The more footfall you have at your place of work, the higher the chance you will have of dirt build up, clutter and germs. Left unattended, a workspace can soon become a serious hazard, not only for those working in the space but for visitors too.

In this article, we take a closer look at five potential hazards that could seriously affect your business if left unchecked.

 

 

Mental Health

Cluttered and messy workspaces can quickly create an unprofessional and lazy atmosphere, leaving employees feeling unproductive, unfocused and undervalued. Our work environment can also directly affect our mental health. In this article with Psychology Today, Doctor Sherrie Bourg Carter states, “Clutter can play a significant role in how we feel about our homes, our workplaces, and ourselves. Messy homes and work spaces leave us feeling anxious, helpless, and overwhelmed. Yet, rarely is clutter recognized as a significant source of stress in our lives.” The following article link gives us a better understanding of how clutter affects your brain.

With this in mind, it is easy to understand why it is so crucial to provide employees with an environment they feel safe and comfortable working in, especially if they are working long hours.

Employees are far more likely to succeed and excel in a clean work environment, resulting in a rise in productivity and a decrease in employee turnover.

 

Health Issues

Workspaces are a popular breeding ground for germs, and neglecting cleaning practices can quickly accelerate the growth and propagation of bacteria and mould.

This is why unhygienic workspaces are one of the leading causes of employee absenteeism, costing businesses a considerable amount of money and time.

To make sure that a work environment is safe for employees to use, it is essential that surfaces are disinfected, work facilities are regularly cleaned and floors are well maintained.

However, bathrooms, kitchens and flooring are not the only breeding grounds for germs. We often forget to clean our desks and devices which can be a big mistake as they are proven to be some of the biggest germ traps.

 

Slips, Trips and Falls

An unclean workspace with spills, wet surfaces and unmanaged hard flooring can be a significant hazard to your team.

Areas with heavy footfall should be properly maintained if you want to reduce the number of workplace injuries in your business. This includes cleaning spills up immediately to reduce the risk of slipping, as well as keeping floors clear of any mess and clutter (especially in busy areas, corridors and small rooms) so that people can access exits and move around freely.

If your workplace is cleaned regularly, there is less chance of accidents happening and employees getting injured, assuming your cleaning company are using wet floor signs.

 

Image and Satisfaction

Take a step back and consider how a visitor would feel walking into a cluttered or dirty workspace. Would they find it an inviting environment or would they feel uncomfortable and unsure about your business practices?

When it comes to the average customer, a tidy work environment implies that you can offer a high-quality service, no matter what sector you are in. A messy, unclean space will put your whole business image at risk and can result in prospective clients walking away.

This is also true for job applicants and existing employees. Keeping a space clean and in working order will show that your visitors and employees are respected and fully appreciated.

 

Damaged Assets

Carpets, furniture, electronics and work specific equipment – they can all be damaged over time if your workspace is not kept in good condition. If you neglect the maintenance of any assets that you own, it will take longer to clean them, and you will have to spend more money in the long run to replace them.

But damaged assets don’t just pose a threat to your business’s finances. Malfunctioning equipment, broken facilities and damaged flooring can pose as a serious health and safety hazard if not regularly maintained and cleaned. Dusting, for example, can help your electronics running for longer and floor maintenance can help prevent damaged flooring – one of the main causes of trips and falls.

 

 

Can you identify any of these hazards in your workspace? What changes could you make to create a safer and more productive work environment for your staff and prospective customers? If you’re struggling to find a solution that works for your business, please don’t hesitate to get in touch > https://www.aztec.co.uk/