Following the recent pandemic, there has been a significant emphasis on cleaning and handwashing. Office cleaning, often overlooked, should remain a top priority.
The pandemic underscored the importance of maintaining cleanliness in the workplace. Although things may be settling down, the importance of office cleaning remains high.
But how do you motivate employees who have focused on cleaning and sanitizing for three years? With the media reinforcing cleaning standards during this time, employees may feel overwhelmed by additional reminders.
In this blog, we'll explore strategies to engage your employees in maintaining a clean office environment.
Keep In Contact
Regular communication with employees informs them about changing procedures, the onset of cold and flu season, and more. Establish clear expectations and remind staff how they can contribute.
Regular updates, especially during seasonal changes, help prevent illness outbreaks. It also serves as a reminder to avoid strong-smelling foods that could cause allergic reactions and to clear out old food before vacations.
Keeping employees informed about company developments encourages adherence to cleaning standards and collaboration in cleaning tasks.
Create Great Habits
Studies show it can take 66 days to form habits. Encourage this behavior at work by making cleaning supplies readily accessible. Set up cleaning stations with disinfectant wipes, microfiber cloths, and cleaning spray.
Employees can keep wipes at their desks or retrieve what they need as necessary. Establish the habit of wiping down desks, phones, and door handles at the end of the day to contribute to a cleaner workplace and reduce illness spread.
Team Inspiration
Employees are more likely to participate in cleaning if they have a designated communal space to enjoy away from their work area. Communal areas can inspire cleanliness and pride.
Consider placing comical signs in these areas to encourage cleaning in a lighthearted manner. Humorous signage can relieve tension and make cleaning feel less forced.
A Little Competition Goes A Long Way
Encourage friendly competition within the workplace. Offer weekly or monthly prizes for teams with the cleanest areas. Rewards can range from humorous gifts to substantial incentives if the budget permits. Making cleaning fun transforms it from a chore into an enjoyable activity.
Health And Safety
Ensuring the office is clean has significant health and safety benefits, a fact underscored by the recent pandemic. By preventing the spread of diseases like colds, flu, COVID-19, and stomach bugs, your employees will spend less time out of the office and more time being productive.
Healthier workplaces are happier and more productive. Increased client and staff satisfaction positively impacts your bottom line.
Lead By Example
There is nothing more inspiring to staff than seeing management lead by example. With you promoting regular cleaning, staff will naturally begin to follow suit.
Simple tasks like wiping down your desk at the end of the day or emptying the trash before it overflows can set the tone and encourage cleanliness among the team.
Conclusion
Maintaining a clean office is more critical than ever, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Although the immediate crisis may have subsided, the need for a hygienic workspace remains vital. By keeping employees informed, fostering good cleaning habits, inspiring team efforts, and injecting a bit of fun into the process, you can create a workplace where cleanliness is a shared responsibility.
Health and safety benefits are substantial, reducing the spread of illness and increasing productivity. Finally, leading by example reinforces the importance of cleanliness and motivates employees to follow suit.
By implementing these strategies, you can ensure that your office remains a clean, healthy, and productive environment for everyone.
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