Some offices are cleaned by a professional cleaning service, and some are cleaned by those who work in the office. In either case, it will be necessary to provide in-office cleaning to some degree. The daily keeping of neat desktops and disposing of unnecessary items such as papers, broken pencils, and junk mail should be up to each individual. At the same time, large areas, work surfaces, restrooms, and breakrooms, will need to be done by professionals or workers assigned those tasks. No matter how the job of keeping an office clean is handled, it will be important to have a cleaning schedule and implement it correctly.
Making a cleaning schedule should be done by someone in a supervisory capacity. The schedule should be detailed for each job expected to be done. The details should be specific about how the job is done, what cleaning tools and materials will be used, and how often the job should be accomplished. If several areas are to be cleaned, such as workspaces, office equipment areas, reception area, restrooms, and breakroom, each area will need its own schedule. The schedule should be written in large print and posted in each area where it will be easy to see. There should be a dated check box next to each task which the person assigned to the task should initial and date when the task is completed. Cleaning supplies and equipment need to be kept in an easy-to-reach area, and it is most helpful if there is water close by. Cleaning supplies and equipment must be in good repair and cleaning solutions available in sufficient amounts.
Once the cleaning schedule is complete, the supervisor should hold a meeting of all the office workers expected to help with the cleaning. The schedule will be discussed in detail. Cleaning supplies and equipment will be explained and demonstrated. There needs to be plenty of time for questions and answers. As all the workers will be adults, it is important to relay the message that everyone will be helping, and everyone will benefit from having a clean and sanitary office. No one should be made to feel that cleaning is a degrading expectation, and all should be asked to participate. The supervisor can point out the benefits of a clean office and express the appreciation of management for everyone’s help.
Cleaning the office can sometimes be a bone of contention for workers, especially if this responsibility was not included in their job description. Some companies give a bonus for cleaning help, particularly when the job becomes necessary after a person was hired. With the advent of COVID, many companies feel the need for increased cleaning during the day in addition to the nightly professional cleaning service. Handling this need can be taken care of using the suggestions above. Clean and sanitary offices are appreciated by workers and will, in fact, increase the productivity of workers and lessen the number of sick days.
