Business is competitive, whichever sector you’re in. While companies are always looking for ways to gain an edge, one area which is really important but often overlooked is workplace cleanliness. Hiring a professional cleaning contractor might seem like a run-of-the-mill decision, but the actual presence of a cleaning service can have far more positive effects on your business than you realise – influencing productivity to public perception, and everything in between.
First Impressions
When you have visitors at your business, whether they are clients, customers or prospective employees, they form an immediate opinion about your premises. Cleanliness plays a huge part of that first impression. Dirty floors and carpets, grimy surfaces and windows, and unclean toilet facilities will immediately tell visitors that your business has no attention to detail, or even worse, that it doesn’t care. Conversely, a clean, fresh smelling environment gives the impression of professionalism; a business that cares and is reliable.
A Cleaning Contractor is hired to maintain your space to a consistently high standard which projects confidence in your brand and can secure customer trust and loyalty. In certain sectors such as hospitality, healthcare, or retail, a clean workplace could be the difference between a sale and a lost opportunity.
Boosting Employee Morale and Productivity
A clean workspace needs to be more than pleasing to the eye – it should contribute to employee wellbeing. Studies have shown that clean and organised environments reduce stress, improve concentration, and boost morale, and when employees feel that their workplace is cared for, they are more likely to take pride in their work and the organisation.
An unclean workplace really is not in your business’ best interests – it can lead to sick days and absenteeism. Hard surfaces, kitchen worktops, and bathroom sinks can all be breeding grounds for germs if they’re not properly cleaned and sanitised. A professional cleaning service will implement cleaning practices that can reduce the spread of illness and help maintain a healthy workforce which in turn will enhance productivity.
Time and Cost
Some businesses delegate cleaning tasks to in-house staff or ask employees to ‘pitch in’. This might seem a savvy move as it sounds like it will save money, but it can become a costly mistake in the long run. It takes employees’ focus away from their key responsibilities, which reduces overall efficiency, and most non-professionals don’t have the training or tools to carry out thorough cleaning to a commercial standard.
A professional contractor brings in trained professionals, professional grade cleaning supplies and industrial grade equipment to get cleaning tasks completed efficiently and effectively. They will create a schedule to suit your business, whether early mornings or late evenings, or sometimes overnight. The long term savings in time and productivity over time usually outweigh the upfront costs.
Health and Safety Standards
Health and Safety compliance is a legal requirement for all businesses. Cleanliness is an important part of those standards, especially in industries where food is prepared, healthcare and manufacturing. Inspections often include hygiene checks and failing these can result in fines, loss of licenses, and damage to your reputation.
A professional cleaning contractor will know all about the requirements for compliance and will make sure you meet all safety regulations. They are up to date with evolving legislation, giving you peace of mind and protecting your business from potential liability.
Environmental Responsibility
Most businesses are increasingly concerned about their impact on the environment and want to show a commitment to sustainability. Many cleaning contractors offer eco-friendly cleaning solutions, using biodegradable products and reducing water waste. By hiring a contractor that has ‘green’ values your business can do its bit for the planet.
Green cleaning also reduces exposure to harsh chemicals, making the workplace safer for everyone, especially those with allergies or respiratory illnesses.
Customised Cleaning
No two businesses are the same, and cleaning tasks can vary greatly depending on industry, sector, or size. A professional contractor will offer flexible and tailored solutions whether it’s deep-cleaning industrial floors, maintaining client facing areas, or managing high traffic toilets and washrooms. They’ll also often provide detailed service-level agreements and regular service audits. This level of professionalism gives consistency as well as accountability, something you won’t get with ad-hoc cleaning.
Business Continuity
Unexpected outbreaks of illness like flu, or events like flooding can disrupt your business operations dramatically. During times like this, you’ll need rapid professional cleaning services to cope with the clean up! Many contractors offer emergency or specialist cleaning. If you have an established relationship with a cleaning contractor, then you won’t have to scramble for help if the need arises. They understand your premises and can act quickly, reducing downtime.
Enhancing Brand Reputation
News of damage to your reputation can spread fast in business. Negative reviews or social media posts can reach thousands of people in an instant. On the other hand, customers often appreciate and highlight clean and tidy environments in positive reviews. By investing in professional cleaning, you can avoid potentially damaging exposure, at least about the cleanliness of your business! Building your brand’s image is important and can become part of the quality your customers experience and deserve, helping build trust and gain repeat business.
Building Long Term Partnerships
A reputable cleaning contractor can quickly become a part of your business, if they are the right fit. Over time as they become more familiar with your premises, your schedules, and your expectations, they’ll become more like a partner. Consistency between you will provide a smoother more effective service which aligns with your business’ goals. Many contractors will also offer additional services like window cleaning, carpet cleaning and janitorial services, ensuring consistent standards across your business.
