For many professionals, the onset of the pandemic years ago marked the last time they would work in a traditional office setting for years. Fast forward to the present and remote work or working from home continue to be the primary working model for companies across the world, even as lockdowns have become a thing of the past. Beyond these two, another working arrangement evolved as a compromise between what employers and employees want: hybrid working.
It essentially involves having employees split their time between the office and their homes. This approach offers the potential for an ideal balance, combining the benefits of work-life integration with the advantages of in-person collaboration. This shift in working patterns naturally requires many adjustments, with one of the most important being office cleaning practices in this new environment. Thus, the big question now is whether to stick to the usual professional cleaning services and schedules or overhaul it from the ground up.
Modern Office Work Has Changed, Yet Dust and Dirt Accumulates All the Same
One might assume that dust and dirt would decrease with fewer people in the office, but reality states otherwise. If you have ever visited a building that has gone unused for a long time, you may already know that even unused spaces accumulate dust and cobwebs. This happens because dust perpetually finds its way into a building regardless of its lack of occupancy. From microscopic organisms and pollen to other pollutants, all of them work their way into your office, circulate in the air, and settle on desks, carpets, and office furnishings day in and day out.
In fact, with fewer people around to disturb or clean it, the dust becomes more noticeable, which could leave a poor impression and affect productivity. Moreover, even a minimal onsite workforce contributes to the dirt and grime. Mud on rainy days, dust on dry ones, and the consistent use of office facilities like bathrooms and kitchens ensure that maintaining office cleanliness remains a challenge. So, whether an office serves a handful or a hundred people, thorough cleaning remains non-negotiable and is crucial to providing a healthy workspace in this new era of working.
Main Challenges of Conducting Office Cleaning in Hybrid Working
Increased Need for Sanitisation
The pandemic has highlighted the need for frequent sanitisation in workplaces, which mainly entails regular disinfection of high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, keyboards, and shared equipment. In a hybrid work model, tracking which employees have used specific areas or equipment can be challenging, complicating efforts to ensure thorough sanitisation. This situation poses potential health risks for employees and can compromise overall office cleanliness.
Inconsistent Use of Office Space
Hybrid work introduces inconsistent usage of office spaces. Employees alternating between home and office make it difficult to predict the frequency and intensity of use in different areas. For instance, a conference room might be heavily utilised on some days while remaining unused on others. This variability complicates the creation of an effective cleaning schedule that meets the office’s needs.
Lack of Accountability
In traditional office settings, maintaining a clean and organised workspace is straightforward, with employees held accountable for their areas. However, in a hybrid model, this sense of responsibility can diminish since employees are not present daily. This reduced accountability can lead to a decline in overall office maintenance and cleanliness.
Tips for Creating an Effective Office Cleaning Program
1. Develop a Comprehensive Cleaning Checklist and Update It Periodically
The foundation of any effective office cleaning program starts with a comprehensive cleaning checklist. This list should detail all office areas that require cleaning and the frequency of each task. Consider various office spaces such as workstations, bathrooms, break rooms, and conference rooms, specifying the tasks for each.
Make sure to regularly review and update this checklist to adapt to changing office needs. This may involve adding new tasks or adjusting the frequency of existing ones based on office usage patterns. By keeping the checklist current, you ensure the cleaning program remains effective and prevents your partnered cleaning services company from missing a spot.
2. Implement a “Clean as You Go” Policy
To address the lack of accountability in hybrid work models, consider a “clean as you go” policy. This policy makes employees responsible for maintaining cleanliness in their workspaces throughout the day. Tasks might include wiping down shared equipment after use, properly disposing of trash, and keeping their workstations organised. By fostering a culture of individual responsibility, employees contribute to a cleaner, more organised office environment.
3. Use Technology for Scheduling and Tracking
Utilise technology to manage the challenges of inconsistent office space usage. For instance, a shared calendar or cleaning management software can help track and schedule cleaning tasks efficiently. Moreover, consider staggering cleaning schedules between teams entering the office. An example is shifting office cleanings on Mondays to Tuesday evenings if teams now rotate to office work on Wednesdays. By monitoring the usage of different office areas, you can determine when specific spaces need cleaning, ensuring no area is overlooked.
Conclusion
Hybrid work has reshaped many aspects of office life, but the need for cleanliness remains constant. As we navigate this new landscape, adapting our cleaning practices is not just about maintaining appearances—it’s about ensuring a safe, healthy environment for everyone who walks through the office doors. The dust may settle, but our commitment to a clean workspace should never waver.
Transform your workspace with Abba, Singapore’s trusted name in commercial cleaning. Whether you need regular office cleaning, carpet maintenance, or thorough disinfection services, our experienced team is ready to deliver exceptional results tailored to your needs. Don’t settle for anything less than a spotless and safe office environment.
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