Keeping Your Office Clean

September 3, 2013

There are many good reasons to keep your office clean. One of the most basic and easily understood reasons is hygiene. In order to prevent the spread of germs – either from your hands onto office equipment or from equipment onto your hands – your desk and workspace should be sanitized regularly. In addition, a tidy office is also important for workplace productivity. Countless studies have shown that individuals who work in a clean, well-kept office are much more effective in their job than those who work in a cluttered or disorganized office. The following tips will help you keep your office clean so you can stay healthy and reach your optimal performance.

Develop Habits

When it comes to keeping your office free of clutter, stacks of paper, and other signs of disorganization, it’s important to develop good cleaning habits. We all know how easy it is to get lazy and allow less critical tasks to be overlooked, especially during times when we are stressed and busy. A simple reminder on your desk or in your calendar to take 15 minutes every day to clean your desk and office will help you develop the habits that keep your workspace tidy and functional. Eventually, you’ll clean out of habit and you won’t need the reminders anymore.

Expand your Habits

Not only should you tidy files and stacks of paper from your desk, but you should make a plan to sanitize your desk at least once a week. After you have cleared your desk of clutter, you should use a cloth and spray cleaner to wipe clean all office equipment on your desk including your computer, telephone, monitor, and keyboard. This will keep your desk free of germs and dust so that you actually stay healthier.

Your Desk is Not a Lunchroom

It may seem difficult, but you should always try to avoid eating at your desk. Not only does eating create a mess (turn your keyboard upside down to see how many crumbs are in there), but eating at your desk prevents you from taking a break from work. So, when it comes to lunch or break time, take your food to the cafeteria, park, or anywhere but your desk.

Remove Trash

You need to be sure that trash and recycling is removed from your office regularly. If you do not have office cleaning staff to do this, then you should make sure to empty your waste basket regularly. Garbage often provides the perfect environment for bacteria to grow which exposes you to unnecessary germs while also creating an unpleasant odor. You should therefore remove garbage regularly and make sure to wipe down your trash bins at least once a week.

Clean the Floor

Regularly vacuuming your floors removes dust and germs and may even improve air quality in your office. If your floors are not carpeted, you should sweep and mop them once a week. Taking the time to clean your floors is an important step in maintaining a clean office.
Remember, your clean office not only protects you from unnecessary illness while improving your productivity, it also creates a positive first impression for coworkers, management, and clients.