Most companies employ cleaning services to maintain levels of hygiene and ensure their office space  is kept clean and presentable, while encouraging their employees to keep their desks and communal areas neat and tidy. But why is it so important to maintain a spotless office? Many companies actually underestimate just how necessary it is to maintain a clean and tidy office space, choosing only to pay for a cleaning service to keep carpets clean and dirt and grime to a minimum, but there's more to it than simply creating a space that's pleasing to the eye.

If you want to create a professional environment in which your employees can feel valued and that can exert a positive influence on your business associates and potential clients, you should start by keeping it clean. A business’ reputation can be ruined or at least a little marred by the appearance of their office, as an office tends to reflect the attitude and work ethic of the company itself. If the office is left untidy and dirty, any visitor would be under the impression that the company is unorganised and lazy. If you want to make a good impression and encourage both employees and potential clients or partners to return, then you’ll need to ensure your office always looks presentable. An untidy office can seriously damage a company’s credibility.

Unwashed dishes, dirty desks, muddy floors and dusty shelves can all be harmful to anybody who uses the office, spreading bacteria and germs and even attracting vermin. If your cleaner only comes once a week it will be up to you to ensure your employees are doing their bit to keep the office clean and free from piled up plates and grimy desks. Providing them with cleaning utensils, bins and anything else they might need to clean up after themselves will help to encourage them to make the effort. Avoid turning your office into a health and safety disaster – obstacles left in doorways and bins left overflowing can be hazardous to your health, can cause accidents or even attract pests, so consider putting up health and safety warnings for your employees or simply highlight where you keep the cleaning products.

It’s very difficult to work when you are surrounded by clutter, as your mind tends to wander and you begin to worry about the mess around you. An untidy office can also make employees feel quite uncomfortable and cause them to struggle to focus. In some cases, it can put employees off coming into the office altogether. If you want to keep your employees motivated and ensure they remain productive you will need to create a clean, comfortable and inspirational work environment for them to use. Before you can begin to think about improving your office layout to encourage innovation, you’ll need to make sure it is at the very least clean and tidy and that your employees are happy with their workplace. You’d be surprised by how many employees dread coming to work or avoid eating in their break rooms because of poor cleanliness and hygiene

If you want to create a clean and tidy environment that your employees are happy to work in and that your business associates will be impressed with, start sourcing the products and facilities you need today. Our Staples Advantage catalogue is packed with a wide range of office facilities that will help you achieve the office you desire.

July 18th 2014 | Back to Industry Insights