DOES THE HYBRID WORK MODEL MEAN LESS OFFICE CLEANING?
The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way we work. Lockdowns forced companies to adopt work-from-home policies and remote work became the norm. Stand-up morning meetings were replaced by Zoom calls and morning commutes were nothing more than a short walk from the bedroom to the home office.
Now, even with restrictions lifted, many companies and employees have found that remote work is more appealing. For employees, working remotely has improved work-life balance, provides a more flexible work environment, and reduces their overall working hours by eliminating commutes to and from the office.
Many companies have embraced remote work as well, finding that it reduces expenses, improves employee morale, and increases productivity. A recent survey conducted by ConnectSolution found that 77% of those who work remotely at least a few times per month show increased productivity with 30% doing producing work in less time and 24% producing more work in the same amount of time.
This is why remote work models have persisted long after the lockdowns caused by the pandemic. For many companies, a fully remote work model is not feasible. These companies often adopt a hybrid work model that allows employees to work from home part of the week and spend the remainder of the work week in the office.
DOES THIS MEAN LESS OFFICE CLEANING?
This model has worked well and more and more organizations are promoting a hybrid work model. This leads us to the question of office cleaning. With less foot traffic in the office, does the office still require the same amount of cleaning?
The answer to that question is a resounding YES!
While it seems counterintuitive, less activity in the office does not necessarily mean less dirt. In fact, in vacant spaces dust and dirt tend to settle on surfaces due to the lack of activity. It is not that there is more dust in empty spaces, but the lack of activity means the dust is never disturbed.
While there may not be more dust accumulating in your empty office, there is as much dust. Believe it or not, dust is always being produced in the environment. Tiny microscopic organisms, pollen, book and paper fibers, loosened carpet fibers, tiny particles, and pollution suspended in the air outside -all of this stuff works its way into your office. All day, all night.
Because of the lack of activity, the dust is allowed to settle on desks, chairs, office equipment, and other surfaces throughout the office space. This makes for a very dusty office for those returning to work after three days of working from home.
If your office embraces a hybrid work model, you will want to have your office professionally cleaned while your staff is working from home. Otherwise, all of that increased productivity gained from the hybrid work model might get erased due to decreased productivity on in-office work days.
Of course, on the days that your staff is working in the office, they are bringing in dirt and debris from the outside world, and the potential for the spread of germs and bacteria increases with the amount of staff present in the office.
Bear in mind, that these workers are also using the restrooms, office equipment, break rooms, and office kitchen. All potential hot spots for the spread of germs.
THE BOTTOM LINE?
Unfortunately, while a hybrid work model has been shown to reduce many business expenses in the typical office environment, the cost of cleaning is not one of them. Your office space will still require regular cleaning and disinfecting.
NEED HELP KEEPING YOUR OFFICE CLEAN?
Complete Care Maintenance has been a trusted provider of office cleaning services for more than two decades. We can help ensure that your office space is always clean and presentable. Call or contact us today for a free quote.
