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Keep your Office Clean and Employees Healthy

November 28, 2013

A clean office isn’t just about first impressions.  On average, each of us spends about 8 hours a day in our office and some of us more.  A clean, well-maintained office is free of allergens, germs, and other factors that can cause illness or workplace distraction.  Indeed, there are many good reasons to keep a clean office from impressing a new client to improving worker productivity.

So let’s take a moment to talk about first impressions.  When you enter a home that is disorganized, poorly maintained, or even dirty, what are your initial thoughts?  You probably think the homeowner cares little for their health and well-being, and you may even judge them as lazy and unproductive.  Do you honestly think a dirty office doesn’t convey the same image?  Whether you are seeing clients or greeting a VIP in your office, the space needs to be clear of piled documents, scuffed floors, and dirty windows.  If your office looks a mess, you can be sure executives and potential clients alike will judge you harshly.  Your office space ultimately represents the pride you take in your job, even if you never consider that fact.  Most importantly, first impressions sometimes cannot be overcome, which is an even more important reason to keep your office clean.

In addition to impressions, a clean office promotes productivity and employee health.  In fact, unsanitary and disorganized offices can have a direct impact on worker health.  Germs are spread easily between people, and shared office equipment can help to ensure that illness spreads quickly and indiscriminately.  Desks, computers, keyboards, and telephones should be wiped down regularly to prevent the spread of infectious disease.  Moreover, individuals with compromised immune systems or those suffering from conditions such as asthma will benefit greatly from working in a hygienic office space.  Likewise, piled boxes, misplaced office furniture, and other signs of an untidy workplace can even pose a physical threat to your employees in the form of trip hazards.  So, a dirty office can also be a risk with respect to litigation associated with employee injury.

Even if you are aware of the threat of infection and take steps to maintain sanitary working conditions, a disorganized office can also have a negative impact on worker morale and productivity.  The best and most efficient offices are highly organized and free of clutter.  Multiple studies have shown that employees are happier and work harder when their office environment is clean and orderly.  This is because workers can focus their energy on the most important tasks at hand rather than wasting time managing a messy desk.

As you can clearly see, a clean, organized office not only promotes a positive image for your company, but it also limits workplace illness and injury with the side benefit of improving worker efficiency.