Professional cleaning is an aspect of a business’s respectability in the eyes of consumers.
The majority is unaware that a dirty workspace is far more harmful than one would imagine. The issue is well beyond an unacceptable appearance or reputational damage — it is an impetus for health decline and financial and legal complications.
This blog post will discuss the hidden expenses of neglecting cleanliness in a commercial office and some ways a business can reverse these undesirable effects.
The Drawbacks of a Work Environment Lacking Regular Cleaning
Undermined Health and Safety
This is considered one of the most glaring outcomes of inadequate office cleaning.
When conventional health and safety standards are not exactly met in a commercial office, this usually spreads germs, bacteria, and allergens. In turn, this leads to tangible health risks, including:
- Respiratory issues
- Allergic reactions
- Gastrointestinal infections
- The flu
Moreover, unsanitary conditions increase the chances of employees requesting sick leave more often than not due to the prevalence of illness. Consequently, the overall effectiveness of the business dwindles rather significantly, which brings us to the next hidden cost:
Decreased Productivity of Employees
Adherence to cleaning protocols matters for workplace well-being and greatly impacts employee productivity.
Work environments directly influence an employee’s morale; if surroundings are messy and clutter is everywhere, wouldn’t this automatically shrink an employee’s mental capacity to work or be anywhere near efficient?
Productivity is a key feature of a successful business, so keeping in mind that inadequate cleaning can be why an employee is not doing their job right is tremendously critical.
Clients’ First Impression is Negatively Affected
An immaculate office is conducive to great first impressions from customers when they enter it.
However, if clients enter your workspace only to find unbearable chaos and disorder, their perception of your business will undoubtedly worsen before it gets better.
Would any reputable business want its clients to be driven away for such a reason?
Greater Need for Costly Repairs or Replacements
Sometimes, grime and dust buildup on office equipment starts to appear due to poorly maintained commercial offices.
This, unfortunately, causes wear and tear on equipment, making them lose their proper functionality.
Subsequently, the requirement of reinvigorating such equipment—or replacing it—becomes rather urgent. As a result of the never-ending need for repairs, expenses skyrocket.
Legal Liabilities
This hidden cost deserves your undivided attention.
One would think that office cleanliness is unrelated to anything legal—think again.
In fact, according to the Health and Safety at Work Act, irregular or nonexistent office cleaning can lead to legal liabilities.
These legal liabilities entail fines, lawsuits and penalties, all of which are consequences of non-compliance with health and safety.
Negligence of health and safety regulations is, therefore, a humongous hidden cost that needs to be unveiled to everyone involved in any kind of business.
Ways to Ensure Regular Cleaning and Maintenance of Your Business
It’s clear by now that a well-maintained business place is a prerequisite if its ultimate goal is to thrive. If you want to know some practical and comprehensive cleaning strategies that will protect your business long-term, keep reading on:
Seek Out Professional Cleaning Services
One of the best ways to guarantee that health and safety regulations are being effortlessly implemented is by investing in a cleaning service.
If you think about it, maintaining a tidy workspace is a cleaning company’s very profession and expertise! Why not reach out for professional cleaning assistance if you are in dire need of one?
When you do so, you kill two birds with one stone: you rely on experts who help save your precious time. A cleaning service can become your best solution by eliminating the burden of worrying about the cleanliness of your workstation.
Educate Your Employees on Office Hygiene
The previous point aims not to obliterate your employees and customers when it comes to regular cleaning tendencies.
It all comes down to one issue: how much does the workforce know about maintaining a clean workplace?
If the individuals involved in your business are informed about the repercussions of neglecting business cleanliness, they will be cautious about not spoiling their surroundings.
Encourage your employees and teach them the necessity of leaving their workspace tidy and spotless—for their health and the fruitfulness of the business.
Do Not Overlook Air Quality
The effects that air can have on employees and customers are more influential than you realise.
There are numerous ways to contribute to unpolluted air in your workstation:
- Changing air filters constantly
- Doing regular, deep carpet cleaning
- Ventilation maintenance
Keeping the air in your workplace as clean as possible is advantageous for employee well-being, as well as for energy and concentration levels.
Make Cleanliness an Attainable Habit at Your Office
The inability to preserve office cleanliness can no longer be a common concern among your workforce if all they are exposed to throughout the day are hand sanitisers and antibacterial wipes.
If you integrate visual cues around your office that instantly trigger your employees to improve their hygienic habits, you will win!
Summary
It is safe to say that the hidden costs of neglecting business cleanliness can be quite a few, and being up-to-date about the ramifications of not keeping your business clean is a significant first step.
Maybe palpable change will start to arise once you begin infusing more intentional awareness and motivation regarding cleanliness in your business. Both your workforce and customers will be grateful to you. For a professional commercial cleaning service in London, contact Benchmark Cleaning Services today. Our friendly team will guide you through the process and even provide a free quotation. Start investing in your business’s health today!
