If your current office cleaning standards aren't up to standard, your business can suffer tremendously. Your workforce need a clean and hygienic environment in which to work well and earn you money, so turn a blind eye to their well-being and you could be faced with more than just dust and grime on your hands.

Take a look at the following health risks as a result of an unclean workplace; you may think twice before sweeping this issue under the rug.

Respiratory Diseases

The poor indoor air quality that stems from improper cleaning can lead to serious forms of respiratory illnesses in your employees. Asthma and lung infections are the most common, but continual exposure to air pollutants—a combination of dust mites, mould and other bacteria—can even contribute to the development of lung cancer.

These illnesses can be the result of grime lurking in less obvious places too, which is why a thorough and regular office cleanse is so important. Mould and other bacteria that trigger throat and lung irritations can be present in the depths of carpet fibres, in over-watered plants and in refrigerators and eating areas.

Unclean food stations in particular can attract pests such as cockroaches—their saliva contains proteins that can actually trigger allergic reactions and asthma symptoms. So don't get complacent if you can't spot any visible pest.

Sick building syndrome

A misunderstood phenomenon but a genuine concern nonetheless, sick building syndrome is a set of symptoms that typically includes fatigue, headaches, nausea and respiratory problems as a result of air impurities in the workplace. In some cases, symptoms can be so severe that employees are no longer able to work in the building, hence the name.

These air pollutants are more abundant in newer buildings where energy-efficient windows have made fresh air scarce and trap a stew of chemicals to fester indoors. You can help combat this yourself by improving the ventilation in your office to increase the volume of fresh air being circulated.

Additionally, regularly cleaning carpets (at least every 3-4 months for ground floor offices, 6-8 months for high-rises) will reduce allergens and mould spores that form most of the air pollution.

Lowered employee morale

It should come as no surprise that a polluted office environment can eventually start to put a kink in the mental welfare of employees. Beyond the physical health issues, employees can suffer from a lack of focus and increased stress levels because of their impure surroundings. A dusty desk or window here and there may not sound like much but it is not an appealing sight eight hours a day and will start to affect productivity.

Out of working hours, a grimy kitchen area won't encourage many of your employees to take their lunch breaks or socialise, and before long, nothing about their work area will stir any motivation in them. Remember that a clean and clutter-free work space makes for a clearer mind and shows that you value your employees beyond their ability to work.

A sub-standard cleaning job will never fully remove germs and allergens in the workplace—allowing bacteria to fester on desks, windows and floor surfaces for your employees to breathe in. Take control and hire the help of office cleaning services to get your workforce and fit for business.

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