Shared office spaces are innovation hubs, but their vibrancy demands impeccable sanitation for all.
Balancing Collaboration with Cleanliness in Shared Spaces
Shared office spaces offer numerous advantages, such as flexibility, cost-saving, and fostering collaboration.
The shared resources and amenities can also enhance networking opportunities and spur innovative ideas among tenants.
However, with these communal benefits come increased responsibilities.
They also present unique challenges in maintaining a clean and healthy environment.
In particular, multitenant offices require a strategic approach to sanitation to ensure the health and safety of all occupants.
Understanding the Importance of a Clean Office Environment
- Healthy Environment, Healthy Workers: Research published in ScienceDirect highlighted the importance of cleanliness in office environments. A clean office can reduce the potential for illness, leading to fewer sick days taken by employees.[1] This directly impacts productivity and, subsequently, the bottom line.
- First Impressions Matter: An immaculate office environment is critical in setting the tone for visitors, including potential clients or partners. It reflects a company's values, showcasing professionalism and attention to detail.
Collaborative Strategies for a Sanitized Multitenant Office
- Define Clear Cleaning Responsibilities: Clarity is essential whether the responsibility falls on the property owner, individual tenants, or a combination of both.[2] All parties should have a clear understanding of their cleaning obligations. This can be formalized in lease agreements or separate cleaning contracts.
- Outsource Professional Janitorial Services: While in-house cleaning can be effective, outsourcing janitorial services ensures that trained professionals with the necessary tools and expertise carry out cleaning. Outsourcing can also offer a cost-effective solution for comprehensive cleaning, as evidenced by a report from CleanLink, which delved into cleaning costs and frequencies.[3]
- Prioritize Indoor Air Quality: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emphasizes the importance of indoor air quality in office buildings.[4] Ensure regular maintenance of HVAC systems, promote good ventilation, and consider using air purifiers, especially in shared spaces.
- Implement Access Control for Enhanced Security and Cleanliness: Limiting unnecessary traffic in certain areas can enhance security and maintain cleanliness. A recent CSO Online article states that well-established access controls in multitenant facilities can benefit safety and hygiene standards.[5]
- Establish a Regular Cleaning Schedule: Consistency is key. Regularly scheduled daily, weekly, or monthly cleanings ensure that cleanliness standards are maintained. It also allows for the early detection of potential issues, such as mold or water damage, that might require immediate attention.
Evaluating the ROI of Professional Cleaning in Shared Spaces
The ROI of professional cleaning in shared office spaces is multifaceted, encompassing health benefits, financial gains, and enhanced tenant relationships.
By understanding and leveraging these benefits, businesses can make informed decisions that promote long-term success.
Introduction to ROI in Cleaning
The decision to invest in professional janitorial services goes beyond the immediate benefits of a clean environment.
Such services can play a pivotal role in creating a positive impression on clients, partners, and potential employees, elevating the company's brand and reputation.
For business owners and facilities managers, understanding the return on investment (ROI) associated with these services is crucial.
A consistent and thorough cleaning regimen can preemptively address wear and tear, potentially saving substantial costs in long-term maintenance and repairs.
Additional advantages include:
- Decrease in Sick Days: A clean office environment can notably reduce the potential for illnesses.[1] Fewer sick days taken by employees directly equate to increased productivity and reduced operational costs over time.
- Preserving Property Value: Regular professional cleaning can also help maintain or enhance the property value. By addressing potential issues early on, such as mold or water damage, costly repairs in the future can be avoided.
- Enhancing Tenant Satisfaction and Retention: A well-maintained office space can significantly affect tenant satisfaction. Happy tenants are more likely to renew their leases, ensuring a steady revenue stream for property owners.
- Optimized Operational Efficiency: Outsourcing janitorial services can lead to optimized operational efficiency.[2] With cleaning professionals handling sanitation, businesses can focus on their core competencies, leading to better resource allocation and growth.
References
- Kurgat, E. K., Sexton, J. D., Garavito, F., Reynolds, A., Contreras, R. D., Gerba, C. P., Leslie, R. A., Edmonds-Wilson, S. L., & Reynolds, K. A. (2019). Impact of a hygiene intervention on virus spread in an office building. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, 222(3), 479–485. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheh.2019.01.001
- California Tenants A Guide to Residential Tenant's and Landlords' Rights and Responsibilities. (n.d.). https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/California-Tenants-Guide.pdf
- Report Takes A Deep Dive In Cleaning Costs And Frequencies. (n.d.). CleanLink. Retrieved October 4, 2023, from https://www.cleanlink.com/cp/article/Report-Takes-A-Deep-Dive-In-Cleaning-Costs-And-Frequencies--27768
- US EPA,OAR, ORIA,IED. (2019, January 18). An Office Building Occupants Guide to Indoor Air Quality | US EPA. US EPA. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/office-building-occupants-guide-indoor-air-quality
- Multitenant Facility Security: Good Neighbors Make Good Fences. (n.d.). CSO Online. Retrieved October 4, 2023, from https://www.csoonline.com/article/515962/access-control-multitenant-facility-security-good-neighbors-make-good-fences.html
Takeaway
Maintaining a sanitized environment in multitenant offices requires a collaborative and strategic approach.
By understanding the importance of a clean office, defining clear responsibilities, considering the outsourcing of janitorial services, prioritizing indoor air quality, implementing access control, and establishing a regular cleaning schedule, businesses can foster a healthy and productive environment for all occupants.
If you would like more information regarding the effectiveness of high-performance infection prevention and control measures, or if you would like to schedule a free, no-obligation on-site assessment of your facility's custodial needs, 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
In Palmdale, CA, or Lancaster, CA, call (661) 371-4756
