The quality of your facilities janitorial services has a direct impact on office tenant acquisition and retention.
The Role of Outsourced Janitorial Services in Office Tenant Acquisition and Retention
The cleanliness of managed facilities says a great deal about an organization to current and prospective tenants, who have a vested interest in providing safe and healthy working environments for their employees.
According to a recent publication by United Voice;
The International Facility Management Association reported that "poor janitorial services" was the third most common complaint among office tenants after "it's too hot" and "it's too cold".
A survey of tenants found that employees recognize the link between health and the level of service maintenance in a building, with 85% of office workers thinking regularly about the cleanliness of their office and 69% believing a clean office makes employees more productive.
Furthermore, 64% of office workers saw a connection between the cleanliness of a building and the number of times they call in sick, and only 29% of office workers believed that their offices were being cleaned as effectively as possible.
Tenant Satisfaction and Retention Strategies
According to Kimberly-Clark Professional;
The typical office worker visits the restroom 3 to 4 times per day – for an average facility, that equals more than 1.1 million annual opportunities to impress tenants.
A recent study shows 71% of tenants think an office restroom says a lot about the building manager.
In addition, 60% say an unhygienic restroom lowers their opinion of the facility and indicates that management doesn’t care.
Office Restroom Efficiency, Cleanliness & Hygiene, Sustainability and Tenant Satisfaction
Facilities Cleaning Tips to Ensure Tenant Satisfaction
Facility amenities, such as gyms, kitchens, and open-office layouts are in high-demand.
However, these amenities present an increased and ongoing challenge for the facilities managers and custodial staff charged with their cleanliness and availability, as they represent high-contact, high-traffic areas where germs and bacteria are easily spread.
Complicating the matter--businesses and workers have become increasingly aware of the impact their working conditions have on their respective profits and health, as well as the impact toxic chemical cleaners have on the enclosed and surrounding environment.
As the economy continues to improve, these workers are tenants have shown an increasing willingness to vacate positions with companies, or part ways with a facility, in favor of greener, healthier pastures.
To address these challenges, facilities managers must:
- Assess the use of toxic cleaning products in their enclosed environments and face the fact that the ongoing use of these chemicals is making people sick and costing businesses millions of dollars per year in lost profits and healthcare expenses, as well as turning away current and future business.
- Establish a cleaning and sanitation policy that aligns with consumer and employee demands for more environmentally conscious and sustainable business practices, including water conservation, recycling, and waste management.
- Monitor facilities use in real time and automate labor-intensive processes to improve efficiency and reduce operational cost.
- Implement technologically advanced cleaning and disinfection equipment that facilitates the disinfection of hard to clean spaces and equipment that are known hotspots for germs, such as gym and computer equipment.
- Provide on-demand cleaning, sanitation, and facilities services that coincide with occupancy and use instead of by specific date and time, and;
- Implement cleaning methods that eliminate the potential for cross-contamination of surfaces.
Takeaway
Facility cleanliness affects tenant and employee acquisition and retention, with the vast majority of employees listing the sanitation quality of their office and facilities as having a direct impact on their attendance and performance.
Adding further challenges to the situation--workers are now demanding more from their employer in the way of improved office amenities, and facilities that wish to maintain their customer base and continue to grow must comply, or watch their tenants take flight to more desirable locations.
Based on ongoing feedback, quality cleaning with a focus on occupant health must take priority over everything, with the exception of environmental controls.
If you would like to learn more about the advantages of outsourced janitorial services to help improve office tenant acquisition and retention, contact us today for a free quote!
In Bakersfield CA, call (661) 437-3253
In Fresno CA, call (559) 206-1059
In Valencia CA, or Santa Clarita CA, call (661) 437-3253
