In this episode of The Cleaning Indy Podcast, hosts Tom and Sarah delve into the crucial topic of how cleaning can significantly influence employee productivity and morale. They kick things off with a relatable story of a sandwich shop in Avon, where the presence of persistent crumbs beneath the counter caught their attention. The hosts discuss how such seemingly minor cleanliness issues can have a substantial impact on employee morale over time.
The episode goes on to highlight the three key ways in which regular, consistent, and professional cleaning can positively affect workers:
1. Establishing Better Health and Hygiene: Tom and Sarah explain the concept of biofilm, defining it as a sticky layer of organic material hosting germs. They emphasize the prevalence of biofilm on various surfaces in the workplace, such as desktops, office doors, and restroom handles. The hosts detail effective methods for removing biofilm, including the use of sodium hypochlorite (bleach) and hydrogen peroxide cleaners. They stress the importance of thorough cleaning techniques and how proper training ensures a truly clean surface.
2. Boost in Employee Productivity: The hosts discuss the direct link between cleanliness and employee productivity. They reveal how unplanned absences due to sickness can lead to a 54% reduction in productivity, citing data from the ISSA. Dust is identified as a major culprit, causing breathing and respiratory problems. Tom and Sarah advocate for the use of proper cleaning tools like Swiffer Dusters, microfiber cloths, and HEPA-filtered vacuums to improve air quality. The episode also shares that workers tend to be 2-8% more productive in a clean environment.
3. Extending the Lifespan of Surfaces: Listeners gain insight into the importance of maintaining various surfaces in the workplace, such as carpets, vinyl floors, and stainless steel elements. Proper care is essential to prevent premature wear and tear. Tom and Sarah emphasize the significance of avoiding excessive salt usage, especially during winter, and recommend maintenance practices for different surface types.
The episode wraps up with thought-provoking reflections. The hosts propose the idea that while anyone can clean, it makes economic sense to hire a professional cleaning company. Such a decision, they argue, not only saves money in the long run but also boosts employee productivity, ensures a healthy and hygienic workspace, and creates a positive visitor experience.
In conclusion, this episode of The Cleaning Indy Podcast underscores the pivotal role of cleaning in shaping employee morale and productivity, shedding light on the often-overlooked influence of cleanliness in the workplace.
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Tom Moore has been a part of the commercial cleaning and facility management industry since 2005. He co-founded American Facility Care in 2014 with the idea of bringing safety and aesthetics to buildings across central Indiana. He has an APIC certification in Infection Control and Prevention, and enjoys passing that knowledge on to his team using their exclusive Hygienic Training Method of cleaning. Tom co-hosts The Cleaning Indy Podcast, and would love a chance to connect with you and perhaps have you as a guest of the show.
