A tidy workplace is a productive workplace. Not only does clutter set a bad impression for clients and visitors, it can be a distraction for your staff. A tidy workplace is not just about having tidy desks, and removing clutter from areas visited by clients, it should also include keeping any outdoor areas, staff rooms and even cupboards neat and tidy.
Why should desks be kept tidy?
Whilst many people usually do keep their desk tidy, there are plenty of others who do not. They may understand their own filing system of organised chaos, however if they are absent from work, it can make it incredibly difficult for somebody else to find vital pieces of paperwork.
A clean desk policy will not only prevent staff being distracted by things they are not currently working on, it will save time when trying to locate paperwork, or anything else that may be kept on the desk.
Why keep cupboards clean?
When your staff can’t find the equipment they need to do their job, not only is time wasted when looking for the equipment, further time will be spent by them complaining about it. Furthermore, if the item isn’t found, more time (and money) will be wasted in going out to buy something that you may already own. This doesn’t mean you need to catalogue all of your stationary in alphabetical order, it just means that things should be kept visible and easy to find.
Keeping communal areas tidy
Communal areas such as break rooms, corridors, toilets and even meeting rooms can cause arguments, as nobody feels that it is their responsibility to keep them clean. Hiring a cleaner to come in at the beginning or end of each day will stop arguments about untidy areas, allowing your staff to do what you employ them to do, rather than cleaning.
Outside areas and productivity
People like to be proud of the company they work for. If they are proud of what they do, they are likely to work harder and be more productive. Nobody wants to be walking past a tired, worn building on their day off and point out to their friends and loved ones that it is their place of work.
In the summer months especially, many people like to spend their break outside. If your staff members are busy, this is more likely to mean having a sandwich on the external grounds rather than taking a walk. Having somewhere nice to sit and spend a bit of time away from the desk will see staff refreshed, and therefore much more productive upon their return.
The best way to keep outside areas tidy is to hire an external facilities management company to take care of grounds maintenance. Not only will an expert get the job done quickly and efficiently, somebody who is familiar with grounds maintenance can swiftly spot hazards or other health and safety issues before they become a problem.
Doing simple things to keep your workplace tidy will improve productivity amongst your entire workforce. If communal and outdoor areas are kept clean and tidy, even those who are usually tidy of their own accord will benefit from a boost of morale, ultimately increasing productivity.
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