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Professional Commercial Cleaning

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A messy room is often equated with laziness, and a lot of people often mistake productivity to a mess. They’re not totally wrong, but they’re not totally right either.A lot of workers who love their job and have no problem in management, no problems at home and no problem with the pay have the tendency to be demotivated from time to time. Why is that?How about your workplace? Is it clean? Does the atmosphere promote room for creativity?Having a clean office has an effect on how the employees mind process and how he/she feel about work. Thus, it is important that companies attend to this because of the following reasons:

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.

Hazards are found everywhere in our daily lives. Being in the office may shelter you from the dangers of the outside world, but it does totally protect you from harm. Hazards are common among workplaces. The rate of peril may vary depending on the type of business you’re in to. Construction workers are mostly exposed to hazards that are material and equipment related while zookeepers are at risk of catching animal/plant related diseases. Hence, it is important that we keep an eye on the different types of hazards that can be found in workplaces.

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
Hazards contribute to the demotivation and productivity of workers. A messy floor, dysfunctional air-conditioning, and uncomfortable station make it hard for workers to concentrate on their job. They tend to spend more time thinking what to do to get comfortable and feel safe rather than doing the next project in line. That is why it’s important that the company invests in a housekeeping and maintenance team.In the end, while workers themselves have a say in how much hazard they can be exposed to, it is also the company’s job to reduce the risk as much as possible. Together with proper maintenance and workers’ cooperation, the risk of an encounter is likely to be reduced.And also, remember to clean every after work sessions. Personal hygiene also contributes to making the workplace a better avenue for thinking, collaborating and getting things done.

Are your employees often sick?Disease transmission happens a lot in shared areas like food courts, bus stations and in public parks. It could also occur in one of the places that people spend the most time in their office.Offices especially when not properly maintained is a good avenue for germs and bacteria to spread. It takes just one sick person with a contagious disease to contaminate the whole office. An unhygienic workplace increases risks and dangers that could harm not only your workers but also your overall business.Here are some reasons why you need to take hygiene in the workplace seriously:

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.

The new year has just rolled in, the perfect time to evaluate your business’ progress and find ways to improve performance. Your employees’ health, engagement and morale could be areas that need improvement and investing in a professional cleaning service provider that can help you maintain a clean and orderly workplace could be one of the best strategies to address this.A clean office space has been known to improve productivity. A study that investigated the relationship of cleanliness and learning in higher education found that 88 percent of the 1,481 participants had trouble concentrating, learning and being productive in unclean places. Clutter, unpleasant smells and other sensory distractions negatively affected focus.Additionally, having a safe and tidy office space could save your company thousands of dollars. Research by accountancy firm PwC found that sick days cost employers up to £29 billion annually.Make sure your company is in tip top condition this new year. Follow these 4 steps to find the best cleaning company for your business or commercial space:

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.

What is one household item you should keep at the top of your cleaning checklist? Carpets. Sure your moroccan rug looks exquisite on the living room floor but if you’re not careful, it could become home to a host of icky residents including mold, mildew, fungi and even small pests like dust mites.Dirty carpets are known to hold up to 8 times their weight in bacteria and dirt. If you don’t clean your carpets regularly or don’t hire a cleaning company to do it for you, you could be inviting these three yucky critters to live and thrive in your home:
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
If you still aren’t scared. Here are 3 health problems that should convince you to keep your carpets and rugs a top priority in your cleaning checklist:

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.

The creative process is not always associated with a clean, spic and span desk. The artistic output like the oil painting or the 700-paged novel may not be messy but the process that produced it most likely involved lots of mess. Even though mess is inevitable, it is still advisable to work in a tidy environment. Here are the reasons why:Less distraction If you think you can keep your focus when you see yesterday’s granola bar and potato chip wrappers in your desk that you forgot to throw, you’re not. Chances are you’ll end up thinking if you should clean or not, and if you do when? The garbage can is a few meters away, do you do it now or not? Having less distractions in your work space gives you more time to focus on what needs to be done.Freedom As a creative thinker and doer, you would definitely want to jumpstart your work in an environment that is conducive to creativity. You will want to be able to take a break if you feel like you’ve been staring at a blank canvas or blank page for too long. This makes it important to have a clutter-free workspace.Fresh mindset You just arrived in the office and you walk towards your desk. Would you want it clean or dirty? If you want to be productive then you’ll definitely want to tidy up. It turns out, according to a study done by the Minnesota Department of Health (MHD) in 2008, exposure to dirt or dust affects employees typing skills, logical reasoning, memory and creative thinking at about 2-6%.Better reputation In a study conducted by the famous Dr. Albert Mehrabian, author of Silent Messages, he found out that in communicating 7% is conveyed through words, 38% is in the tone and 55% is through the non-verbal cues or what people see. The cleanliness of your desk will affect people’s’ impression of you. And these impression affects your morale to deliver a high quality of service to customers.So if you want to stay creative, productive and focused, here are some effective tips you can do:1. Keep the important ones close Strategically, the first thing you need to do is to rate the things on your desk by importance. In that way the things that you often use are easy to access and the not-so-often used items can be safely stored away.2. Take advantage of stacked in/out trays Trays allow you to organise things like envelopes, papers or magazines in a single file. Putting them in category will save you a lot of time and stress in the long run.3. Get rid of the unnecessary clutter/things Being sentimental to a can of soda given by a co-worker isn’t going to help. Learn to keep the things that you foresee using within 6 months, and let go of the things you haven’t used for the last 6 months. The goal is to keep less things to make way for new.4. Always keep a trashcan within one meterIf you are too focused on work to go regularly head to the trash bin out at the hallway, why not get one near your desk. Put it within reach and make it a habit to throw your garbage right away.5. Clean before you leave Cleaning your desk before you leave your office is the same as setting your mood for the day. Don’t leave wrappers and papers lying around when you leave. A clean, organised desk is a great sight to see first thing in the morning.

As kids we were taught that what we learn from home we carry outside the world. As we grow, our time spent at home decreases as our work loud increases. With your mind too focused on work and having a clean work environment to encourage productivity, how are you doing with your house?NSF International conducted a study that visited 22 homes, swabbed 30 different surfaces that resulted to a total of 660 tests to discover the dirtiest surfaces in the in the house. They determined the possible existence of yeast, molds, coliform bacteria, and staph germs in every household items, and the following are the results.Cutting boards Coliform Bacteria: 18% (of the same tested material)Molds and yeast: 14%The cutting board is used to almost different foods that is cooked in the house, and bits and odors can remain. The trick to maintain a clean cutting board is to always wash it with hot water soap after use.Stove knobs Coliform Bacteria: 14%Molds and yeast: 27%As often neglected, stove knobs also have the power to harbour bacteria and yeast. You best remove the knob from the stove, and wash it with soap and hot water.Kitchen counters Coliform Bacteria: 32%Molds: 18%Everything that is edible is prepared in the kitchen counter. Clean as the kitchen counter as often as you use it. Rinse the top with a mixture of bleach and water to keep bacteria from growing in the surface.Toys of pet Coliform Bacteria: 14%Molds and yeast: 55%Staph: 23Recycling that toy forever without cleaning it does not only put your pet at risk but also yourself. Use a scrub and bleach for hard toys. Throw in the stuffed ones in the laundry.Faucets Coliform Bacteria: 27%Staph: 5%If you think public faucets are the only ones dirty, think again. Use a disinfectant spray or wipes everyday to keep the bacteria from spreading.Coffee makers Coliform Bacteria: 50%Molds and yeast: 9%Microorganism thrive in dark and damp reservoirs of the coffee maker. Aside from the manual, pouring for cups of vinegar and letting it sit for 30 mins is a good technique to sanitise the reservoir. Rinse it until the smell is gone.Pet food trays Coliform bacteria: 18%Mold and yeast: 45%To prevent molds and yeast from growing in your pet’s bowl, wash it daily. Apply a diluted bleach solution if you’re not using the dishwasher.Kitchen sink Coliform bacteria: 45%Molds: 27%You get the picture that almost every utensil just piles up there. Clean it twice a week with a strong bleach solution. Don’t forget to rinse afterwards.Toothbrush holders Coliform bacteria: 27%Molds and yeast: 64%Staph: 14%Notice the high level of molds and yeast? It’s likely because holder located near the toilet are easily exposed to fecal-containing aerosols that occur when flushing. Clean it twice a month with hot water and soap.Dish sponges and rags Coliform bacteria: 77%Molds and yeast: 86%Staph bacteria: 18%Winning “the dirtiest of all” is the sponge. Because of it’s title, scientists advice to microwave it for 2 minutes per day, and to be replaced in every 2 weeks. Rags must be washed every other day with a hot washing cycle.