If you’ve ever walked into your workplace and felt something was just… off, it might not be the coffee. It could be your office cleaning. A tidy-looking office doesn’t always mean it’s clean in the ways that matter. And poor cleaning routines? They can quietly drag down your team’s health, productivity and morale. Here are five red flags that it’s time to rethink your approach.
1. You Keep Running Out of Sick Leave
If your team’s using more sick days than annual leave, that’s a warning. Germs spread fast on shared surfaces – desks, lift buttons, kitchen handles. And unless your cleaners are properly disinfecting these touchpoints daily, they’re probably just moving germs around.
What to look for:
- High absenteeism, especially in colder months.
- Recurring illnesses or outbreaks.
- Lack of clear hygiene practices from your cleaners.
2. The “Clean” Smell Is Missing (or Overpowering)
You shouldn’t walk into your office and be hit with stale air – or a chemical cloud. No smell at all? It could mean neglected areas. A harsh smell? Probably too much product, or worse, masking something.
Signs of trouble:
- A musty or sour odour in break rooms or bathrooms.
- Strong chemical smells that linger for hours.
- Employees complaining about allergies or headaches.
3. Dust and Grime Keep Coming Back
You shouldn’t need to draw smiley faces on dusty desks. If dust builds up quickly after cleaning, chances are the cleaning schedule is too infrequent or poorly done.
Check:
- Tops of cabinets, monitors and door frames.
- Vents and ceiling corners.
- Carpet edges and underneath desks.
4. Your Floors Never Really Look Clean
Floors take a beating – especially in reception, kitchens and bathrooms. If they always look grubby, sticky or discoloured, something’s wrong.
Consider:
- Frequency of vacuuming and mopping.
- Use of proper equipment (like HEPA vacuums).
- Deep cleaning schedules, especially for carpet and tile.
5. Staff Are Doing the Cleaning Themselves
This is a big one. If staff are constantly wiping down tables, emptying bins or restocking toilet paper, that’s not just poor cleaning – it’s poor management.
You’ll notice:
- Cleaning supplies disappearing faster than usual.
- Teams taking turns to “reset” meeting rooms.
- Complaints in internal chats or HR surveys.
Time to Lift Your Standards
A reliable, professional cleaning service doesn’t just keep things tidy – it protects health, boosts productivity and keeps your office looking sharp. If you’ve seen any of these signs, it’s time to review your current arrangements and consider a professional overhaul.
Check out what a high-standard Office Cleaning provider should be delivering – not just on paper, but in daily outcomes. If you’re still unsure, compare your current service to Office Cleaning benchmarks that actually meet health and safety standards.
Don’t wait for your staff to complain or productivity to dip. The right Office Cleaning strategy supports a healthier, more focused workplace from the ground up.