When it comes to deep cleaning your business, coordinating and motivating staff can be a challenge. Some folks will enthusiastically participate, while others may shoulder shrug. To make things easier on everybody it pays to have a plan and get organized. Whether you have a janitorial service or do the cleaning yourself, following this gameplan with get your office looking great again. Without delay, here are the 6 short steps for office spring cleaning.
1-Start by Eliminating Digital Clutter
This first step is all about getting into the cleaning mindset. We all know that cleanliness can increase productivity, boost morale, and increase peace-of-mind. However, office spring cleaning shouldn’t be limited to removing physical dirt and clutter; it can also be about organizing and tidying up our digital file systems. Our digital work environments can quickly get disorganized, often causing just as much frustration. This is why getting staff into the spirit of spring cleaning starts in the digital space.
All companies will have varying computer usage rules, so the ability or need for individuals in each workplace to manage adding or removing software or erasing files will be different. Regardless, routine digital decluttering helps make computers more organized and user-friendly. It can even boost both the machine’s performance and worker productivity.
Before you start, back everything up! Some simple tips to get started with digital decluttering include:
- Organize files on the desktop into folders
- Remove unnecessary items in the downloads folder
- Check the trash or recycling bin’s contents and remove unnecessary files
- Unsubscribe from unwanted email signups and subscriptions
- Clear out outdated internet browser bookmarks and folders
- Uninstall unnecessary software
2. Get Cleaning Products Ready, Then Spread the Word!
As you spread the news of spring cleaning throughout the office, be enthusiastic! Organize tasks for people and focus on the end results to get staff excited about taking more pride in the workplace. Simply seeing another coworker giving their workspace a good cleaning, along with the knowledge that the supplies are readily available, can spark inspiration. Cleanliness can be contagious (or have a peer-pressure effect) that will lead to more people getting on board. Stock up on all the supplies. Be sure to provide supplies and equipment such as:
- Cleaning carts or caddies
- Vacuum cleaners, brooms and other floor care supplies
- Microfiber rags and paper towels
- Goggles, masks, gloves, and other PPE
- First aid supplies and equipment
- Cleaning products, disinfectants, and odor-control products
- All-purpose cleaners, glass cleaner, spot remover and degreaser
- Hand soaps and sanitizers
- Trash and recycling bins and supplies
3. Declutter File Cabinets and Drawers
Out with the old, in with the new. We all know that it’s difficult to clean around clutter. However, removing and disposing of unnecessary items creates new opportunity for organization. For instance, many of us have that one drawer that is filled with random pens and other office supplies. Declutter your drawers and organize them one at a time and separate the items you plan to keep, while discarding any items you no longer need. You can also note down any supplies you may be low on. Congrats: you now have new volumes of space ready to be re-purposed!
4. Take Care of Your Cords & Cables
This is one of the most under-rated of cleaning tasks. Cord clutter is not only unsightly, but it can be dangerous. From electrical fires, to trip hazards, a brain-wrapped mess of cords is never a good thing. Also, it’s important to note that if you have a janitorial company, for liability purposes they will not clean underneath or behind electrical cords.
Having a clutter of cables beneath a workstation is a common headache in every office. While cleaning, this has to be taken care of first. You can make the cords and cables easier to access by labeling the important ones.
5. Give them a Cleaning Checklist
To-do lists are all about efficiency. With deep-cleaning it’s a great way to keep track of your progress, and not leave anything out. This list is specifically tailored to typical office spaces.
- Dust & Wipe Down Personal Workspaces
- Desktop
- Chairs
- Tables
- Computer monitors
- Keyboard & mouse
- Shelves
- Filing Cabinets
- Organize documents with a consistent file system
- Shred unnecessary documents with sensitive information
- Digital cleanup
- Empty recycle bin
- Organize desktop files into folders
- Delete unneeded junk
- Organize email inbox
- Decorations
- Take down outdated holiday decor
- Wipe down permanent decorations
- Refresh office walls with new art or photos
6. Schedule this for a Thursday
The final step: select a date for the cleaning. Thursdays work great. Monday’s are too hectic. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are peak-productivity. On Fridays staff attendance and focus can vary wildly. Thursdays: the week is nearly complete. In addition, more people will be present and able to clean.
These 6 short steps for office spring cleaning will have you ready to make this year the cleanest and most organized ever! Be sure to share this post with friends and co-workers. At Business Cleaning Solutions our goal is to simply make commercial cleaning easier.