How a Clean Office Influences Client Perceptions
Keeping a clean office encompasses mopping, dusting, carpet cleaning, and the general upkeep of facilities. A tidy space can leave a lasting impression on clients and prospects. Things like clean office policies, scents, and regular services can all impact what kind of impressions your business makes on people.
Benefits of a Clean Workspace
Cleanliness is a universally appreciated trait. While many business owners choose to invest the time and resources into keeping their spaces clean with in-house staff, this can be quite challenging to do, especially in busy settings. Working with a third-party cleaning company is a cost-effective and efficient way to remain focused on core business offerings without having to handle daily cleaning tasks that are often overlooked. Regardless of which route you take, a clean space will impact how others perceive your business.
Some things that influence perceptions of a business include visible debris and trash, odor, and disorderly setup. Additionally, broken equipment and furniture will also affect how professional your business appears. Here are some helpful tips and benefits for keeping a clean office space.
Perceived Professionalism
It’s no secret that professionalism is a measured quality of a business’ competence. But did you know that a clean office space can boost your perceived professionalism? Cleaner spaces will positively affect your outward impressions and can boost employee productivity in the process.
Improved Employee Morale
With a clean office environment, the company shows employees they care. There is nothing worse than having a dirty space to complete your daily work in, and by showing your employees that you care about them through thorough cleaning, you will boost productivity and morale. Letting employee spaces fall by the wayside leads to a perceived lack of care for your employees.
Attention to Detail
Another benefit to a clean workspace is the perceived attention to detail. A meticulous cleaning schedule will allow your accomplishments and services to shine. A dirty, unhygienic space will distract from these aspects that are the heart of your business. When hosting prospects and current clients, pay attention to the details of your cleaning to allow them space to relax.
Show Off Organizational Skills
How does cleaning fit into perceived organizational capabilities? It shows your ability to prioritize and delegate. A strong cleaning schedule and an organized team will tell clients you are on top of things, and running an efficient and steady operation. With the right solution for your clean office, you can show clients what kind of business you run.
What to Include in a Clean Office Policy
Clean workspaces go further than just taking out the trash. It is usually a comprehensive plan that encompasses all aspects of your business. Here are some things to pay attention to when creating an office cleaning plan:
- High-traffic area cleaning: The lobby, shared common areas, and restrooms are all areas that require in-depth, deep cleaning more regularly. Carpet cleaning and disinfecting will ensure dust, dirt, and germs are not spread throughout the building.
- Window cleaning: Windows very easily show dust, dirt, and smudging. They are also typically one of the first sights on a building and are sometimes visible from the street. A thorough cleaning to keep them free of unsightly marks will look refreshing and tidy.
- Nooks and crannies: It’s important to perform regular dusting in tight areas that often go overlooked. In the blades of fans, AC units, and baseboards. Keeping bugs out of ceiling lights is also an indicator of a clean space.
- Floor care: Does your facility have carpet? Keeping the carpet clean can require a range of effort depending on what kind it is. Employ a plan to ensure your carpets are stain-free, and any hard floors are shiny and smooth as well.
- Equipment updates: Keeping your furniture in good condition and updating it as your business grows, can greatly increase your company’s perceived functionality. Older equipment that is broken takes up space and can be an eyesore. Dispose of outdated equipment and furniture for a sleek, clean environment for prospects.
Services to Ensure a Clean Work Environment
Just as you can outsource your IT and customer service, you can outsource your regular cleaning. Whether employing an in-house team to tackle day-to-day work or hiring a third party to take on larger projects, there is much to gain from outsourcing.
In-House Janitorial and Housekeeping
Many companies choose to hire a team of custodians to help keep up with office space. An in-house team will come with the benefit of having someone on call if an immediate service is needed for a space. The ability to monitor daily activity on the premises and clean high-traffic areas throughout the facility is also a plus. However, some companies decide not to go through the process of hiring and onboarding in-house workers in addition to payroll expenses for new employees.
Outsourcing Facility Services
A good facilities company will be able to handle almost any job that arises in a day, large or small. Since workers can be contracted for a variety of services, you may have more specialization from task to task. Additionally, the cost savings from contracted work to paying an in-house employee may be enough to persuade a business to invest in a third party. Pricing is competitive between facility service companies as well, giving you the biggest bang for your buck.
Some of the most common contracted services aside from project work are day porters and janitorial services. Janitorial and custodial services are typically an addition to an in-house team, while day porters take on creating a clean environment all on their own.
Are you interested in learning more about day porters and janitorial services? Read this article for a deep dive into the differences and benefits of both.
Sensory Cleaning Factors to Consider
Some developments to consider when thinking about how your cleaning can affect employees and clients are color and scent. These choices can greatly impact your client’s perceptions beyond your offered services and just cleaning.
Scent Marketing
Simple scents are proven to be more effective in evoking a sense of relaxation and positivity or happiness. Citrus, rose, and mint are particularly invigorating options to choose from for scenting your space. Lavender and cinnamon options tend to be more relaxing. If you are a fan of lighting candles after cleaning your space, consider the science of scent in your clean office policy.
Color Choices
Certain colors can also make clients feel more at ease. When renewing your space and updating equipment, you may opt for a color scheme that makes clients feel at ease. Blue and green invoke a sense of creativity and calmness. Clean spaces that incorporate white color schemes can help a space look cleaner if properly maintained.
Invest in a Clean Office Space With Brenner Facility Services
With everything you worry about in a day, don’t let a clean space fall by the wayside. Take initiative in your office space and partner with Brenner Facility Services for an effortless cleaning experience. From carpet cleaning to day porter services, your space will sparkle, leaving a lasting impression on clients. Contact Brenner Facility Services to see how we can help.