Office productivity is important, how can we improve it?
How can we do this?
Creating an ideal environment is essential for a healthy mindset and Productivity.
Where do I begin, help Please!
What should I look for?
What are the non negotiables?
What are the obvious ones, healthy communication, clear boundaries and staff development. Keeping things in right perspective and not leave things go unattended for very long.Another noticable thing that can go unnoticed is the work dwelling place, is it been neglected? Are staff and clients noticing and unclean professional environment?We all have our special gifts some skills not even used. As the saying goes, do what you do best and delegate the rest.Time is money and perception is that we may be saving money by doing it ourselves or by paying someone to fulfil that task or duty. Though this may be a good start in the right direction be mindful that cheap is not always the way especially in the Cleaning Industry, one of many common concerns is that you end up having to follow up and have to clean their mess or do something that was not attended.The biggest frustration is certainly having expectation not fulfilled and meet and that does not need to happen.This is why we do not need to invest in something we are not passionate or good at. This is why we should have this responsibility managed by a reliable and professional team.So the question we need to ask ourselves is are we really saving or are we actually being less productive and wasting time which equals money.Is your daily work activities starting to get disrupted by constant complaints from tenants regarding the poor level of cleaning? If you’re encountering upset tenants due to recurring cleaning problems, it may be time to start looking for another commercial cleaning company.Stability comes by having consistent operations completed, same staff and Managers overseeing Duties.All the best in your pursuit of a Better and Productive work environment!Health
“Health is wealth.” It is. A lot of you may haven’t noticed, but the body is just as important as your dreams and goals in life. The body is used to think, feel and act upon to finish a specific task. And, this is why it is important to keep a healthy body.Dirt is the number one carrier of germs – the harbinger of diseases. When you’re sick, the body automatically shuns any responsibilities that needed to be done within the day, including work. And, you already know that missing a day or two at work, are piles of deadlines waiting to be submitted.Fun fact: an office keyboard has an average of 7500 bacteria on it. If this doesn’t make you think twice, think thrice. Think of it as an investment. A clean office comes with healthy employees. And, it has been proven by research that healthier employees tend to be twice as productive compared to those who aren’t.Focus
A dirty and disorganized workplace is full of distractions. Time is wasted by looking around the dirt and by arguing in your mind whether to consider it dirty or art. From there, you start questioning his values and etiquette, that will lead to why was he even born in this world, and what is the point of our existence?See? Distractions. It is very hard to focus when our environment does not promote it.A tidy and organized workplace promotes peace of mind. When everything is appealingly clean, it sends your brain the idea that everything is fine. So, now you can get back to work. When you have focus, you get things done faster and with better quality. Now, that’s productive!Morale
Catharsis begins when you have an environment that begs for creativity, and it is not the creative mess you’re thinking. A painter starts his masterpiece in a white canvass. A writer starts writing in a blank sheet of paper. The mess comes after, and it’s not the other way around. It is in the same concept that when we are in a clean and tidy workplace, we tend to be more creative.A clean workplace is something to be proud and be happy about. When employees are more confident about their workplace, they also become more enthusiastic. This optimism is contagious which is good for other employees. Now, you have a workforce that’s fully armed and ready to get jobs done.Physical Hazards
No workplace is built through perfect architecture. Physical hazards are the most common among workplaces. It can be anything in the surrounding that harms the body with or without touching it. Examples are:- radiation
- high exposure to sunlight
- extreme temperatures (hot or cold)
- loud noises
- confined spaces
- falling debris
- liquid spills that cause trips
- unmonitored machinery
- frayed wires and improper wiring
- scattered pins
Ergonomic Hazards
This may not come as a surprise, but the way we work always takes a toll on the body. Ergonomic hazards target our musculoskeletal system that often causes strains or sprains. Examples are:- poor posture
- vibrations
- improper setup of the station (tables and chairs)
- too much heavy liftings
- too much force applied to things
- too much uncomfortable repetitive actions
Chemical Hazards
The body can only resist an amount of chemical exposure. Too much of it can lead to tissue and/or brain damage. Chemical hazards occur when workers are exposed to chemical substances such as:- cleaning products
- paints
- acids
- solvents
- pesticides
- acetylene, propane, helium and carbon monoxide
- vapors and fumes
- flammable liquids
Biological Hazards
Some plants are just not good for decoration. Biological hazards expose the workers to harm brought by animals, infectious plants, and even people. These are the often cause of allergies and irritation. These hazards are common to eco-friendly workplaces that embrace nature as part of their work and culture. Examples of biological hazards are:- animal droppings
- body fluids
- blood
- insect bites
- plants
- viruses
- bacteria
- mold/fungi
Work Organization Hazards
Organization hazards are ones that cause stress and burnouts. It demotes creativity and morale. It is commonly found during colleague interactions and work distributions. This are usually found in:- demand on workload
- demand on pace
- lack of respect
- violence
- lacks engagement
- lacks social support
- sexual harassment
Prevent the Spread of Diseases
In 2013, Canada Life UK revealed 93% of the 1000 workers surveyed would still work despite being unwell, and 76% says it’s because they think their illness is not serious enough.When your employees are sick, their cognitive functions are hampered making it hard for them to think, focus and perform at optimal levels. Sick employees are also detrimental to the team’s overall productivity because they could infect others.Prevent Accidents and Injuries
Workplace hygiene also encompasses proper cleaning, fixing and maintenance of the work environment. It is important that management takes steps to ensure that the office space is clean and conducive to productivity.Nobody wants to work in an unsafe and hazardous place. According to Initial Hygiene, 50% of worker believe that having a clean or dirty workplace affects their productivity and 40% are afraid they might get sick because of it. Furthermore, companies are liable for accidents that take place within the premises.Build Employee Loyalty and Trust
Employees become loyal to the organisation when they feel that their companies look after their welfare and needs. Enforcing good workplace hygiene is one of the most basic ways that a company can show their employees that they care about them.In a research conducted by the Center for Facilities and Research (CFaR), cleanliness becomes a distraction while a clean and orderly office creates good learning and working environments. In other words, people, in general, are motivated to perform tasks and their jobs when the environment promotes it.Enhance the Company Image
How the public perceives your company is very important. Your company’s image could attract or drive away investors. It could increase or decrease your market share. It could influence whether a job applicant would want to work for you or not.From public relations to advertisements, we do everything just to maintain the positive image of our company. Aside from these PR efforts, we must also invest in our most valuable brand ambassadors: our employees. What your employees say about you could influence how the public perceives your organisation. In one research, 70% of employees say they will hesitate to recommend an employer with “substandard” hygiene.Maintaining a clean working environment is like removing weeds to provide a better opportunity for your employees to grow and become proactive. When we are able to provide our employees this opportunity, they’re likely to take the initiative to give back.Do a Background Check
If you want to keep workplace cleanliness a top priority this year you will need to hire a team of professionals who you can depend on. Client feedback is the best way to gauge a cleaning service provider’s reputation and performance. Luckily, thanks to social media and ratings websites, information like customer reviews and testimonials are readily available at the click of a mouse. Take time to do a background check on your choice of cleaning company to see what previous customers have to say about their experience.Review their Insurance Coverage
You want a cleaning company that has comprehensive insurance coverage for their staff. This is to ensure that you will not be held liable should a cleaner become injured or hurt while cleaning up your office space. Request the service provider to give you a copy of their insurance and do your part in reviewing the terms and conditions.Check Their Services
You will be investing company resources in your cleaning service provider so you must make sure every dollar is spent in a team who can meet your business needs. Different cleaning companies have different specializations, some only provide cleaning services for small residential units like condominiums and pads while others offer services for bigger spaces like warehouses and other industrial settings.A quality cleaning company will not only provide you with with a comprehensive list of their services, from window cleaning services to complete end of tenancy clean-ups, but also open to discuss your cleaning needs in detail.Schedule an Inspection
Some cleaning service providers offer inspection upon request. This will help you make sure that the team of cleaners really understand your business needs and can manage your expectations. Call your choice of cleaning company and schedule a time for them to visit your office. Prepare a list of questions about their services, cost and other relevant details.You don’t have to look far and wide for a reliable team of cleaning experts. We at Copec Commercial Cleaning Services offers a complete range of cleaning services and maintenance solutions for commercial offices and industrial warehouses. Feel free to contact us, we would love to discuss your cleaning needs with you.- Campylobacter – people living in places with cold climates should beware of this nasty critter. Commonly found in carpets that become damp during winter, the campylobacter can cause a fatal illness known as campylobacteriosis. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever.
- Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) – Gym buffs listen up! This penicillin-resistant bacteria usually finds its way into your home from the gym or locker room via gym gear that you haven’t washed in a long time. Healthy-looking people could carry the MRSA for hours and even years. Symptoms include red bumps that become more painful and bigger, fever and rashes.
- Norovirus – Also known as the Norwalk virus, this critter can thrive in filthy carpets for four to eight weeks. What’s worse is that it can become airborne as people walk on the carpet. This virus is common in dusty and arid places like Texas, New Mexico and Arizona.
Asthma Attacks and Respiratory Issues
Your carpet at home could be aggravating your asthma attacks. The Kuopio Regional Institute of Occupational Health Study found that damp carpets significantly increase the risk of asthma attacks. Similarly, mold spores hiding in your carpet could be the main cause of your respiratory problems. Dirty carpets could give molds the dark and dank environment that they love to live in. When they become airborne, you could inhale mold spores and irritate your respiratory system.Dust Mite Allergies
Dust mites are tiny critters that cause allergies and skin irritations. These microscopic creatures feed on dead skin cells, fungi and bacteria that could be scattered all over your carpet. Although you may not see them, dust mites can cause sneezing, itchy rashes and a stuffy nose. They’re equally annoying when dead. When inhaled, the carcasses of dead dust mites can inflame the nasal passageways and cause rashes.Fungal Infection
Parasitic microorganisms like fungi could live and thrive in dirty and damp carpets. People walking all over the carpet can cause fungi and mold spores to become airborne and, when inhaled, cause respiratory problems. Aside from respiratory issues, fungi could infect your body through small cuts and wounds on your foot. This could result in skin diseases like athlete’s foot, ringworm and other nasty fungal infections.On average, people spend 90 percent of their time indoors. This makes it important for us to make sure our work spaces and home are clean and conducive for productivity and rest.If you don’t have time to regularly clean and maintain your carpets and rugs, you could hire a cleaning company that offers carpets cleaning services.Copec Commercial Cleaning Services offers a wide range of cleaning services for the home and commercial spaces. Check us online to know why we are the best carpet cleaner service provider for you.Windows allow us to get lost in our thoughts and let our minds wander. Whether it is in a fast-food restaurant or a corporate building, staring outside or merely staying beside a window takes us into a state of reflective solitude. There are a lot that of benefits from having clean windows and this is why it should be at the top of your cleaning checklist.
Overall Health and Safety
Dirt and grime can easily accumulate on your windows in no time. Dirty windows trap in common allergens that could harm employees and even potential customers that come in and out of the building. Allergens can also trigger allergies like asthma and skin rashes which is why you should keep it clean.
Similarly, damaged windows should be addressed immediately by the facility maintenance. Small cracks and broken glasses are dangerous to safety.
Failure to apply such a simple cleaning procedure could cost you more in terms of manpower, money and reputation.
Increase Property Lifespan
Each equipment and physical asset in your business has its own life span, including windows. That life span can quickly deteriorate if you don’t do proper maintenance.
Windows are quite expensive because it is bought by a set and it eats up business hours when doing the repair. If you do the math, replacing only a portion of it will definitely cost you more compared to a weekly or monthly window-cleaning budget.
Business Growth
Clean windows have two major effects that will increase the profitability of your business.
The Employees
Aside from health issues, your employees have other work-related and non-work-related problems from their day-to-day life. As they enter their offices, everything becomes about work until they’re fed up. And when they don’t turn into a person to relax, they open or turn to a window (probably with cup of coffee). They take that quick break looking out the window and gives them a momentary disconnection from the stressful work atmosphere. The simple act of looking out the window can help employees regain their strength and morale to work and make money for the business.
The Customers
Customer satisfaction is about exceptional service and attracting new customers involves creating a great first impression. A clean and maintained window gives possible customers the impression that our business is well maintained, profitable and even trustworthy.
The spotless shine glimmers inside and out as customers experience the exceptional service of enthused and motivated employees. Would you want to do business with a business in a rundown building with filthy windows?
Cleaning your windows may sound trivial but it’s benefits to the business are hard to ignore. If you’re too busy to worry about windows, hire a cleaning company that does it best.