Tempe Chamber Of Commerce: 8 Office Cleaning Tips For Returning To The Workplace

Press release from Tempe Chamber of Commerce:

Brett Farmiloe

June 14, 2021

To help you with cleaning and maintaining a safe workplace as we return to our offices, we asked CEOs and business professionals this question for their best tips. From leveraging kiosks and touchless technology to investing in professional cleaning services, there are several ways to keep your workplace clean as you slowly return to shared office spaces.  Create an Infection Control Plan  Companies should first perform a comprehensive assessment of their own specific business, focusing on the people, practices, and spaces of the specific business. The most effective workplace cleaning policies come from a thorough analysis of the unique workplace rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. Subtle changes to practices and cleaning can have enormous impacts. Once your plan is in place, communicate and train your team with your findings and resulting policy. The companies that are thoughtful about their infection control plan and clearly communicate with their employees will find the most success as we all redefine safely returning to work. Eddie Fredericks, WorkingAware Set Up a Welcome Station Setting up a welcome station by an office entrance is an easy way to equip employees and visitors with the PPE that they need to protect a workplace. The welcome station can feature disposable masks, hand sanitizer, and other sanitation items to help everyone elevate their levels of hygiene. The welcome station can also serve as a visual reminder to employees that the workplace is prioritizing their health. This may help employees feel a little more comfortable about their return to the workplace while maintaining a safe and clean place to work. Brett Farmiloe, Terkel Invest in Professional Cleaning Services If employers are worried about keeping a safe and clean work environment, they should invest in professional cleaning services. With this pandemic, many cleaning companies had to go through certification processes to ensure they could do the job right. So, if an organization wants to be safe for both their employees and insurance purposes, I would recommend hiring one of the many out there. This takes the worry off of you forcing your employees to take this responsibility on and will ensure your workplace is truly clean. Mark Smith, University of Advancing Technology Assign Spaces and Equipment   When your employees come back to the office, many may worry about the cleanliness of common areas and if others have used workspaces and chairs. One way to add a little peace of mind is by assigning certain areas to a smaller section of employees and labeling conference room chairs with specific names, if possible. This, along with a good cleaning schedule, will go a long way in helping people feel comfortable during this shift back to the workplace.  Markitors Leverage Kiosks or Touchless Technology Take a look at what systems and tools around your office can be made digital or touchless. Implement technology for your teams and your customers wherever possible through the use of personal mobile devices, kiosks that can be wiped down in between uses, or through the use of static displays. Not only is this good business post-COVID, but it's a great practice to help keep a healthier office throughout all of the cold and flu season! As a bonus, once you have these tools in place, you may find that your new resources can become another avenue to share branded content and messaging while your customers are waiting for service.  Nicole Spracale , Coaching and Consulting Asses Specific Cleaning Concerns  Over the past 15 months, I think we've all learned how to create clean environments and interact with others in a safe manner. At this point, I think the bigger risk of office safety is perception. I recommend talking to or surveying employees about their concerns. Understanding their fears, uncertainty, and doubt will make it easier to mitigate both the real and perceived risks. Brian Stinson, The PEAK Fleet Maintain a Cleaning Supply Station As more and more employees return to the office, it is critical to think ahead so everybody is safe and protected. Always have supplies of hand sanitizer, Clorox wipes, and extra face masks available. Remind individuals to stay home if they are not feeling well. Be conscious of others and be respectful as everybody feels different and has their own comfort level. Some might be ready to go to lunch or shake hands, and others might not be ready for that. There are no right or wrong answers. Just continue to advance the mission of your organization. Alissa Serignese, Arizona State University Alumni Association Follow Recommended Guidelines Businesses and their employers play a key role in preventing and reducing the spread of COVID-19. As an employer, it is important to implement and follow the recommended CDC guidelines for a safe work environment. With sanitization stations, touchless restrooms, and posted safety signs, employers can provide a safe and sanitary work environment. Elliott Greenberg, Touchfree Concepts Terkel creates community-driven content featuring expert insights. Sign up at terkel.io to answer questions and get published. 

This press release was produced by Tempe Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed here are the author’s own.