Office Cleanliness Etiquette

cleaning the office all day

 

One of the most critical responsibilities in running a business is office maintenance. The cleanliness of the workspace can affect every aspect of the operation–from productivity to employee morale After all, no one like to work in a dirty office space. 

 

Nevertheless, while important, office cleanliness takes a back seat to more income-generating departments. This is particularly unfortunate because offices are shared spaces – they are notoriously dirty. 

 

Do not fall into the same patterns as other operations. Here is how you can establish proper office cleanliness etiquette in your office. 

 

Develop an Office Maintenance Policy

An office is a shared space. While that fact is great for generating exciting ideas and ensuring productivity, multiple individuals that go in and out of a confined area are a nightmare when it comes to cleaning and maintenance.

Involving your employees is one of the best first steps that you can do to ensure that your office remains well-maintained. It takes a village to clean a shared space. While your employees shouldn’t be wholly responsible for office maintenance, there are certain things they can do to make cleaning more manageable. 

 

Your office rules for cleanliness should outline these responsibilities. Some key points in your policy may include but aren’t limited to: 

 

Clean Desk Policy

Implementing a clean desk policy is a relatively easy way to keep clutter and dirt at bay. When you have less clutter to clean around the easier the process would be. Nevertheless, the success of this policy depends on the type of operation that you run. It is best to consult your employees before imposing this strategy. 

 

Pantry Rules

Your office pantry is probably one of the dirtiest areas in your office. That said, as a business owner or manager, it is up to you to outline the things your employees can and cannot do in a shared space.

Your pantry rules should cover fridge use, eating in cubicles, washing dishes, and using office facilities like the water dispenser and the microwave. It should also touch on the best practices so as to ensure that your employees are safe while cleaning. These rules should be disseminated amongst all the employees. Posters and signs should be placed in the pantry to remind the staff about the policy. 

disposing trash in the right bin

Trash Disposal

The sight of an unkempt trash bin is not only unpleasant, but it can also be hazardous to the health and safety of your employees. An open garbage can is an invitation for pests and germs to live and thrive in your office.

Ideally, trash should be taken out at least once a day. For bigger offices, it is recommended that the garbage is taken out twice. 

 

Hand Washing Protocols

The last two years of the pandemic have emphasized the importance of hand-washing. While we are already in the aftermath of COVID-19, this practice remains critical in keeping the office clean and hazard-free.

If possible, put up handwashing reminders in high-touch areas including the bathroom and the office kitchen. 

 

Access to Cleaning Materials

Cleaning doesn’t come second nature to some people. There are a few employees that need to be reminded of their responsibilities in the shared workspace. Make it easy for them to enact the policy by proving basic cleaning materials.

This may include but isn’t limited to hand sanitizers and hand soap, paper towels, and a basic mop and broom set.

Implement a Cleaning Schedule

As mentioned earlier, your employees can share a part of the office maintenance responsibilities. However, they shouldn’t be solely responsible for keeping the workspace clean. Office maintenance is a full-time job and requires a dedicated team. This dedicated team should follow a cleaning schedule to ensure that no spots are missed. The schedule can vary from office to office. However, ideally, all of these tasks are covered. 

 

Daily

  • Vacuum carpets, sweep the flooring
  • Empty the garbage receptacles 
  • Disinfect all surfaces
  • Mop floors
  • Clean windows and Doors
  • Clean and disinfect the toilets
  • Clean office facility including the microwave and the water dispenser

Weekly

  • Top-up disposables including paper towels, hand soaps, sanitizers, etc. 
  • Sanitize and deep clean refrigerators, microwaves, and other kitchen appliances
  • Sanitize consoles, keyboards, screens, and telephones
  • Scrub the sink and toilet flooring

 

Monthly

  • Deep clean carpets 
  • Clean vents and airconditioning units
  • Dust and clean low-traffic, hard-to-reach areas. 
  • Empty and deep clean the office refrigerator 


Employ the Help of Professionals

There is no doubt that professionals can significantly improve the cleanliness and hygiene of your office. Again, office maintenance is a full-time job – sometimes, outsourcing this aspect of your operation is what you need to ensure that your company keeps moving forward. 

 

Saves Time and Effort

Professionals have years of experience. They know exactly what to do in various situations and in any type of workspace. Often, they barely need supervision. They just know what to do depending on the issue that arises. This is particularly beneficial for companies that do not necessarily have the funds to hire a dedicated maintenance team. This way you get a professional level of cleaning without the associated costs. 

relaxing in the office

Unmatched Peace of Mind 

Despite your best efforts, you aren’t an expert in office maintenance. Often leaving this task in your own hands doesn’t provide you with the peace of mind that every surface is clean and safe. Choosing to work with professionals provides you with unmatched peace of mind. It is truly a small price to pay to clear your schedule for more income-generating activities. 

 

Maintaining a safe and clean office is easier said than done. In a space wherein there are plenty of moving parts, there are some aspects of the operation that can fall through the cracks. Thankfully, you don’t have to go through it alone. From recycling to maintaining specific workplace environments, there are professionals that are more than willing to help!

For Tolland County, Connecticut companies, Burgos Cleaning Service is your best partner in office cleanliness! We are a cleaning and janitorial company that offers unmatched maintenance service. BCS offers all kinds of janitorial office services. We offer daily, weekly, and monthly packages, that fit every need. 

 

Burgos Cleaning Company is a leading company in office maintenance and we are here to help! Reach out to us today to learn more about what we have to offer.