4 ways Spring Cleaning can boost morale and productivity in the workplace!

Cleaning has a larger impact on our work life than just hygiene – it is a big morale boost, reduces stress, brings clarity, allows a little exercise, and has a positive effect on productivity.

Here are four ways how spring cleaning can help improve productivity in the workplace:

1. Refreshes your work style: A cleaner and well-organised workstation can help you focus, boosts creativity, spur fresh ideas, and find a more efficient way of working.

2. A cleaner space is a healthier space: A cleaner workstation promotes healthier workplace practices, and fewer germs mean you are less prone to becoming sick.

3. Aesthetics make a difference: Desks look less cluttered. Presentable desks look fresh improving your mood and motivating you to work happier. 

4. Encourages others: Your peers will be encouraged to do the same with their workspace. 

Keeping your workstation clean is absolutely essential now that we are no longer mandated to wear masks in and around workplaces - as, for many, hygiene remains an important subject of concern.
According to OfficeMax's State of Workplace, 2022[1] report, employees ranked cleanliness as one of their top four requirements at the workplace. 45% of respondents say they expect excellent cleaning and hygiene regime to be a top priority at the workplace.

Research from the University of Arizona[2] has found an average desk to have 400 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. These are harbouring on phones, computers, desk surfaces, keyboards and personal items including coffee mugs. 

Many workplaces have adopted the hybrid work mode, and hot desking is becoming the new norm. But this style of work can expose staff to germs as they share desks. 

It’s a great time to make the most of the new season and follow the momentum of nature. Restart and reorganise the workplace with a thorough cleaning. 

The Workplace Spring Clean - what you need:

Disinfectant spray and hand towel, anti-bacterial wipes for technology devices, a vacuum for the floor, two bins with bin liners - one for recycling and the other for rubbish and Velcro strips or cable ties for cable management. 

Where to start and how to do it?

• Create zones: The best and simplest way to start the job is to do it stepwise, one zone at a time – desk, devices, drawers, and the floor. 
• Desks: Remove all papers – review if it needs to be recycled or stacked/filed for usage. To file paper, try using a paper tray to group the sheets together using paper clips or staples.
• Devices: Wipe clean keyboards, mice, desktops/laptops, extended screens, cables, headsets, etc. These are the most frequently used tech items, so it is important to have them properly sanitised and dusted. Remember, keyboards accumulate a lot of food debris, skin microbes, dust and germs over time which need to be cleared to be using air dusters.
• Drawers: Your drawers are one of the most underestimated spaces for germs if not cleaned regularly. Remove all unnecessary items. Use pen stands and drawer organisers to place your stationery, wipe clean the drawers and organise documents.
• Floor: Vacuum the corners of the desk and the floor to pull away any debris of dust or dirt.

Let spring cleaning set a new tone for your workspace. As soon as you have finished cleaning, reorganise your desk. Reduce your earlier clutter with only necessary items within arms' reach and the rest stacked neatly in the corners or drawers to be picked if and when needed.