Businesses can often overlook the importance of keeping a clean office space. With accounting, HR obligations and client targets to be met, it can be easy to forget to maintain a clean and tidy workspace.

There are obvious reasons as to why an office should be kept clean as appearances and impressions are crucial. However, few are aware that a clean office environment promotes a more productive workforce. Contract cleaning is essential to ensure the highest levels of productivity within the workforce while maintaining a superior company reputation, not just for clients, but to also attract the best talent for future open roles.

But exactly why does having a clean workplace increase productivity in the office? We look at the top ten reasons below.

1. Reduces Sick Days

Staff can’t be productive if they have fallen ill and are unable to be in the office. Unfortunately, it can be common for bugs and viruses to spread like wildfire if proper action is not taken to prevent this.

Contract cleaners have expert knowledge that most staff do not possess, meaning then take extra care all year round to sterilize all commonly touched areas in the office, including light switches, door handles and desks.

By killing bacteria as quickly as possible, it reduces the risk of colleagues getting sick and having to take time off which minimises infection rates.

2. Keeps Equipment Running

Work tools of all varieties will eventually break down and need repairing or replacing. Waiting for these problems to be rectified can cause delays in tasks.

However, contract cleaning can increase the lifespan of these items and in some cases, stop them from breaking down altogether.

For example, desktop computers are notorious for collecting dust over the years, which can clog machinery, cause overheating and even full breakdown.

By having high-quality cleaners in the office who regularly remove dust particles, this can reduce the amount of dust entering computers.

3. Increases Concentration

General clutter, dirt and grime and have a detrimental impact on the human brain. A cluttered workplace can lead to a cluttered mind.

Too many items causing stimuli and distracting from the task at hand can lead to reduced concentration and productivity.

Cognitive tasks can increase by up to 90% when there is clean air in the office. While opening windows and doors can help towards this, the biggest changes are ensuring dust and dirt are removed and cleaning chemicals are properly disposed of and rinsed away after cleaning, something all contract cleaners have expert knowledge of.

4. Increases Employee Retention

Staff will hand on their notice for many reasons and if any of those reasons can be easily rectified, then these resignations will reduce.

No one wants to dread Monday mornings simply due to the cleanliness levels of their office. A dirty washroom can have a huge impact on daily life and leave employees recoiling at the thought of going to work.

Not only does this lead to the loss of staff, but can become incredibly costly with onboarding fees and training.

5. No More Searching

Time wasted looking for documents, equipment and tools can quickly add up if staff are constantly struggling to locate what they need to be able to properly work.

An unorganised office can lead to chaos and precious man-hours lost.

6. Lessen Injuries

Slips, trips and falls in the workplace can lead to elongated periods of absence from employees, which results in lost revenue and time.

Contract cleaners can ensure that hallways, staircases and fire escapes are always kept clear. Spillages can be quickly cleaned up and by following strict he?? or eradicated.

7. Lower Stress Levels

Stress can have a massive impact on productivity which can lead to a vicious cycle of missed deadlines, more work which results in even higher stress levels.

These stress levels are commonly increased if a work environment is not clean, even the most laid-back employee can show signs of anxiety when presented with filthy working environments.

Keep those stress levels down by providing a clean space to work in.

8. Boosts Morale

Team morale is one of the most important elements of maintaining a positive work culture. The more positive the culture, the more productive teams are and have more of a drive to produce better results.

Keeping a clean working environment helps to boost morale by helping staff show pride in where they work.

9. Improves Individuals Moods

Most employees know how to separate their work and home life and this includes any events that may have dampened their spirits.

However, this can be difficult if they are having a hard time in their personal life, to then have to spend at least 8 hours a day in an unkept work environment.

Very few people are able to be productive when they are in a bad mood. Ensuring anything that can be detrimental to a happy disposition is removed can really increase productivity levels.

Help lift spirits for those who are struggling in their personal life by providing a clean haven for them when they come to work.

10. Remove The Hassle On Staff Members

Without a designated contract cleaning team to maintain the office, the task can quickly fall on individuals who are meant to be focussed elsewhere.

Staff don’t want to end their busy working days with extra time having to clean up after themselves, most will want to rush home to spend time with friends and family.

This means cleaning time will often eat into normal contract hours, potentially leaving tasks unfinished and targets not met.

It is almost inevitable that some staff members will pull their weight more than others when it comes to cleaning. This can lead to hostility towards others can create a negative work environment, which will also lead to lost productivity.

This is why contract cleaning can be a simple but incredibly effective way to increase productivity in the office. Don’t let work suffer from something that can be so easily rectified.

HR Future Staff Writer, UK.