07/02/2014
The key to any successful business is keeping staff motivated. There are many ways of achieving this, such as cash bonuses and vouchers. However, often business owners forget how simple things, such as having a clean and tidy office and a relaxing workplace communal area can really make a difference to staff morale.
Whilst it’s difficult to change the habits of hoarders and messy workers, focus on cleaning workplace communal areas clean can be an easy way to make staff feel happier in the workplace.
Many companies without commercial cleaners tend to have a cleaning rota where staff take it in turns to clean the office. However, by hiring a commercial cleaner, you will be able to benefit from their skills and expertise and it will also mean that staff can focus on the most important thing – completing their work.
If you do have an office cleaner, make sure that they focus on communal areas as, not only can these areas lead to a de-motivated workforce, but if left dirty can also spread unwanted germs and bugs potentially increasing the number of illnesses in the office.
For most businesses, the office kitchen will be frequented by most employees throughout the day, whether it’s to make a cup of tea, heat soup or wash dishes. For this reason, kitchen hygiene and cleanliness are vital for the well-being of staff. Whilst a good commercial cleaner will make sure worktops are wiped down and the kitchen is germ-free, it’s also important that each staff member takes responsibility for their own mess and cleans up after themselves.
Furthermore, a bugbear for many employees according to research is an overflowing bin. So if you start seeing the bin overflow – empty and replace it – don’t just leave it for the next person. The same can be said for dishwashers. Often, a lot of employees will try and avoid emptying the dishwasher and we’ve all seen those offices where plates have been piled up in the sink just because no one can be bothered to empty the dishwasher.
To avoid this situation, create a rota whereby staff take turns emptying the dishwasher. Therefore, not only does this solve the problem of the dishwasher being emptied but also makes sure no staff members feel like they are constantly left to do it.
Toilets are also an area which needs to be constantly cleaned and monitored. The thought of a dirty toilet area, including sticky floors, is a major factor in employee de-motivation. Not many employees want to be tasked with cleaning the office toilets so it may be time for you to consider a commercial cleaner who will ensure these areas are thoroughly cleaned and smell fresh every day. Aside from being kept clean, it’s also important to have plenty of supplies such as toilet rolls and soap handy for employees. Make sure that all staff members know where the spare supplies are kept and refill when needed.
Whilst the kitchen and bathroom are two of the most important communal areas to keep clean for staff motivation if your office has meeting rooms and a reception area, it is key to ensure these are regularly cleaned so that your company gives off the best reputation to any potential clients. Always ensure coffee machines are refilled and that there are plenty of clean cups on hand for meetings. Make a rule for your employees that dirty cups have to be taken out and not left in the room for others to clean up.
Open the windows often to allow fresh air into the rooms as no one wants to have a meeting in a stuffy room. Emptying bins regularly is also a key factor in keeping meeting rooms clean and fresh. It’s also worth giving door handles a wipe if meeting rooms are visited frequently, as door handles are a prime spot for germs to harbour and breed. Don’t forget, reception areas and meeting rooms are extremely important to the business’s reputation so insist that these are always clean and tidy. Let’s focus On Cleaning Workplace Communal Areas.
Following these tips should help make your workplace a better environment and, as a result, employees should be more motivated to work harder and committed to the company. If you do not have an office cleaner, speak to a few commercial cleaning companies to find out about their services as investing in reputable and reliable cleaners will help your employees and business thrive. – Cleaning Workplace Communal Areas
For more information on Mrs Bucket’s services please contact 01792 886665/02920 291765 or email hello@mrs-bucket.co.uk
Mrs Bucket is a domestic and commercial cleaning company set up by award-winning entrepreneur Rachael Flanagan in 2005. It has offices in Swansea, Cardiff and Newport.