“A clean desk is a sign of a cluttered desk drawer” may be a humorous adage, but research suggests a cleaner workspace could lead to a healthier bottom line for your business.
A study of cleanliness and productivity in non-profit organizations in the Netherlands found a significant correlation between a tidy office and perceived employee productivity.
If “boosting morale” and “raising productivity” are buzzwords that have always eluded you when it comes to keeping workspaces clean, we’ve got you covered with 10 simple cleaning rules that can *possibly* make employees, happier, more satisfied, and productive.
1. Keep your desk clear of clutter at the end of each day
Take 5-10 minutes at the end of each day to file away papers, put away office supplies, and remove personal items from the desk.
2. Manage cables and cords neatly to prevent tripping hazards
Use cable ties or clips to bundle cords together. Keep them together using adhesive hooks or cable sleeves. You can even invest in a cable management box to neatly organize and hide unsightly power strips and chargers.
3. Regularly disinfect your phone, keyboard, and high-touch surfaces
Use an all-purpose, EPA-approved disinfectant spray and a microfiber cloth to properly disinfect high-touch items like your keyboard, mouse, plastic folders, and other frequently touched surfaces. Disinfectant wipes also work.
4. Clean up after yourself in the break room
You’re not the king of the break room. Just because the office has a janitorial cleaning company come in once a week or so, it’s okay to leave the cleaning of break rooms to them.
Do your part by washing your dishes promptly, wiping counters after use, and throwing away food scraps or wrappers in the trash bin.
5. Do not let dust accumulate in your work area
Have a microfiber dust or cloth reader to dust your desk, computer, shelves, and other surfaces in your work area. Items like keyboards and computer monitors tend to gather dust quickly. If you can, invest in a compressed air can to remove dust from electronic devices.
6. Push in your chair when not in use
Unless your office has inexplicably forgone chairs for strictly standing desks (labor laws, anyone?), tucking in your seat, whether in your personal workspace or when cleaning a conference room is a simple courtesy that can have a surprisingly positive impact.
A neat row of tucked-in chairs instantly creates a sense of order and professionalism.
Plus, it makes it easier for the cleaning crew to vacuum or sweep the floor without tripping over stray chair legs.
7. Throw away or recycle expired food from the fridge
Remember that half-eaten takeout you swore you’d bring home last Thursday? No? Is it now growing a science project in the back of the fridge?
Been there, done that. But a neglected fridge is more than just an eyesore — it’s a breeding ground for bacteria and a source of office-wide disgust (and maybe a few mysterious illnesses).
Keep the fridge fresh by emptying out the spoiled contents of your containers, chucking away anything past its prime to the bin — and if you want to go a step further, wipe down the fridge handle with disinfectant wipes).
Key takeaway
Cleaning might not be part of your official job description, but a little personal effort contributes to collective change. Creating a more pleasant and productive workspace for everyone is totally possible with these simple cleaning rules.
Hey, managers and admins, we’re looking at you too! Leading by example is key. Don’t just rely on those “Your Mother Doesn’t Work Here” memes—roll up your sleeves and show your team how it’s done.
You might be surprised at how a little collective effort can transform your office into a productive powerhouse (and maybe even score you some brownie points with the boss).