When looking to improve productivity or retain employees, business leaders often think first about compensation, flexible schedules or benefits. Workplace cleanliness rarely tops the list.
Yet clean, well-maintained offices are part of employees’ everyday experience. They do not replace good working conditions but they contribute to them.
Fewer distractions can lead to better concentration
Overflowing garbage bins, a neglected kitchen or a washroom that needs attention may seem like minor irritants on their own. When they add up, they can become distracting and negatively affect employees’ perception of their workplace.
A Dutch study published in 2018 in Facilities also found an association between higher measured cleanliness and higher perceived productivity among employees. More cleaning does not automatically make a team more productive but a clean environment is one of the conditions that can help people work effectively.
Cleanliness and employee retention: one factor among many
Employees rarely leave a job simply because the office is dirty. Turnover is primarily influenced by compensation, workload and company culture. However, the condition of the workplace sends a message: a company that takes care of its spaces shows that it cares about its team.
It is also a matter of time. Without a structured cleaning program, employees often end up refilling soap dispensers, emptying garbage bins or cleaning the kitchen. That is not what they were hired to do and it can become a source of frustration.
A matter of image
Clients, prospective employees and business partners also visit your premises. A job candidate walking through the lobby and waiting in the reception area forms an impression of the company before the interview even begins. For organizations looking to encourage employees to return to the office, the cleanliness of the workplace needs to meet expectations.
Areas that require attention
- Washrooms : cleaning issues are often noticed here first. Cleaning frequency should reflect foot traffic.
- Kitchens and break rooms : food, waste and frequently used surfaces all come together in these areas.
- Entrances and floors : in Quebec, winter water, sand and calcium can quickly damage these surfaces. Dirt tracked in through entrances can also spread throughout the office
- Shared spaces : meeting rooms and shared workstations require regular cleaning.
Consistency is key
An occasional deep clean is not enough. A good cleaning program takes into account foot traffic, the number of employees, operating hours, the types of surfaces being cleaned and seasonal changes. An SMB with 15 employees does not have the same needs as an office that welcomes hundreds of people every day.
Make cleanliness a priority with MOM Cleaning
At MOM Cleaning, we tailor our commercial cleaning services to the needs of each business, including cleaning frequency, priority areas and the specific characteristics of your premises. The goal: consistently clean spaces so your teams can focus on their work.
Looking to improve your office cleaning program? Contact MOM Cleaning to get a free quote.
Frequently asked questions
Does a clean office improve productivity?
Research has associated a clean work environment with greater satisfaction and higher perceived productivity but cleanliness remains just one of many contributing factors.
Can office cleanliness improve employee retention?
Not directly. Instead, cleanliness contributes to the quality of the work environment, which can influence employee satisfaction.
How often should an office be cleaned?
It depends on the number of employees, foot traffic and the types of spaces. Washrooms, kitchens and entrances generally require more frequent cleaning than other areas of the office.
