The benefits of a clean and tidy office go beyond just making it a more pleasant space to work in. For example, did you know that every year millions of people suffer ill health from infections that they picked up in their workplace?
A neat office also looks better if you have important visitors coming, makes it easier for your employees to find things that they need, and can help office equipment work better for longer by preventing dust from building up inside. It’s important, then, not just to clean your office but to make sure that the job gets done right.
Here are some common mistakes that your cleaning staff should avoid in order to take better care of your workplace.
1. Using equipment incorrectly
Some cleaning equipment, like a broom and dustpan set, is pretty hard to get wrong. But with other items, it’s not always clear how you should be using them. Or, more accurately, where you should be using them. Different surface types require different products, amounts of product, and cleaning actions (wiping, scrubbing etc.). Doing the wrong thing on the wrong surface could lead to damage. The best way to avoid this, unless you are a cleaner, is to wait for actual cleaning staff to arrive to handle any problems.
2. Not taking the bins out enough
Bins and waste baskets inside the office should be emptied daily, regardless of the amount of trash in them. This is because even a small amount left overnight can attract insects and animals like rats, and they can also result in nasty smells which can be very distracting to workers.
3. Dry dusting
This simply means using a dry cloth to wipe dust off of furniture. However, what is really happening when this is done is all the little particles of debris are being scraped across the surface of the furniture. The damage this causes is minute, but very real. Over time, it can dull the appearance of woods and metals.
4. Not cleaning the floor
Floors sometimes get overlooked, especially in offices where the staff sit at desks for most of the day. However, visibly dirty floors are unlikely to be overlooked by visitors, and even invisible dirt on floors can be harmful. Regular floor cleaning is important for avoiding infections and maintaining a pleasant atmosphere.
5. Only cleaning visible areas
It is inevitable that some people in the office will exhibit less-than-perfect hygienic behaviours, so your cleaners really do need to take invisible dirt seriously. But this also extends to dirt that would be visible were something not obstructing it from our view, such as dirt underneath a sofa or on the underside of a table.
6. Not cleaning windows regularly
It’s tempting to only clean windows when they become noticeably dirty. However, the condensation on their surface makes them a good environment for mould, and they also end up covered in pollutants and allergens from the air.
Conclusion
The importance of a clean work environment for both health and productivity cannot be overstated. Make sure your cleaning staff are avoiding these common areas to keep your office in tip-top condition and your staff happy and healthy.
