A lot goes into making a business successful and, while any accountant will tell you its all about the numbers, the real secret to success is making sure that your staff are all healthy and happy. Your staff are by far your greatest asset without them you probably wouldn’t even have a business so make sure you do everything you can to have them operating at their best. The following are some great ways to make sure your workplace is as healthy as it can possibly be:

Make Sure It’s Clean

Having a clean workplace is not only important for the health of your staff but also for their morale and pride in their work so there’s no better way to increase workplace satisfaction than by having your workplace look amazing.Commercial cleaning services offer some amazing deals with office cleaning in Melbourne a necessity if you hope to keep your business operation running smoothly. It’s worth every cent so be smart and get the professionals in to regularly clean your workplace.

Natural Lighting

If at all possible, ensure that your workplace maximises natural light sources, as this will concretely affect mood levels among your staff. If your workplace is set up in such a way that it is difficult to make use of natural lighting try and establish some kind of patio or outdoor area where staff can take their breaks.

Fruit

Invest in the health of your staff by providing fresh fruit every day for them. Having a huge fruit bowl in your staff room is a great way to make sure all of your staff has regular access to some healthy food. Even just having one piece of fruit a day is a great way to reduce the risk of illness.

Seating

If your workplace is one where people spend a lot of time sitting then make sure that everyone has comfortable and well-supported seating. Back and neck problems are common among office workers so make sure you are not losing your staff to crippling injuries by making sure they have the best possible support.

Health Benefits

There is nothing worse than having staff members who are sick come in to work and spread germs and illness. Usually sick people come to work because they can’t afford not to, so, eliminate this sad situation by providing your staff with adequate paid sick leave and health benefits. People are going to get sick so make sure that if your staff are unwell that they can take the time they need to rest up and return healthy, happy and raring to go.

Water Cooler

Provide spring water for your staff and encourage them to drink as much water as possible. One of the best possible things you can do for your health is to drink heaps of water, so make it easy for those at your workplace by providing good quality water for them.

If your staff are healthy chances are your business will be too. Look after your staff and you will find your business becomes far more productive.

How To Make Your Workplace a Healthier One is a post from: Cleancorp

Office cleaning often becomes submerged underneath the day to day grind of business. Everyone is so focused on their own duties that the physical space of the office begins to resemble a pig sty. Nevertheless, there are small daily steps you can take to improve the cleanliness of your workspace.

Here are ten ways you can keep your desk tidy:

1. Set a Schedule

The best way to keep your desk clean is to get into a cleaning routine. Give yourself reminders about what needs to be done on certain days. Make Wednesday file organising day or Friday garbage day. Getting into a routine helps you to keep your desk clean without going out of your way.

2. Avoid Eating at your Desk

Decomposing apples or empty sandwich bags can quickly pile up and clutter your desk. Not only are these items unsightly, but in the case of rotting fruit, they can pose a health hazard, and certainly a hazard for your nose.

3. Dust Daily

Although a small problem, the build-up of dust is insidious and ever present in the workplace. Knock out this problem by running a paper towel or cloth across your desk every day.

4. Garbage

Unless your workplace uses a commercial cleaning service, you’re going to be in charge of emptying your own garbage. This can often be overlooked until paper is spilling out over the floor. While you don’t need to empty the garbage every day, doing it on a regular basis is a great way to keep your workspace sparkling fresh.

5. Clean the Floor

Although this is technically under your desk, the floor and carpet around your desk still counts as your workspace. Keeping this area clean can drastically improve the appearance of your workspace as most workers overlook it. Pick up and throw away gum wrappers and all those bits and pieces of paper that never seem to make it into the bin.

6. Keep Your Desk Clutter Free

Even if your desk is sparkling clean, having clutter on your desk can give off an untidy appearance. The best way to combat this is to avoid clogging your desk with folders and to simply tuck things away where they belong. This can also make cleaning your desk easier as you won’t have to move as much when you dust and wipe.

7. Labels

Use labels to help organise where everything goes. While the top of your desk may be clean, the desk drawers may be a disaster zone of disorganisation. Put labels on where things go in order to maximise your available space.

8. File Papers

You have desk drawers for a reason. Don’t let paper and files stack up on your desk. File these documents away into their respective drawers by using a filing system. Not only will your desk be cleaner, but you’ll probably have an easier time finding important documents when you need them.

9. Bring Things Home

Don’t turn your desk into your second home. If there are any unneeded objects hanging around your desk, like Tupperware containers for instance, bring those home. Not only do they take up space but unless they have a use at work they probably don’t belong there.

10. Limit the Number of Personal Photos

Don’t line your desk with an endless parade of personal family photos. Few things can occupy more space on a desk than personal photos or belongings.

With these ten tips, a tidy desk is only a few steps away. Good luck!

10 Tidy Tips for a Cleaner Desk is a post from: Cleancorp

Let’s be honest…finding an employee that enjoys and wants to clean the business premises (as well as complete their key work tasks) is a very rare thing. No one really wants to do this sort of work and few employees will feel that it is part of their job description and key work functions.

However, cleaning is one of the most important activities in any office as no one wants to work in an environment that is dirty, unhygienic, cluttered or poorly maintained.

Fortunately, commercial cleaning services take away the stress and inconvenience of having employees fulfil cleaning duties. Rather than tasking your employees with the vacuuming, scrubbing, dusting, mopping and sweeping, a professional cleaning company will complete these critical tasks efficiently, effectively and thoroughly. When the affordability of many cleaning service providers is factored in, there are few valid reasons not to outsource the cleaning of your office.

As a result of engaging with an professional company to do your office cleaning, you can expect to enjoy a range of benefits:

#1:  With the concern of effective cleaning being removed, you are in a much improved position to focus on the key operations of your business and strategies to ensure its growth and enhanced productivity. Too often, staff, managers and business owners themselves become distracted from their key tasks and objectives as a result of chasing up cleaning responsibilities.

#2:  Accessing the services of a professional cleaning company all but guarantees that your office will be cleaned and well maintained on a daily (or otherwise agreed) basis. You will know when your cleaners will be through and the standard to which your office cleaning should always be done.

#3:  Typically, the cleaning staff of professional office cleaning companies are attentive to detail and thorough in their approach. You should expect no issues or problems with their performance and attitude and, in the unlikely event that you are dissatisfied, you can always relay your concerns to the management of the cleaning company and expect to have them comprehensively addressed.

#4:  Your business will not have the added expense of the purchase of cleaning products. The cleaners that service your office will bring cleaning products and equipment with them. A further advantage comes with this as cleaners typically use the latest and most effective cleaning equipment and many are accustomed to using environmentally friendly products too.

#5:  Professional office cleaners provide a varied range of services for office premises. Floors are often an area that business owners ask cleaners to focus on and you can expect cleaners to wash, buff, wax, vacuum, shampoo and deep clean floor surfaces as appropriate. You should also expect other surfaces to be maintained to an exacting standard.

Office cleaning in Melbourne can be surprisingly affordable and will offer some significant and sought after advantages for your business. Not only will the pressure of having to clean be removed from your staff and management team, your employees will be freed up to attend to their core tasks and generate more income for your business.

Five Facts About Office Cleaning is a post from: Cleancorp

The vast majority of us can relate to the feelings of satisfaction and organisation that come from having a clean home. Unsurprisingly, similar types of feelings abound when an office is clean, uncluttered and in order.

Of course, commercial cleaning services are the experts at maintaining offices to such a standard. These specialists know how to keep your office clean and well organised, so that a positive impression is created for your customers and clients and also for your staff. Commercial cleaning services take the worry, hassle and demand of cleaning away from your employees, leaving them to get on with their core business activities.

There are numerous options for office cleaning and certainly, a number of very good reasons to utilise the services of a professional cleaning company. Here we provide a list of four of the most significant benefits that come from maintaining a clean office:

#1:  Greater efficiency:

When an office or work space is kept in a clean and organised manner, it follows that efficiency and the amount and quality of work output increases. Essentially, workers are able to think more clearly when there is minimal clutter and distraction filling and surrounding their work station. It may seem quite unscientific, but many people will testify that working in a clean space increases their sense of well-being. When the work area is clear and clean, the mind is also able to think and process information more effectively.

If a clean work space promotes efficiency, increased efficiency leads to greater morale. In your business, raised morale will extend not only to your employees but also your customers. If they have an impression of your business being highly productive, proactive and dynamic, they are most likely to use your services and invest in your products.

As a business owner or manager, set an example for your staff and organisation. If you are committed to the maintenance of a clean and well presented office, it is likely that this attitude will spread throughout your company.

#2:  Company image:

The way that your office is maintained speaks for your company – it says much about your business’ values, standards and attitude.

We can all think of times when we have entered a business premises that is poorly kept, possibly even dirty and chaotic. This definitely does not create a positive impression or a sense that this is a company that is committed to excellence and efficient operation.

A clean office environment will show your customers that your business is organised and well positioned to carry out its core activities with efficiency and confidence. When such an impression is created, your customers are likely to feel that they can trust your company and its services.

#3:  Productivity and health:

While it is important for your office to appear clean, it is even more important for it to be sanitary and hygienic. With people often working in close proximity and conditions present for germs to be easily spread, it is possible for staff members to become ill if your business is poorly sanitised.

In particular, door handles, telephones, computers, eating areas and bathrooms need to be hygienically maintained and commercial cleaning services are certainly the best and most skilled people to keep these areas clean.

Remember that if your workforce is healthy and works in a clean and healthy environment, it is likely that productivity will simultaneously increase.

#4:  Organisation:

When your office is clean and everything is in its place, efficiency, productivity and effective use of staff time is sure to follow. Think of all the time that is wasted by employees asking each other where things are and spending time searching for missing items. This can be completely eliminated if the work environment is appropriately organised and well maintained.

If you desire a business that is effective, productive and time efficient, a clean office or other work space is essential. Investing in commercial cleaning services is one of the most important and successful investments that you can make in the performance of your business.

Four Reasons to Maintain a Clean Office is a post from: Cleancorp

In many cases, the way that your office or premises is cleaned is dependent on the nature of its business. Commercial cleaning services are familiar with the need to adapt their cleaning services to meet the needs of the type of business that they are servicing.

Here we provide a range of considerations that may affect the way that your business or workplace is cleaned.

Office buildings:

Quite often, cleaners have little say as to the types of products that are used. In offices, it is usual for industrial strength cleaning products to be used and this is necessary because of factors such as: air conditioners re-circulating air throughout the building and the need for low levels of chemicals to be smelt and remain on surfaces. Most business owners and staff are likely to be unaware that the cleaning products that are used have been pre-approved for the cleaning of office spaces and commercial buildings.

Added to this, many office buildings have strict and tightly enforced guidelines relating to the types of chemicals and cleaning products that can be used. Essentially, these guidelines exist to protect the individuals that work in the office building; they are designed to prevent allergic reactions.

Many companies that provide office cleaning in Australian locations take this approach in an effort to minimise risk to employees and eliminate days missed from work by staff members who may be sensitive and have a reaction to the chemicals found in some cleaning products.

It is often necessary, and practiced by commercial cleaning services, to dilute particular office cleaning products in line with their instruction and recommended use. This is an important and serious task and having a professional company take care of this is a great advantage for business owners who are relieved of the need to directly attend to these matters.

Accessing the services of a professional cleaning company eliminates the risks of employees and business owners mixing chemicals and products in an effort to provide a clean and hygienic workplace. In many cases, the mixing of chemicals and products by inexperienced people results in mess and waste and, of course, it can be incredibly dangerous for those grappling with dangerous and toxic substances.

Environments where children are present:

Perhaps your business is a school, a child care centre or even a play café. It is widely known that children freely and generously spread germs and bacteria from one to another. This illuminates the need for commercial cleaning services to provide thorough cleans that are attentive to detail.

As with office environments, it is particularly important that the cleaning of places that children frequent is not done with harmful chemicals and substances. Instead, the products used should be safe, mild and non-toxic.

Communal areas:

Comparatively, the products used in offices and other direct work environments are quite mild. Stronger, more abrasive cleaners are used in bathrooms, eating areas and high traffic areas.

The thorough and effective cleaning of workplaces is incredibly important and business owners understandably want their business premises to be cleaned well. Business owners should not leave the provision of a clean and hygienic workplace to their staff. Commercial cleaning services are experienced, skilled and equipped to thoroughly clean and maintain a pristine and safe environment for your business.

Office Cleaning Considerations that are Important to Know is a post from: Cleancorp

Most businesses are conscious of the need for a clean and hygienic business premises to be kept and aspire to do just this. However, a clean business environment is not as simple as wishing for it to be so. Commercial cleaning services are highly skilled in carrying out thorough office cleaning with experience in delivering thorough office cleaning services, ensure that your office is hygienic – with the hidden but very present germs exterminated.

Unfortunately, it is a grim reality that office spaces are a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. When people are grouped together, often in close proximity, germs are easily spread and bacteria can readily grow. Many of us can relate to a sniffle or cold that began with just one staff member quickly spreading and infecting many other workers. Dreaded allergies and illnesses are readily spread throughout workplaces more quickly than many would think possible.

However, it is not just the close working conditions that facilitate the rapid spread of germs throughout your workforce. There are many possibilities for germs and bacteria to be transferred and spread right across the office environment.

What business owners and managers need to know is that effective and high quality commercial cleaning services provide specialised services and products to deal with and eliminate these bacteria rich environments. This is one of the incredible benefits of using a professional cleaning service and one that is so important for ensuring the health, hygiene and well-being of your staff. As well as wanting to offer a clean and hygienic workplace, no business owner wants to deal with the impacts of staff who are frequently absent because of preventable illnesses.

So, what are the main places that bacteria are commonly found in offices?

Today, most of us carry a range of digital and portable devices that we depend on day in day out. We use mobile telephones, iPhones, GPS devices, iPads, iPods…the list goes on. Germs and bacteria can harbour in these sorts of devices as well as an extensive range of other office equipment.

It is alarming to consider estimates of the number of germs found on particular surfaces. For example, it is estimated that:

• A mobile telephone has 25,000 germs per square inch
• A desktop has 21,000 germs per square inch
• A computer keyboard has 3,300 germs per square inch

To put these estimates in perspective, it is estimated that a toilet seat has only 50 germs per square inch!

And why is this?

Germs and bacteria are known to multiply most quickly in places that are warm. Not only are computer components such as keyboards and the mouse touched by human hands so often, they are kept warm by their power supply.

It is then blatantly obvious that the office and its features carry and harbour an incredible amount of germs that can quickly and easily be spread from person to person.

Germs and bacteria are also so quickly and effectively spread when it is considered that:

• On average, most people touch their face once or twice every two minutes (this adds up to 600 times each day!)
• Offices in which people eat at their desks seem to keep three times the amount of bacteria than the desks of people who do not
• Men’s wallets are estimated to be filled with four times the number of bacteria than women’s purses.

When business owners evaluate this information and consider the very real and costly consequences of staff being ill and unfit for work, the benefits of using commercial cleaning services are all the more apparent. Businesses that value and take pride in a clean and hygienic office environment contract professionals to do their cleaning and maintain their premises to the highest of standards.

Maintaining a Clean Office Environment is a post from: Cleancorp

We’re in the thick of the silly season still and you may still be recovering from your office Christmas party. Depending on how well it was organised, it could have been a disaster or a complete success, such is the nature of work events–it’s all in the organisation. If you’re thinking that you’d like to try your hand at organising next year’s Christmas party–or any office celebration, really, we’ve got a few tips that can help your function run smoothly, from office cleaning arrangements to striking that balance between fun and…er…too much fun.

Alcohol and Work–Be Careful

One of the most common tales of woe we hear from office celebrations is of the unsuspecting staff member–let’s call her Jenny–who forgot to eat lunch, came straight to the office party, downed a few too many champagnes and ended up singing Karaoke on the boss’s desk. In her underwear. These types of antics might be fun at a regular party with your friends, but in a work setting, they’re inappropriate and cause extreme embarrassment the next week at work. While most people expect there to be some alcohol at an office party (let’s face it, not many people would show up otherwise), it’s important to have a lot of food to soak it up, as well as staying away from hard liquour–beer and wine are just fine. This way it’s easier to keep things under control and prevent any karaoke-singing accounting staff member from cringing every time she hears Aretha Franklin’s Respect for years to come!!

Music and Structure

There’s nothing more awkward than arriving at your office party to find people shyly eyeing each other off and wondering who is going to get the ball rolling. If you’re in charge of the party, make sure you add some structure. A short speech by the boss to mark the occasion, a dinner, even an activity is a good way to get everyone in motion and relaxed enough to unwind. Also, music is key—nothing says ‘lame party’ like a room in which you can hear people’s bored sighs!

The Clean-up Operation

Whether you’re having the party in your office or you’re going to a different venue, make sure you’ve organised commercial cleaning services well in advance. Often the venue will have their own cleaning staff but make sure you familiarise yourself with the arrangement and any extra cleaning costs. If you are in your office, your regular cleaning staff will probably be more than happy to take care of the cleanup for an additional fee, and this is far more desirable an outcome than you having to stick around collecting paper plates once the hoards have gone home!

Getting Ready for the Work Christmas Party: How to Throw A Good One! is a post from: Cleancorp

When thinking about your office cleaning and maintenance, there are some tasks that may be too delicate for even your cleaning contractors to manage. Certain aspects of technical upkeep require specific care instructions.

Looking after the liquid crystal screens of your computers and audiovisual equipment is one of those special tasks. LCD screens are often one of the most expensive components of any computer or laptop and because they so susceptible to damage they must be carefully looked after and even more carefully cleaned.

What NOT to do

LCD screens will not tolerate the use of most cleaning solutions. Over time, with the use of harsh chemicals and solvents, the LCD screen will become brittle and crack the surface.

Do not use acetone, ethyl alcohol, ethyl acid, ammonia or methyl chloride.

Do not use paper towels or other fibrous fabrics or materials as these can scratch the delicate screen.

Do not spray any liquids on the screen directly.

Basic cleaning supplies

There are a few essential items you will need to properly care for your LCD screen.

A soft cloth – an old rag or soft cotton or natural fibre cloth will suffice when cleaning off the LCD screen.

A solution – mix up a solution of isopropyl alcohol and water into a bottle or spray canister.

Wipes – keep a packet of computer wipes handy at your desk, this is always good for quick clean-ups.

Directions to clean

To properly clean your LCD screen, be sure not to spray the alcohol solution directly onto the screen. Rather spray the solution onto the soft cloth. This will not only prevent the scratching of the screen but it will also ensure that there is no solution dripped onto your keyboard.

Once the cloth is moistened with the solution, gently wipe the cloth across the screen in one direction. Move from the top of the display to the bottom.

It is always a good idea to give specific instructions to one or two people in the office and have them become responsible for the cleaning of the LCD screens in the office. Alternatively, you can hold a special meeting where you train your staff members in the correct way to clean their LCD screens.

Informing your staff on the delicacy of the screens will help them to understand that they must treat their screens with respect and that they must learn the proper care instructions.

If you employ a commercial cleaning service, then it might also be a good idea, if you don’t want your staff cleaning the screens, to give specific instructions to your cleaners. Provide them with the carefully made solution so that you can be sure they are using the appropriate mix. To further ensure the correct care of the LCD screens, you should also provide them with an appropriate cloth. Finally, give them tips on how they should use single strokes in one direction down the screen. By giving the cleaners all the information they need, you can rest assured that they will clean the screens in the correct manner.

How to Keep your Work LCD Screens in Top Condition is a post from: Cleancorp

Most larger businesses have a board room or meeting room. This is a large room that contains a long table, chairs and usually a front end that has power points, televisions and audio visual equipment. It is important to include this room, no matter how infrequently it is used, in your office cleaning schedule. There is nothing worse than inviting clients or staff into a dusty and stale environment.
To keep your conference room a place that functions well and feels inviting, here are a few things that you can have on hand;

1. Furniture Polish

Chances are your conference room has a large wooden table, chairs and maybe even a bureau of some kind. It’s important to keep this furniture well maintained so that it looks great all year round. Invest in a high quality furniture polish that you can use regularly to keep dust away and maintain shine.


2. Adaptors, Extension Cords

Meeting rooms can be used for all kinds of reasons, and it usually involves the use of computers and screens. Why not be well equipped and keep a spare set of extension cords, cables, ports and adaptors so that you are ready for any small technical problems. Having these items on hand will prevent a loss of time in those important meetings and presentations.

3. Tea and Coffee Facilities

It is always a good idea to have an urn or kettle in or near a conference room. Setting up a small refreshments area on the bureau will mean you can serve coffee and tea to your clients or group without fuss. Install a small fridge so that you can have fresh milk handy or if you can’t do that, make sure there is plenty of long life milk in the cupboard along with tea bags, coffee, sugar, spoons and cups. It doesn’t hurt to keep a small inventory of biscuits on hand and make sure you have a store of serviettes, cutlery and plates for those occasions when you have catering.

Maintaining a professional ambiance is extremely important when serving food and drinks, so it’s important to make sure your meeting room is stocked with all the essentials for food service.

4. Heating and Cooling

Make sure your meeting room has air conditioning and heating. There is nothing worse than trying to concentrate in a room that is icy cold or stiflingly hot. This is a simple measure that will ensure the comfort of your clients and make a great impression.

5. Stationery

Have a drawer that contains spare pens, pencils, highlighters and corrective fluid. Keep post its, rulers, rubbers and staplers on hand. By having all of these items close by, you will be prepared for any occasion where someone may have lost or forgotten their supplies.

6. Plants

Even though you might not use your meeting room, it’s a good idea to have a few plants around. It will create a more inviting environment and look more pleasant. Real plants can keep the air fresh in a meeting room, and a bunch of fresh flowers will never go unappreciated in a well-used room. If you don’t have adequate light or resources, then invest in a few fake plants. If you buy good quality fakes, then they will have glossy foliage that looks real and will be easy to keep shiny with a quick wipe every week.

Regardless of the use, you should always keep the meeting room clean. Make sure it is included in the schedule of your commercial cleaning service, or cleaning contractor, as it will need regular cleaning and freshening up.

The 6 boardroom essentials for every large conference/meeting is a post from: Cleancorp

Every business owner or manager wants their office to be a place where clients, and staff feel welcome. Keeping on top of office cleaning and general organisation will help keep the environment clean and tidy, but there are other important ways you can improve and maintain an inviting office space.

Plants
Plants are a fairly cost effective way of creating an inviting office space. Sometimes due to the colour of the walls and office furniture, offices can seem a little sterile and lack character. Placing plants around the office is a great way freshen up the place and inject some colour.
If you have a more corporate setting and a little higher budget, a carefully placed arrangement of flowers is often all you need to create a warm, inviting space.

Seating
Providing your clients and visitors with stylish comfortable seating is one of the first things you can do to create an inviting office space. Not only will good quality, comfortable furniture look great and add a touch of class to your office but it will make your clients feel good while they wait to be seen.
Make sure you get rid of tattered, faded and old-fashioned seating; it will make your business seem dated and give a poor impression.

Refreshments
Having a water cooler is important in every office, not only for your clients but also your staff. Having cool, fresh water is an essential factor in making your guests feel welcome. It is worth going to the next step and providing a coffee machine or someone to prepare fresh tea and coffee for clients and visitors. The simple gesture of providing food and drink will go along way to make your guests feel welcome.

Table
It sounds simple, but so many places do not have occasional furniture in their reception or office area. A small table will allow your client to put down their bag or folder or cup of coffee. A table will allow you to display any promotional or informative material about your business.

Art
Bare walls is another one of those reasons that offices often look sterile and uninviting. If you don’t have a big budget, then just buy some attractive prints and display them in simple black frames. If you have a budget for some art, then why not support a local artist and have them either create something for your space or buy something appropriate. Art is a fantastic way to liven up blank walls and really add some character to your office space

Clean
The last, and not least tip on how to create an inviting office is to keep it clean and tidy. If you don’t have commercial cleaning services come in weekly to clean your office, then perhaps its time think about doing so. Commercial cleaners will make sure all the surfaces are cleaned regularly and will ensure the office is spotless from ceiling to floor. Make sure at the end of each day your staff puts away files and any other items that might create an eyesore for clients and visitors.

How to create an inviting and comfortable office space is a post from: Cleancorp