Getting Your Employees To Clean The Office
Even though the janitors (such as ones provided by Gama Professional Cleaning) are responsible for cleaning the office, that doesn't mean that your employees shouldn't also play a role in keeping the office clean. The janitors can't always be available to clean up after sudden spills. Luckily, there are ways you can motivate your employees to clean up after themselves.
Using the Carrot and Stick
Like with many forms of motivation, you will need to rely on either a carrot, a stick, or both. For the stick, consider creating consequences for when employees do not perform specific cleaning tasks. For example, employees who eat at their desks and leave a mess could be banned from eating at their desks. Any mugs that are not cleaned might be thrown away.
Another way to motivate your employees is to designate specific cleaning tasks that are put on a chart hung on the wall. Write a name for each employee underneath a chore. Then, place a checkmark next to each name when the cleaning task has been performed. This is a way to make it clear who is not performing his or her cleaning responsibilities.
The easiest way to provide positive reinforcement is to get to know your employees very well so you can come up with gifts that you could provide them. Whichever employee completes his or her cleaning duties the soonest could be rewarded with a bag of gourmet coffee or a gift certificate. Another approach is to have a lottery for free gifts and only allow those who clean their desks to participate in the lottery.
Modeling Positive Behavior and Stressing the Importance of Cleanliness
You can model positive behavior by remembering to keep your own work area clean. Then, employees will see you as a positive example rather than as a hypocrite. Many individuals do not become cleaner until they are given a specific reason why. Remind them that failing to clean the office can create bad smells. Also, remind them that untidy offices can attract pests that can make the office much less pleasant to work in.
Allocate Time for Cleaning
Many employees do not clean because they feel they do not have time. Therefore, you should allocate a specific period of time where employees can clean their desks while on the clock. Usually, all that is needed is five minutes at the end of the shift to keep the desk clean. Also, remind employees that if they stay more organized, they will get their work done more quickly.