Maintaining a clean and hygienic office space is crucial to business success and employee productivity. Office cleaning can be challenging, and businesses encounter numerous obstacles, particularly when hiring full-time office cleaners. This article will explore companies’ primary office cleaning challenges and discuss strategies to ensure a clean and conducive workspace.
Businesses with in-house cleaning staff and full-time caretakers often need help in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards in their workspace. Let's explore the most critical challenges encountered by businesses in 2024.
Finding Substitute Cleaners
When in-house cleaners take holidays or annual leave, business managers must find suitable substitutes to maintain a clean working environment. However, hiring substitute cleaners is not as straightforward as it may seem.
It involves navigating various human resources-related hurdles, such as finding qualified candidates, ensuring they are available for the required time, and addressing potential payroll or contractual issues. Maintaining a smooth operation and being aware of and prepared to handle these obstacles when managing the cleaning staff’s leave and holiday schedules is crucial.
No Cleaning Plan
Cleaning an office without a structured plan can pose a significant challenge for businesses. Cleaners must adhere to a specific cleaning plan rather than simply addressing individual areas as they become dirty.
For instance, the cleaner should start by mopping the floor, dusting the shelves, or cleaning the kitchen cupboards. Failing to follow the "clean from top to bottom" approach could make the office dirtier instead of cleaner. This structured approach ensures that the cleaning process is thorough and efficient, creating a healthier and more pleasant work environment for everyone.
Not Showing up on Time or at All
Businesses face a significant challenge in maintaining discipline among their cleaning staff. There are instances when the cleaners fail to report to work on time or do not show up. However, implementing practical solutions can overcome these challenges and ensure a clean and safe workspace.
One of the primary factors contributing to this issue is the considerable distance that cleaners often have to travel from their residences to the workplace, which results in extended commuting times. Consequently, even minor disruptions in transportation can impede their punctuality and regular attendance.
Incomplete Cleaning Job
Incomplete cleaning presents a significant challenge for businesses, which may include the following issues:
1. Dirty dishes left in the kitchen sink.
2. Neglecting to clean hidden dust in the office can lead to health hazards and a decline in the overall hygiene of the workspace.
3. The toilets need to be cleaned or sanitised.
4. Neglecting to dust computers and electronics.
This problem often arises due to the following reasons:
1. Cleaning staff being bound by office working hours.
2. Cleaning during office hours in the presence of employees makes it difficult to complete the task.
3. Inadequate training for thorough cleaning.
Poor Communication
One of the challenges business and facility managers face in an office setting is effectively communicating cleaning procedures to in-house cleaners. A cohesive plan or strategy for cleaning is crucial as it directly impacts the overall office environment. Without it, cleaners often carry out their duties without adequate supervision or oversight, leading to cleaning without a cohesive plan or strategy.
Cleaners typically address specific areas as they become dirty. Still, this reactive approach may not align with the expectations of business managers, who require a consistently high level of cleanliness throughout the day in the office environment.
Resources:
Here are additional resources to help you expand your janitorial knowledge and stay updated on new trends in facility maintenance.
Distinct Cleaning News and Media Post: Easy to read blog articles on various topics and trends in the commercial janitorial space.
Request An In-Person Appointment Use this link to request an appointment with a representative from our sales team to discuss your facility’s cleaning needs.
Janitorial Coaching Hub: The goal of the Janitorial Coaching Hub is to help cleaning business owners build, grow, and establish their cleaning companies by providing them with the tools to be successful. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to receive this valuable information in real-time.
