A clean office makes for a more professional atmosphere and healthier environment for employees. Nevertheless, with everyone busy running daily operations, it can be challenging to keep things tidy. With some effort and planning, though, you can promote cleanliness in the workplace while keeping business activities humming along.
Communication and Awareness
The first step is always trying to raise awareness about the importance of cleanliness. This gets everyone on the same page. If you have a clear policy around office cleanliness, one that is communicated to the staff and included in on-boarding for new employees, it is helpful to everyone. This way, people understand it’s a company-wide priority while also knowing their role and responsibilities in maintaining order. Consider consistently reiterating this in team meetings, posters in common areas, and by managers leading by example. According to the folk at professional business cleaning company All Pro Cleaning Systems, promoting a business cleaning mindset from the top down will get the rest of the staff aligned.
Integrate Cleaning into Workflows
Rather than viewing clean up as an interruption, look to integrate cleaning and organizing directly into standard workflows. For example, staff could be instructed to spend the last 5-10 minutes of the day tidying up their workstations or communal rooms. Productivity stays high as employees handle it in small chunks rather than setting aside larger blocks of time solely for maintenance, which gets in the way of operations. You can implement similar quick cleaning sprints after meetings, conference calls, over lunch breaks, or towards the end of major projects or tasks.
Target Key Areas
While the entire office space should be properly maintained, prioritize high-traffic areas like copy rooms, kitchens/cafeterias, lobbies, bathrooms, and meeting rooms for frequent attention. Schedule thorough business cleaning sessions specifically for these spaces multiple times per week, or even daily if needed. Supply adequate cleaning tools like wipes, sprays, paper towels, gloves, vacuums, and waste bins to enable daily spot treatment without major effort. Monitor office movement to identify hot spots in need of more resources.
Supplies and Storage
Provide ample waste bins and storage solutions to prevent clutter obstructing walkways or desks. Proper storage keeps necessities, equipment, and paperwork organized and accessible for cleaning. Designate specific storage areas or cabinets to keep items neatly contained. Make eco-friendly cleaning supplies readily available in high-traffic areas like copy rooms, kitchens, and restrooms for quick spill cleanup. Clearly label cleaning supplies and provide basic instructions for proper usage. Routinely check inventory levels to maintain adequate consumable supplies without excess or waste.
Special Services
Depending on the nature of the business, specialized deep cleaning might be needed for specific aspects like rugs, electronics like computers/phones, and interior glass. Janitorial professionals can manage these one-off or periodic services overnight or on weekends to avoid staff disruption. Invest in reputable trained specialists with eco-friendly solutions who accomplish intensive tasks thoroughly and responsibly. A business cleaning company can efficiently resolve more challenging issues staff have neither the time nor expertise to tackle amidst daily operations.
Performance Management
To promote adherence to office cleanliness, consider including it in employee performance evaluations and reviews for at least managers and above. Tying team or department-level cleanliness scores based on inspections directly to bonuses or promotions further motivates compliance while embedding standards as a core company value. Managers can complete spot checks periodically, while also leading by example in keeping their own areas orderly.
Conclusion
Cultivating an office culture that values cleanliness, where all staff take pride and responsibility in maintaining an organized yet productive workplace, is key. While policies and resources are enablers, a proactive attitude from everyone is essential for sustaining this balance.
