The Hidden Values of Workplace Cleanliness: The Power of Storytelling

Workplace cleanliness is more than just a routine chore. It’s an investment that can save businesses substantial money while fostering a healthier and more productive environment.

The insights from ISSA’s white paper, “The Value of Clean,” presented by Tim Clifford of Wood Wyant and Director of the BCCCA, reveal the remarkable financial benefits that come with maintaining a clean workplace.

Workplace Cleanliness: A Story Worth Telling

Stories have a unique power to reshape our perspective. When you have a story to share about value, it can transform how your do business. This is a story about how workplace cleanliness should no be longer seen as a cost, but as a provider of savings.

In the world of cleaning, there are approximately 300,000 service workers employed in building facilities. Unfortunately, these workers are often perceived as a cost, resulting in lower wages and, consequently, a decrease in the quality of services they provide. However, industry facility managers who care have access to tools that can enhance the quality and value of cleaning services.

Redefining Operating Costs

While clients often demand reduced operating costs, the question remains: Does lower operating cost truly save them money? Poor-quality cleaning leads to complaints, which incur costs related to rescheduling, auditing complaints, adjusting billing, and more. Quality issues can cost building service workers approximately $60.00 per incident.

The Cost of Illness

Workplace cleanliness isn’t just about appearances; it impacts health. Reduced absenteeism is one of the key benefits of a clean workplace. On average, employees take around seven sick days a year, costing approximately $1,900 per employee. Moreover, hidden costs like overtime, admin expenses, and productivity slowdowns add to the financial burden of service complaints.

The Hygiene Factor

Kimberly Clark conducted a study revealing that improved hygiene can reduce illness by a staggering 80%. An ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) tool measures bacteria levels, providing a tangible way to showcase cleanliness to clients. Keeping the ATP levels below 80 correlates with reduced employee sickness, effectively demonstrating the value of clean buildings.

The Productivity Puzzle

Presenteeism, when employees come to work sick, is a productivity killer. Sick employees take longer to complete tasks, lack initiative, produce lower-quality work, and transmit germs, and some studies indicate presenteeism costs employers 2-3 times more than direct medical care. Higher ATP levels can drive operating costs even higher.

Customer Relations

In the retail sector, the cleanliness of a space directly impacts customer return rates. Studies show that people will avoid a business with a dirty restroom. Cleanliness is a sensitive area for customers, and details matter.

Asset Preservation

Reduced cleaning can lead to a shorter lifespan for assets, including expensive flooring. Planned maintenance can significantly extend the life of assets and reduce overall costs. Factors like entrance mats, regular vacuuming, spill and spot cleaning, and restorative deep cleaning can make a substantial difference.

Daytime Workplace Cleanliness and Cleaning

Daytime cleaning might be more cost-effective and beneficial for both clients and workers. It results in reduced electricity costs, lower absenteeism, and a better relationship between cleaners and occupants. Some government offices have already embraced daytime cleaning due to these obvious advantages.

The choice between day and night cleaning also affects transportation costs. Daytime cleaners often carpool, saving their clients money. In contrast, over 90% of nighttime cleaners drive themselves.

A Wise Investment

While cleaning has traditionally been seen as an expense, it is clear that even a modest investment in cleaning produces substantial financial returns in areas often overlooked. It’s time to shift the perspective and recognize the value that a clean workplace brings to the table.

A heartfelt thank you to Tim Clifford for his comprehensive presentation, helping BCCCA members convey to their customers that having a BCCCA Member as their cleaning provider doesn’t just cost them; it increases their savings.