom, and more. This mess can distract your employees from getting things done, hampering their productivity.
Meanwhile, it can also put your employees’ health and safety at risk. Dirt and clutter can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria, which can cause flu and cold. Mind you, cold and flu are the common reasons employees take sick leave, which can hurt employee morale and hamper product schedule.
A disorganized workspace can also cause stress to your employees. This can lead to elevated blood pressure, upset stomach, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
If you do not want these things to happen to you, your business, and your employees, it is imperative to maintain workplace cleanliness. That said, we have listed down nine reasons you should prioritize a clean working environment:
1. Cleanliness improves employee performance
Employees are spending 8 to 10 hours a day in their workspace. Walking into a disorganized and unclean office will not be incredibly motivating for them.
On the other hand, walking into a clean office is one of the best ways to start a day on a more positive note.
Having a clean working area helps one get a clear head, and great energy and motivates them to do daily tasks efficiently. People want to come to a place that is comforting and clean. That way, they can perform much better and be happy with their work.
2. First impressions always count
A workplace that is clean and tidy will also appear to be more appealing to prospective clients. That is because a clean workspace makes you feel confident to accept guests who can say something about you as a leader.
It shows that you are an effective business owner because you can run your venture while maintaining a clean environment.
On the other hand, dirty floors and smudgy conference tables give clients the impression that you are unprofessional. It also shows that you do not care about your business and your employees. So, who would want to deal with an entrepreneur like that?
3. To ensure employee welfare
Cleaning is not all about how other people perceive your business or brand. One of the most important reasons you need to clean is to ensure that harmful bacteria do not spread.
With various people, from employees to clients coming and going in and out of the premises, it is only natural for bacteria and viruses to appear. By encouraging employees to practice hygiene, you are improving workplace safety and well-being.
In the same way, you should educate employees about health and safety and workplace hygiene. For instance, employees should take the time to clean their desks before and after work. It is also imperative that they can wash their hands, while dedicated personnel should handle the garbage.
A business may also work with a reputable cleaning company to regularly ensure everything is clean and safe.
4. Cleanliness is cost-effective
All workplaces will require some refurbishment because of wear and tear, which can cause a high expense for your business.
Although you can’t avoid refurbishments, you can prolong an equipment’s shelf life with proper upkeep. And one way to do that is to clean your office belonging and ensure that they are in top shape.
Carpets should be vacuumed so that they will be free from spots and stains. Flooring and furnishings should be cleaned periodically to enhance their visual appeal.
Desks and tables should be free from dust, stains, and scratches. All of these help you avoid unnecessary replacement costs and can make an excellent first impression.
Regular cleaning is also more cost-effective than just periodic deep cleaning. That’s because dirt and grime are harder to take off, and sometimes tricky to remove.
Deep cleaning might also be disruptive to your employees and their workload. That’s because you might displace them while deep cleaning is going on.
5. Cleanliness increases employee retention
Many employees view their workplace as their second home. That’s why it is also one of the main reasons you should keep it clean and tidy.
Remember that a work environment influences your employees’ happiness. And when they are happy, they are more productive.
It is also unlikely that happy employees will leave a company. They will remain loyal, which ensures a company’s growth and success.
That said, it is essential to organize regular cleaning of the kitchen, restroom, and windows. These things will eventually keep the workplace clean, which will motivate employees to reach business goals.
6. Cleanliness prevents slips, trips, and falls
Slips, trips, and falls are the leading cause of accidents in the workplace. To avoid this, dust and spills must be cleaned immediately.
Hallways and work areas should be clear of clutter, supplies, tools, and other potential hazards like cords to prevent tripping.
Open cabinet doors and file drawers can also be considered dangerous. Also, be on the lookout for poorly stacked wood, projecting nails, and metal materials.
Usually, these sharp objects can cause lacerations or cuts. Having a regular cleanup schedule also helps you avoid rodent insect and rodent infestations.
7. Cleanliness influences satisfaction at work
An unhygienic workplace may also affect your employees’ satisfaction at work. It can cause employee absenteeism and can generate your business a considerable amount of money.
Also, if the office’s hygiene is substandard, more and more employees are expected to take more sick days.
By implementing proper hygiene in the workplace, you can stop the spread of harmful germs, bacteria, or viruses from spreading. That way, you can ensure a safe and healthy work environment for everyone and reduce health risks.
That’s why you must ensure that washrooms are well-supplied and has proper handwashing stations. When people are happy with their work, they will not think about switching jobs. They will be loyal to a company that treats them well, helping decrease employee turnover.
The simple act of keeping a clean workplace will make employees want to stay. Here are some things to keep in mind to ensure the comfort of everyone in the workplace:
- Windows should be regularly cleaned to help keep the light in.
- Trash cans should be regularly emptied.
- Washrooms should be regularly cleaned.
- Rooms should be scented with an air freshener.
- Office washrooms should be deep cleaned regularly.
8. Reduction of hazardous substances
Although you can’t see dust and vapours, having these hazardous substances in the workplace may eventually lead to respiratory issues.
Improper filtration of air increases employees’ exposure to these kinds of substances. And this can create an unsafe environment for employees. That’s why proper ventilation is essential for the safety and productivity of workers.
Indoor air pollutants are 100 times greater than outdoors. One of the best ways to improve the office’s air quality is to invest in plants to help you filter out carbon dioxide and other pollutants in the air.
Apart from that, investing in an excellent filtration system is vital and necessary. It should also provide workers with cleaner air and oxygen.
As trash begins to pile up, this can cause an unclean and unaesthetic environment to work in, eventually becoming a breeding ground for pests.
Bugs may eventually lead to more bugs, and bacteria and infestations eventually lead to more environmental threats. Proper waste disposal is vital to improving the cleanliness of the workplace.
Trash should also be appropriately disposed of, and wastebaskets should be regularly cleaned. This is to reduce the spread of germs, bugs, and other odours.
9. Cleanliness Elevates a brand
A tidy work environment implies superior quality products and services in an average customer’s mind.
It will not matter what type of niche or industry you are in, whether you are selling food, furniture, or clothing. A prospect will be judging your business based on what your office space looks and feels like. And this can play a role in whether they would transact with you or not.
Do not let a messy and disorganized environment be the reason for potential customers to walk away.
Keeping Your Workplace Clean and Tidy
As mentioned earlier, keeping a pristine work environment can be challenging. But there are ways you can do it.
This includes hiring professional office cleaners. They can help maintain the cleanliness of your office regularly. Doing so can free up your time, which you can spend on things that matter. It also allows your employees to focus on their work instead of squeezing “cleaning time” in their schedule.
Nonetheless, it is imperative that you educate your employees on the importance of having a clean workspace. Otherwise, your office will become a breeding ground for bacteria, germs, and viruses, which can be detrimental to your health.
Robert Helms is a freelance writer based in New Your City whose mission is to help travelers, hostel owners, and house cleaning services NYC companies work together. When not writing for clients, he prefers to spend his day cleaning and organizing his own home.
