Spring is finally here and with its sunny arrival come all the natural phenomena associated with this time of year.
Fields of golden daffodils and new-born lambs; conversations about whether it’s warm enough to go out without a coat and the sudden urge to clean your house from top to bottom.
But while our houses gleam with the result of these good intentions, our workspaces are all too often left out.
This is a real shame, as studies have shown that over 75% of workers say they are more productive when their office is clean.
There are other benefits as well:
A thorough clean reduces the chance of disease – with absenteeism costing the UK over £10 billion each year this is a real consideration.
A clean office creates a great impression for potential clients.
Employees feel happier in a clean environment and take pride in where they work.
So how can you gain that spring clean boost of morale? We’ve put together a short checklist of areas to focus on, the best ways to clean them and the best equipment to use.
Tip:
One of the most important things with an office spring clean is that you can see a visible difference at the end of the day. Leave that filing to one side and do the jobs where you’re going to get noticeable results.
Desks:
We’ve all heard the stats comparing office desks to toilet seats, so if you’ve only got time to clean one area of your office, your desk should be priority.
Many workspace gurus will tell you that there should be no more than what you absolutely need on the surface of your desk. An admirable goal, but in practise, often unrealistic. Still, it doesn’t hurt to de-clutter every now and then. Take all the old paperwork you don’t need to the shredder (this feels really good!) and give yourself a clear work surface. Wipe this down with a good quality disinfectant wipe, and use a new one to clean off your keyboard, mouse and other electrical equipment. For your monitor, a microfiber cloth that really lifts off the dust is the best thing to use.
With everything off your desk it’s a great opportunity to reorganise and put things where you want them.
Difficulty Rating: 2/5
Plus Points: A cleaner desk makes it easier to work, reduces bacteria and cuts down on stress.
Communal Areas
Communal areas in offices are great as they give staff a place to socialise and step away from their desks. The only problem is that no one wants to be the one to clean them! But communal fridges, cookers and kitchen areas are another place where dirt and bacteria can build up really quickly.
You’ll need to go slightly heavier duty here. We’re talking rubber gloves and pulled up sleeves. Use a good quality all-purpose kitchen cleaner to give the fridge, microwave and any other appliances a really good scrub. When you see how much dirt comes out, you’ll wonder how you ever put your food in there!
Difficulty Rating: 3.5/5
Plus Points: Staff can relax and recharge in a place they feel comfortable.
General Office Area
OK, so you’ve decided to go all out! The walls, the windows, the floors. For your floors and walls, steam works really well, lifting maximum dust and giving surfaces a really polished look. It’s worth investing in a good vacuum cleaner too, with enough attachments that will get into those hard to reach areas. Finally, run a microfiber cloth along all the sills and polish the windows for that all over office gleam. (Tip – Use newspaper to wipe away the window spray for streak free glass!)
Difficulty rating: 4/5
Plus Points: The whole office looks great! Visitors and potential clients are impressed, while staff are more motivated, more productive and less stressed!
While an office spring clean might sound like a lot of work, the results are well worth the effort. So what are you waiting for! Get your office clean and reap the rewards of increased productivity, a happier, healthier workforce and a great impression for potential clients.