Communal spaces are the pulsating heart of any workplace. They are the spaces where employees come together to relax, brainstorm, eat, or just catch a quick break. But with high foot traffic comes the responsibility of ensuring these areas remain spick and span. In the bustling environment of a UK workplace, keeping these communal spaces clean isn't just about aesthetics—it's about fostering a productive, healthy, and harmonious work environment. Dive in as we guide you on what to look out for and how to achieve that enviable standard of cleanliness in your workplace communal areas.

 

Benefits for Cleaning Workplace Communal Spaces:

Boosted Morale: Clean spaces create a positive ambiance, which in turn boosts the morale of employees. They feel valued when they see their comfort and hygiene being prioritised.

Enhanced Productivity: A clutter-free and clean environment can significantly enhance focus, minimising distractions and thereby increasing productivity.

Health and Well-being: Regular cleaning reduces the risk of illnesses spreading, ensuring a healthier workforce, which can lead to reduced sick days.

First Impressions Count: Clients, partners, or potential hires walking into a clean space immediately form a positive impression about the company's standards and values.

Safety: Regular cleaning can help avoid accidents caused by spills or debris, ensuring communal spaces are safe for everyone.

Increased Lifespan of Amenities: Regular cleaning and maintenance can prolong the life of communal space amenities, from kitchen appliances to lounge furniture.

Fosters Respect: A clean communal area sets the tone for employees, fostering a sense of respect for shared spaces and company property.

Reduction in Costs: A proactive approach to cleaning can prevent long-term damage, mould growth, and other issues, which can be costlier to address in the long run.

Positive Brand Image: A company that upholds high cleaning standards subtly communicates its broader commitment to excellence and detail.

Stress Reduction: Clean spaces have been scientifically linked to reduced stress levels, making the daily grind smoother for everyone.

Whether you're running a startup or an established firm, the advantages of maintaining a pristine communal area are manifold and impactful. It's not just about cleanliness; it's about curating an environment where employees can be their best selves.

Strategy for Cleaning Workplace Communal Spaces:

1. Assessment and Planning:

Space Audit: Begin by conducting an audit of the communal areas. Identify high-traffic zones, materials used in furnishings, and specific areas that require special attention or treatment.

Frequency: Depending on the usage, establish a cleaning schedule. High-traffic areas might need daily cleaning, while others might suffice with weekly or bi-weekly attention.

2. Stocking Essential Supplies:

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Agents: Considering the continuous use of communal spaces, opt for eco-friendly, hypoallergenic cleaning agents to ensure a safe environment for all employees.

Microfibre Cloths and Mops: These not only clean efficiently but also reduce the chances of scratches or damage to surfaces.

Specialised Equipment: Depending on the space, consider equipment like steam cleaners for upholstery or high-powered vacuums for carpets.

3. Detailed Cleaning Process:

Start from Top to Bottom: Always begin cleaning from higher surfaces, like shelves or cabinets, and work your way down to avoid dust settling on already cleaned areas.

Disinfection: Especially in the post-pandemic world, it's crucial to regularly disinfect surfaces. Focus especially on touchpoints like doorknobs, shared equipment, and railings.

Waste Management: Ensure that bins are emptied regularly and have a clear system for recyclables.

4. Special Attention Areas:

Kitchens or Pantries: These spaces can become breeding grounds for germs. Apart from regular cleaning, ensure periodic deep cleaning, including appliances like microwaves, fridges, and coffee machines.

Lounge Areas: Upholstery and carpets in these spaces can accumulate dirt and grime. A deep clean, including a steam clean, can be done monthly or bi-monthly, depending on usage.

5. Maintenance and Upkeep:

Spot Cleaning: Immediately address spills or stains to prevent them from setting and becoming permanent.

Air Quality: Ensure that spaces are well-ventilated. Consider investing in air purifiers or indoor plants to improve air quality.

Feedback Loop: Engage with employees to gather feedback on cleanliness levels and areas of improvement. They're the primary users of these spaces and can offer valuable insights.

6. Training and Awareness:

Cleaning Staff: Regularly train your cleaning staff on the latest cleaning techniques, equipment usage, and safety protocols. Their efficiency can significantly impact the cleanliness of the space.

Employees: Conduct periodic awareness sessions for employees, educating them about the importance of maintaining communal spaces and how they can contribute.

7. Periodic Reviews:

Inspections: Conduct surprise inspections to ensure cleaning standards are consistently maintained.

Updates: Based on the evolving needs of the workplace, update cleaning protocols, and schedules.

8. Sustainability:

Green Cleaning: Adopt sustainable cleaning practices, from using biodegradable cleaning agents to minimizing water usage.

Recycling Stations: Set up clear recycling stations in communal areas, encouraging employees to segregate waste.

Incorporating these strategies not only ensures that workplace communal areas remain pristine but also underscores the company's commitment to providing a safe, hygienic, and comfortable environment for its employees. By prioritizing cleanliness, businesses can tangibly enhance productivity, morale, and overall workplace satisfaction.

How to Determine if Your Workplace Communal Space Requires Cleaning

1. Visual Inspection:

Surface Dust: A thin layer of dust on tables, countertops, or equipment indicates that the area hasn't been cleaned recently.

Stains and Spills: If you notice unattended spills on the floor or stains on the carpets, upholstery, or walls, it's a telltale sign.

Clutter: Overflowing waste bins, disorganised piles of magazines, or abandoned coffee mugs are not only visually displeasing but also hint at a lack of regular tidying up.

2. The Odour Test:

Musty Smell: A lingering musty or stale smell indicates the presence of mould or that the space hasn't been aired out and cleaned for a while.

Food Odours: Persistent smells from old food can be detected, especially in kitchenettes or pantries, suggesting they need a cleanup.

Unclean Washrooms: A foul smell from washrooms is a clear sign of neglect.

3. Touch Test:

Sticky Surfaces: Tables or countertops that feel sticky or grimy to touch have likely missed a cleaning session.

Dusty Electronics: Feel the top of office equipment like printers, computers, or fridges. If your finger picks up dust, it's time for a clean.

4. Allergy Symptoms:

Sneezing and Itching: If employees frequently sneeze or complain of itching when in the communal area, accumulated dust or allergens could be the culprits.

5. Slippery Floors:

Untreated Spills: If the floor feels slippery or has visible patches of uncleaned spills, immediate attention is required to prevent accidents.

6. Feedback from Users:

Employee Feedback: Regularly engage with employees. Their feedback about the cleanliness of communal spaces can be invaluable.

External Visitors: Often, first-time visitors or clients might notice cleanliness issues that regular employees might overlook.

7. Period Since Last Deep Clean:

Calendar Check: If it's been more than a month since the last deep cleaning, or if you can't remember the last cleaning date, it's high time.

8. Discolouration:

Uneven Floor Colour: Over time, areas with high foot traffic might appear darker than less used areas, indicating a need for floor cleaning.

Wall Marks: Especially near light switches or door frames, if you notice dark marks, it suggests a need for cleaning.

9. Outdated Cleaning Supplies:

Check Dates: Cleaning supplies, especially disinfectants, have an expiry date. If your supplies are outdated, not only is it time to replace them but also hints that cleaning hasn't been done in a while.

10. Pest Sightings:

Unwanted Guests: The sighting of pests like rodents, cockroaches, or even an increase in flies can indicate a cleanliness problem, particularly in areas with food.

By regularly assessing your workplace communal space against these parameters, you can ensure a healthy, clean, and productive environment. Remember, a clean space isn't just about aesthetics; it directly impacts employee well-being, morale, and productivity.

Conclusion:

The heart of a thriving workplace often lies in its communal spaces. These areas, where ideas are exchanged, lunches are shared, and moments of respite are sought, deserve nothing but the utmost attention and care. Overlooking the cleanliness of these spaces can have ramifications not only on the appearance of the office but more importantly, on the health, morale, and productivity of its occupants. Taking a few moments to assess the condition of your communal spaces can make all the difference. With a regular cleaning schedule and vigilant eye, you can ensure that these areas remain a beacon of collaboration and relaxation, rather than areas of concern. After all, in a world that is increasingly valuing the quality of work environments, prioritising the cleanliness of your workplace's communal spaces isn't just good practice—it's a commitment to the well-being of everyone who steps foot in them.