A clean office boosts your workforce productivity. You probably think we’re bound to say that, but numerous studies have identified the link between office cleanliness and the productivity of the staff.
Over the years there have been a number of research projects into the impact of workplace cleanliness on productivity. Most recently, a study by the Staples Corporation found that 94 percent of workers reported feeling more productive in a clean workspace, while 77 percent said they felt they produced a higher quality of work in a cleaner environment.
In another study by the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA), 88 percent of 1,481 respondents said their concentration and productivity was hindered by an unclean workspace.
With this in mind, here are just a few of the ways a clean office can make your workforce happy, healthy and more productive…
4 ways how productivity can be increased by a clean office
- Reduced workplace absenteeism The UK’s biggest survey into sickness absence rates in the UK found that an average of 6.5 days was lost per employee, per year, due to ill health at work. This costs British employers a total of £16bn a year. Office furniture and equipment are a breeding ground for germs and bacteria, with the average keyboard harbouring up to 7,500 bacteria (per swab) at any one time! This can certainly aid the spread of germs and illnesses around the office. So, the cleaner your office, the fewer germs there will be and the more work your staff can do.
- Increased motivation We’ve all experienced the high you feel after cleaning a messy car or a horribly cluttered bedroom. Having a clean space to enjoy makes the little things more pleasurable. Even the drive to work can become a joyous affair when everything’s spick and span. When faced with the many trials and tribulations of a working day, keeping spirits high and boosting morale is extremely important. Simply taking the time to keep your workplace clean can help to lift morale and boost the motivation of your staff. A clean, well-ordered working environment also makes it easier for workers to be organised and efficient.
- A professional approach Can you really expect your staff to be the exacting, hard-working individuals you want them to be when their workplace is a mess? The perception of your company starts with your office’s appearance. A clean, tidy workplace creates a professional atmosphere and shows staff and clients that you’re serious about your work.
- Reduced stress Stress is the most common cause of long-term sickness absence for both manual and non-manual employees, so clearly it’s extremely important to do everything in your power to bring stress levels down. A disorderly, chaotic and unclean office can be attributed to an increase in stress levels in certain circumstances. This, in turn, can also cause unnecessary tension between employees.
Turning your workplace into a welcoming, tranquil environment where everything has its place will help put your staff at ease and help to create a relaxed, positive mindset that’s conducive to good work.
How can we help?
Could your levels of office cleanliness do with a boost? At GCC Facilities Management, we deliver a range of commercial cleaning services including office cleaning in London that keep your workforce happy, healthy and more productive. For more information, please get in touch with our team today.