Winter is typically the season we associate with poor health. The cold weather can exacerbate some conditions and the use of heating indoors makes a breeding ground for germs. We have also learned the hard way that Coronavirus thrives in the cold weather, causing problems for employers in terms of staffing levels and protecting others from catching the virus. Whilst it is stating the obvious to say that a cleaner workplace is a happier and healthier one, it can be worth taking a few minutes to remind yourself how office cleaning services can support your business and keep your employees healthy this winter.
Maintaining hygiene levels
We’ve all seen the stats on how a keyboard and mouse can have more germs than a toilet seat, but how much does it actually sink in? Multiply that one keyboard and mouse by the number of people in your office and combine it with the number of times the other popular touch points are handled every day and you can easily see why germs thrive in this environment.
Office cleaning companies train their teams in efficient cleaning techniques and how to avoid cross contamination, so they can support businesses in keeping their workplaces hygienic. Desks, photocopiers, water coolers, door handles and soap dispensers are all prime examples of popular touch points that need regular disinfecting to help keep the germs at bay.
In order for office cleaning personnel to do their jobs properly, it is easier if desks are kept tidy. That’s why many businesses enforce a tidy desk policy, where employees must put everything away at the end of the day to enable cleaning teams to do a thorough job.
Keeping bathrooms clean and pleasant to use
It doesn’t matter how many signs you put up on the office walls to remind employees to wash their hands, if your washroom facilities are dirty and unappealing, people won’t go out of their way to use them. Office cleaning services prioritise the cleanliness of washrooms as these are the areas where germs can linger, so they need a little extra attention. By keeping your shared bathroom areas clean and appealing you can help encourage regular hand washing to reduce the spread of germs.
Creating a safer working environment
In the cold weather, ice, snow, mud and debris can be easily walked into the workplace on the bottom of people’s shoes. If left to build up day after day this can lead to slippery floors and trip hazards indoors. Regular office cleaning helps to minimise these risks, by keeping areas of high footfall clean and clear.
It’s true that the pandemic has changed the way we all think about cleanliness and some may still feel apprehensive about working in an office environment, particularly if they are hot desking. This is a popular practice for businesses that operate on a hybrid working model as it makes sense to have shared desks when employees only spend a few days a week or month in the office.
Find out more about office cleaning services
Whatever your requirements in terms of working practice and how often you need to have your premises cleaned it is worth considering office cleaning services to help you get the job done properly. Keeping your workplace clean and hygienic will not only help prevent the spread of germs but minimise staff illness, reduce sick days and therefore help improve overall productivity and wellbeing. What business would say no to this?
You don’t have to wait until winter to enjoy the benefits of regular office cleaning, so whatever the season, if it feels like the right time to hire the experts, visit the MCS website to find more support, information and office cleaning services in your area.