Why Hire a Commercial Cleaning Company? | The Importance of Maintaining a Clean Work Space

Cleaning? Everyone needs it, does it, and potentially dreads it. However, many people may not fully grasp the true benefits of a clean workspace. Far beyond just aesthetics, a clean workspace can create a tangible impact that will be felt within your organization and among your customers. Research at the University of Arizona revealed that cleaning can boost productivity up to 15%! Further research showcases how cleaning can help companies cut down on future costs while simultaneously improving customer perception. In this quick read, we will dive deeper into these reasons and show you why cleanliness shouldn't just be an afterthought for your business or organization. Instead, it should be a non-negotiable investment to boost your organization’s success.

Reason #1: Productivity Boost

A clean workspace does more than just look good; it significantly enhances employee productivity. According to the International Society of Cleaning Systems Association (ISSA), a clean environment is directly linked to higher productivity levels. When distractions like overflowing trash bins and cluttered desks are removed, employees can better focus on delivering what they were hired for. In fact, proper cleaning is directly linked to enhanced performance in tasks such as typing, reasoning or reducing symptoms such as headaches and dry eyes.

In addition, sustaining a clean work space is crucial in maintaining a healthy workforce. A healthy workforce can help avoid the costly business delays in workers missing work due to illness. Not only this, but a clean space can prevent an even costlier issue: presenteeism. Presenteeism occurs when employees work despite being unwell, leading to reduced productivity. The Harvard Business Review notes that presenteeism can be more costly than absenteeism, affecting work quality and initiative. With proper cleaning, business can help address these issues that can cost businesses thousands, and even millions, of dollars a year! 

Reason #2: Cost Reduction

Proper facility cleaning is also a strategic investment in asset preservation and long-term cost savings. A well-planned cleaning program plays a critical role in extending asset life cycles, with  proper maintenance with assets such as carpets and hard surfaces allowing companies to achieve strong and measurable return on investments. Most importantly, cleaning can help protect one of your most valuable assets: the amazing people you work with.

Cost Savings Through Asset Preservation:

Carpeting & Floor Hard Surfaces 

Leading organizations, including the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI), emphasize that a planned maintenance program can significantly extend a carpet's life. By increasing the annual cleaning cost of a carpet by just 10%, facility managers can prolong the carpet's life beyond the manufacturer's estimates, ultimately saving on replacement costs. In fact, a planned maintenance program could potentially extend a carpet's life cycle by two to three times compared to less frequent cleaning. The CRI guidelines for maintaining carpet appearance includes soil decontamination, vacuuming, spot removal, interim cleaning, and restorative cleaning.

Hard surface flooring, including ceramic and porcelain tiles, also benefits from regular cleaning. Building managers can reduce long-term replacement costs of floors with investment into short-term cleaning costs. Furthermore, coordinating with cleaning facility departments when investing in new floors can save even more money. According to the Tile Council of North America, ceramic tiles boast the lowest life cycle cost per square foot due to their durability and lower maintenance costs. The cost of cleaning ceramic tiles is significantly less than other surfaces like vinyl composition tile (VCT) or terrazzo. 

Cost Savings Through a Safe Workplace

In addition to preserving tangible assets, regular cleaning protects your most valuable assets: your employees. The Healthy Workplace Project indicates that improved workplace hygiene can reduce sick days up to 46%, equating to approximately $230 in savings per employee. This is significant when considering that sick or off-task workers (as workers cannot concentrate when working through an illness) cost businesses an average of $250 billion annually. 

Reason #3: Positive Customer Perception

While cleanliness isn't solely about appearances, first impressions are crucial. Research from ISSA indicates that dirty facilities can result in lost revenue due to poor customer perception. A clean and spotless environment, on the other hand, signals professionalism and care, fostering trust with clients and members alike. Studies have consistently shown that customers prioritize cleanliness when choosing where to do business. For instance, a Procter & Gamble (P&G) survey of fast-food chains found that cleanliness was the top driver of customer satisfaction, even surpassing factors like value and speed, with more than 60% of respondents stating they would visit a clean restaurant more frequently.

This importance of cleanliness goes beyond restaurants. A Chain Store Age survey revealed that consumers rate cleanliness as the most critical aspect of a store's atmosphere, more influential than lighting or music. This survey emphasized that a clean environment significantly enhances customer well-being and satisfaction, providing a competitive advantage in any space. Moreover, a Cintas Corporation study found that 93% of adults would avoid businesses with facility flaws. Facility flaws are issues related to the cleanliness and maintenance of a retail store (examples include: bad odors, dirty restroom, and unkempt surfaces). This highlights how cleanliness impacts customer choices, sales, referrals, and repeated business. It's clear that a spotless establishment not only pleases current customers but also attracts new ones. Moreover, maintaining high cleanliness reinforces the quality of your brand and aligns with the exceptional work your company strives to deliver.

Final Thoughts

The evidence clearly shows that maintaining a clean business environment is key to boosting productivity, reducing costs, and enhancing customer perception. These benefits are vital not only for immediate operational success, but also for establishing long-term business credibility and growth. 

If you are in need of a trusted partner to upkeep the level of excellence you deserve, Rise N Shine Cleaning service is here to help! We allow you to focus on what matters by providing reliable, high-quality, and consistent cleaning services. Let us help your business shine! 🔆