Summary: Commercial cleaning is critically important to businesses in the Boston area. A clean and tidy business is a more successful business. On the other hand, letting cleaning slip only leads to problems no business owner wants.
Businesses across the greater Boston area often treat commercial cleaning as a routine operational expense. It is certainly necessary, but it is looked at as less important than other aspects of running a company. For that reason, cleaning is often minimized or overlooked. We see things differently here at All Pro Cleaning Systems.
Inadequate or inconsistent cleaning obviously affects a business’s appearance. But it does more than that. It generates hidden costs that quietly impact the bottom line. It helps to create an environment that directly affects employee health, customer perceptions, productivity, and even long-term facility condition.
We encourage Boston businesses to consider the hidden costs of inadequate cleaning. By understanding what inadequate cleaning is actually costing, ownership can make better and more strategic cleaning decisions.
1. More Callouts, Less Productivity
Boston is known for its dense work environments. From downtown office buildings to healthcare facilities and co-working spaces, our workers tend to be packed tightly together. Unfortunately, that makes germ transmission more likely. But does that really have an impact on employee productivity? Yes.
Many studies conducted over the years have shown clear links between office cleanliness and worker health. When office environments are more conducive to the spread of germs, employees are more likely to report symptoms of illness. They are also more likely to call in sick.
With that in mind, here is what happens when a Boston-area business allows cleaning standards to slip:
- High-touch surfaces (like computer keyboards and door handles) become breeding grounds for germs.
- Illnesses spread through the office more quickly.
- Sick days increase while productivity decreases.
It’s worth noting that productivity is still affected when employees come to work ill. Think about it. You aren’t highly motivated to do your best when you’re sick. So even a Boston office fully staffed with half of the workers feeling ill will not be as productive as it should be.
2. Poor Client or Customer Perceptions
Do first impressions matter? Absolutely. But so do third, fourth, and fifth impressions. Boston is a highly competitive market in which poor customer or client perceptions can have an enormous impact on a company’s success. Customers, clients, and partners expect a clean and tidy business space.
Allowing commercial cleaning standards to slip creates an unattractive environment. Whether consciously or subconsciously, clients or customers will notice:
- Dirty restrooms.
- Unpleasant odors.
- Dust building up in visible areas.
- Glass with smudges and streaks.
- Trash accumulating in work areas.
These sorts of things damage trust. They make a business seem unprofessional. The potential for poor perceptions is exacerbated in certain industries – like finance, real estate, and healthcare – where presentation is so critical to putting the best foot forward.
3. Accelerated Wear and Tear
Poor commercial cleaning practices generally go hand-in-hand with poor maintenance. Here is the result: normal facility wear and tear is accelerated. And in an environment like Boston’s, seasonal challenges can accelerate things even faster.
Snow, road salt, sand, and other environmental influences have a tremendous impact on Boston-area facilities. They can wreak havoc on building interiors and exteriors alike. Without comprehensive commercial cleaning:
- Salt residue does considerable damage to carpets and hard flooring.
- Dirt and debris leave hard surfaces with visible scratches.
- Moisture encourages mold and mildew growth.
- Minor stains that could otherwise have been removed become embedded.
Strategic cleaning on a regular schedule addresses these sorts of issues. It helps preserve surfaces and extend facility lifespan throughout. Furniture and fixtures last longer. Flooring stands up better to the daily grind. Throughout the building, everything looks better and wears more slowly.
4. Higher Long-Term Maintenance Spend
For many Boston-area businesses, commercial cleaning is an easy cut when the belt needs to be tightened. Doing so saves money in the short-term, but it is likely to increase long-term maintenance spend. Why? Because inconsistent cleaning practices turn small problems into more expensive problems down the road. Consider the following:
- Carpets – Carpets with embedded stains and odors eventually reach a point at which they cannot be cleaned. The only option is to replace them .
- Walls, Fixtures, Furniture – The longer dirt and grime are allowed to build up on walls, fixtures, and furniture, the more difficult it is to clean those surfaces. They will eventually require more expensive deep cleaning and restoration.
- HVAC Systems – HVAC systems that are not regularly cleaned accumulate dust and debris much faster. This reduces their efficiency while increasing the amount of money a company spends on heating and cooling.
Commercial cleaning is a lot like routine car maintenance in this regard. The longer it is delayed, the more expensive future work becomes. It is really a ‘pay now or pay later’ sort of thing.
5. Compliance and Liability Issues
Throughout Boston and all of Massachusetts, business owners are expected to maintain their facilities in order to meet health and safety expectations. Proper commercial cleaning is one component of compliance. Particularly where sanitation is concerned, a lack of compliance can contribute to:
- Unsafe conditions for workers and guests.
- A higher risk of workplace accidents.
- Potential liability issues related to both accidents and health concerns.
In some industries, improper cleaning and poor sanitation are especially critical. Examples include healthcare, food service, and education. In these environments, sanitation is an absolute necessity. Failing to provide a sanitary environment is simply not acceptable.
6. Brand Reputation Damage
Brand reputation is as important to Boston businesses as those in any other part of the country. Without a solid reputation, it is hard to succeed in competitive markets. This goes back to the idea of first, second, and third impressions. Cleanliness plays a powerful role in those impressions.
A poorly maintained environment undermines brand reputation. On the other hand, a consistently clean and tidy environment improves brand reputation by solidifying perceptions of professionalism, integrity, and attention to detail.
It is clear that regular and high-quality commercial cleaning benefits businesses in Boston and the surrounding area. Those services are exactly what we provide here at All Pro Cleaning Systems. Contact us for more information about how our cleaning services can help your business reach its full potential.
FAQs
What are the most common hidden costs of poor commercial cleaning?
The most common hidden costs we encounter are increased call-outs, reduced productivity, and higher long-term maintenance spend.
How does poor cleaning impact productivity?
Poor cleaning practices contribute to the spread of germs. They also create distractions. The combination of both decreases productivity.
How does cleaning impact a company’s reputation?
High-quality cleaning leaves a good impression in the minds of clients and visitors. Conversely, poor commercial cleaning leaves a bad impression.
How do cleaning practices impact on maintenance costs?
Regularly scheduled commercial cleaning keeps dirt, debris, and environmental impacts to a minimum. Everything from surfaces to furniture and fixtures lasts longer, leading to reduced long-term maintenance spend.
What surfaces are most impacted by poor cleaning?
The most susceptible surfaces are high-traffic floors, restrooms, break rooms, and high-touch surfaces.
How does cleaning impact liability?
Proper cleaning reduces liability by maintaining compliance and reducing the likelihood of slips and falls, avoidable germ spread, etc.