Maybe you make lists, planning to have a cleaner workspace. There’s a good chance that the people you work with share your wishes. Do you know anyone who wants to spend time in a purposely messy environment? Probably not. Begin with these tips.
1. Establish Cleaning Plans for the Whole Business
If you’re given an opportunity to access the maintenance and cleaning practices of your business, come prepared. Make a list of every area, along with sanitation needs. First, who vacuums and mops after hours? Do you need to hire someone? Perhaps it would be cost-effective to increase hours for your current cleaning staff. What about the less visible issues? Check your building for fire safety measures and evaluate the air quality. Unless you have an outdoor workspace, it’s likely that most workers spend a lot of time indoors with air conditioning. It might be worth replacing old systems or buying new parts, such as Donaldson compressed air filters.
2. Holding Employees Accountable for Individual Areas
When employees are allowed to personalize their spaces, there’s also the risk that some of those workers will end up with messy piles. Develop cleaning routines. If you stay late after work one day to clean your spot, invite your friends to do the same. It’s even possible that one of you will find something worth giving away to another co-worker for better use. Even if your job doesn’t encourage any formal cleaning days, you can find good excuses to use certain calendar days as reminders. For instance, maybe the day after the annual report is due can be your cleaning day.
3. Encourage Environmental Care
Reward and recognize environmental cleanliness at your workspace, too. Request recycle bins for the copier room. Offer to lead a green week program or find someone who is willing to lead that kind of program. Invite visioning committees to look into getting electric vehicle charging stations for your parking lot, perhaps pairing that with other initiatives and offering incentives for eco-friendly actions.
Periodically, look at what your workplace is doing to encourage a clean and healthy environment. If you envision new, better ways of doing something, share your ideas with others.