Simple Hacks for a Cleaner Office

Posted on: 16 September 2016

Keeping the office clean can have a huge impact on productivity in the workplace. According to Small Business it can help to reduce the number of sick days your staff take, reduce stress and boost motivation; all of which can greatly increase your output. Depending on the size of your company you may have regular office cleaning either using your own employees or an external company. However, there are a few simple hacks that you can employ to limit the build-up of waste and germs between these cleaning periods and encourage employees to take ownership over maintaining the cleanliness of their own workspace.

Recycling Bins

Recycling is not only good for the environment, it can also help to reduce the build-up of waste in rubbish bins and reduce unpleasant odours. Having a series of recycling bins that are clearly labelled and emptied regularly will encourage employees to support the Government's National Waste Policy and demonstrate that your company is concerned with the environment. Bins for paper, glass, cans and organic waste should be easily accessible and, if possible, located near communal kitchens or vending machines. Providing a lid will also deter any flies or bugs that may try to congregate near the waste.

Hand-Wash

Having a ready supply of hand-wash, alcohol rub and communal keyboard cleaning sprays will help to limit the transfer of bacteria. This is especially important during the colder months when colds and other viruses can easily infect people working in close proximity. Making sure there is a constant supply of anti-bacterial pump-action soap in the kitchen and bathrooms is also essential, as bars of soap tend to hold on to bacteria and often just provide degreasing properties. 

Employee Emergency Cleaning Cupboard

Sometimes people will spill coffee or drop food and the first thing that happens is it's covered in paper towels, left to dry and not mentioned to the cleaners at all. Not only can this stain carpet, which is unsightly, it can cause stale odours to form within the office and encourage bacteria growth. Having an emergency cleaning cupboard with paper towels, carpet cleaner, anti-bacterial wipes, a mop, dustpan, broom and some rubber gloves will come in handy if someone has an accident. Leaving a little notebook next to the cupboard would be useful too, as you will be able to detail the accident and what was used to treat it to help the cleaners identify it during their rounds. 

Share

Cleaning a water fountain

Our office building has a beautiful water fountain at the front of our lobby. Most people throw coins in there to make a wish, but some people can't resist the urge to throw other things like bottle caps in there. When rubbish gets thrown in there it can clog up the mechanism, and it's also just an eyesore if it's dirty in an area that is the first thing that most people see when they come into the building. We have a cleaning service that comes in to clean the water fountain and keep it looking spectacular all of the time.