How to Maintain a Clean and Professional Workspace
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A clean and organized workspace is not just something that looks good. It can have a big effect on employee morale, productivity, and even on the company’s reputation. Many studies have confirmed that people who work in clean and organized spaces show at least 20% higher productivity and efficiency levels than people who work in cluttered spaces. Of course, if you work in a dirty space, it will create a lot of stress and it will be hard to focus. On the other hand, a professional environment will create a sense of pride and motivation.
If you own a company, you should know that a clean and professional workspace is the highest strategic priority. We don’t say that you should personally clean windows and scrub floors. Instead, we say that you should use smart methods and create a culture of cleanliness. You will see a lot of benefits, trust us. Above all, research shows there are 30% fewer sick days in clean workspaces. But let’s skip to the practical part - here is how you can maintain a clean and professional workspace.
Implement a Cleaning Policy
The physical effect of a cluttered workspace isn’t just a myth. As stated at the Home Spritz site, such an environment can be very stressful for employees. Many studies confirm that clutter has a negative effect on our focus and ability to process any information. So, if you want to avoid this, the great place to start is to implement a clear cleaning policy. This policy should set precise expectations for both management and staff. For example, it should include a daily cleaning routine - everyone should clean their desk at the end of the day. It can also include weekly cleaning schedules and rules for shared spaces like meeting rooms and kitchens. You should assign responsibilities to everyone clearly. When everyone has a certain role in workspace cleanliness, it will become a good organizational practice, not a frustrating or boring task.
Use the Right Tools and Storage Solutions
Employees can’t keep an organized workspace if they don’t have the resources for it. That’s why you need to invest in the right tools and storage solutions. Buy modular filing systems for paperwork, ergonomic desk organizers, or labeled supply stations. Did you know that employees spend around 4 hours a week just searching for items that are lost in the clutter? A lot of time, we would say, but this can be easily avoided. For example, if your company has shared equipment, you can create a digital tracking system or color-coded storage. This will prevent loss. Also, always put a trash can in a logical space - near a desk or chair. The easier something is to do, the higher the chances that employees will do it.
Schedule Professional Cleaning
Yes, employees can take care of their desks. But for deep cleaning, you’ll need professionals. Do good research and find a reliable cleaning service that offers customized plans. It’s important that they offer nightly vacuuming and mopping, daily surface sanitization, and periodic deep cleaning of everything. If you want to make this easy for everyone, schedule professional cleaning during off-hours. Also, make sure that professionals follow the protocols of your industry. You can also consider using eco-friendly products in the office. Remember, regular cleaning is a great investment for your team’s health, happiness, and productivity.
Take Care of Shared Areas
Shared areas are the spaces with the most flow. But, this also means that they become a magnet for clutter and mess. This is why you should have good methods to take care of them. These areas, such as kitchens, break rooms, and meeting rooms, should have a “leave it better than you found it” policy. How do you support this policy? For example, install dishwasher signs in a kitchen that will show “clean” or “dirty” status. You can also schedule weekly fridge cleaning and provide food storage with labels. Make a “lost and found” area for the whole office where people can put lost items (remember to clear them monthly). And one big surprise - simply buying a larger trash can and placing it in the common area will reduce the clutter by up to 30%.
Motivate the Employees
Clean workspace culture starts at the top of the company. Every employee will take care of the workspace if their manager or CEO does the same. You should organize cleaning days, where all leaders will participate with the staff. You can also include the cleanliness metrics in KPIs or create a recognition program. For example, the tidiest team gets a monthly gold star or a small prize. If you’re onboarding new employees, take some time to explain what you expect from them in terms of cleaning and why it is important for the company. And if you have remote or hybrid teams, you can research and create virtual workspace challenges. Remember, once cleanliness becomes a part of organizational culture, employees will be motivated to be part of it.
Use Technology for Smart Cleaning
If you know how to use technology, it can be a revolution for workspace cleanliness. For example, you can buy smart trash bins that can alert you when they are full. Or, you can use IoT sensors to track air quality or restroom supplies. Additionally, you can install digital signage which will remind employees of cleaning responsibilities. If you have a large office space, you can buy robot vacuums, which will clean after working hours. There is a lot of helpful software as well that can track cleaning schedules or call the professionals when needed. Solutions are everywhere, it’s just important to do research and find the right tool for your company. Not to mention that using technology for cleaning can save you a lot of money.
A clean workplace is a powerful thing. It is a real booster of productivity, organizational culture, and health. If you use any of these - or even better, all of these tips, you will soon have an environment where people do their best while feeling their best as well.
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