In many working environments, there is what is termed the “breakroom.” As many jobs allow an only one-half hour for lunch and ten to fifteen minutes for a break, there isn’t time to go anywhere away from the job site to relax and have a bite to eat. People are not machines, and an eight-hour day requires some downtime and nourishment as well. Fortunately, many employers are sympathetic to their workers’ needs and provide a separate room where breaks and lunch can be taken. Often these rooms are nicely furnished with a table and comfortable chairs. There can also be counter space, a sink, coffee pot, microwave, and small fridge. Disposable flatware, straws, napkins, and disposable cups are sometimes provided as well. Usually, workers bring a favorite coffee mug with their name on it and leave it in the breakroom for daily use. All of this is very nice, but who will keep the breakroom clean and sanitized. In most work situations, cleaning and sanitizing are left up to the workers. Professional cleaners may do the floors, but workers must plan and organize to do the rest. Here are some tips to help keep the office breakroom clean and sanitize.:
- If there is an office manager, he or she will usually be in charge of seeing the break room is ready for daily use. If not, check around the office staff and see if someone would enjoy taking charge. Some folks like to be the ones to oversee a project.
- Whoever is in charge needs to make a list of daily chores that need doing. These chores could include wiping all counters and table space with a sanitizing solution. (Sanitizing has become very important since the advent of COVID 19) , check for debris on the floor and tables, empty the garbage container, check the fridge for spoiled food, make sure the coffee pot is clean and ready for use, wipe out the microwave, and clean the sink if there is one. Sometimes there is a water cooler that needs to be checked to see if more water is needed.
- Depending on the number of workers who will be using the room will determine how the list will be broken up into daily assignments. Often people have jobs they prefer, but it, not the person in charge who will assign tasks.
- Give each worker a detailed breakdown on jobs needing doing and what each worker’s responsibility will be.
- Create a sign-off sheet where each worker, when finished with their task, will sign and date.
- Have a closet or corner area where all tools such as a broom, clean rags, cleaning solutions, and paper towels are kept. Make sure the cleaning supplies are kept ready for daily use. The manager should be responsible for this requirement.
- Encourage each other with compliments about how nice and clean the breakroom is and how much the room is enjoyed and appreciated.
- At least once a month, have a mini party where special treats are brought in for all to enjoy.
Having a breakroom is a helpful gesture for an employer. Keeping the room clean and sanitized makes its use enjoyable for the workers and shows the employer appreciation for their thoughtfulness. An attitude of enjoyment and appreciation with all working together to keep it that way will, in the end, make for a better, more productive workplace.
