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If there is one thing the pandemic taught us it’s that hygiene is directly linked to our overall health. When it comes to maintaining an office, it’s no different - a clean environment is no longer just for aesthetic purposes. No matter how big or small, an office should be a clean, safe, and pleasant work environment for visitors and employees.
If you are a facilities manager or play a role in managing an office in London, then cleaning probably falls under your list of responsibilities. One of the most common ways to ensure your office is cleaned to high standards is to hire an office cleaning company.
However, with many options available, it can be a bit daunting to choose the right one for your business. After all, it’s not only about cleaning tasks but choosing a company that is dependable, understands your business needs and, most importantly, prioritizes hygiene in all aspects to create a healthier environment. In this article, we will guide you through most aspects when hiring an office cleaning company in London.
What you should know when hiring an office cleaning company
How experienced they are in office cleaning
The first thing you need is assurance that the job will be performed to high standards. Prefer reputable companies that have established relationships with different clients. If they have a website, check their testimonials online and spend some time reading the services they offer so you can ask the right questions when contacting them.
You might enquire about the professionals they work with, the type of products they use, how long they have been in business and if they have other clients in the same area as you. Another option is to ask colleagues in facilities for recommendations, but even then, be sure to ask all the right questions that are relevant for you.
If they can attend to your schedule
The frequency at which a working space will need to be cleaned will depend on different reasons, such as how busy the place is and how many visitors it has on a daily or weekly basis. London is a busy city, so your office will likely need cleaning regularly, especially if you’re hosting events or meetings with external visitors.
Whilst most companies will provide you with a recommendation, you should have a minimum requirement in mind. Another important aspect is the schedule during the day of cleaning.
Certain tasks, such as vacuuming, should be performed whilst the office occupancy is at a minimum, to avoid disruptions in the workplace. You should also enquire about how flexible the company is if you need to make any changes to the cleaning schedule.
Communication is key
The way the cleaning company responds to your queries is a good indication of how the relationship will be when the contract is signed.
When the job is being performed, should any concerns arise, most established office cleaning companies should have staff available to get back to you within a reasonable time.
You should discuss the way they deal with their existing clients and establish the best form of contact that will work on both sides.
They need to understand your business and your needs
It’s not only about the cleaning, but about partnership. A cleaning company should also be about understanding your business.
They should be dependable on if you’re an office that usually holds work events in the evenings, or when you have a big meeting with extra people using the office kitchen, for example.
If they’re committed to not only performing a high standard cleaning job but also understanding the unique peculiarities of your business, you’ve found the right cleaning partner.
Safety comes first
As a starter, you should never sign with a cleaning company that doesn’t have full coverage insurance for the services they perform. If they also attend to health and safety measures whilst performing the job is also important.
For example, are strong chemicals used for cleaning whilst there are people in the office? Or are their products environmentally friendly? Make sure they’re also providing all the cleaning equipment, and everything is in good condition to avoid accidents.
How a clean office can improve the productivity of your employees
The benefits of having a functional and clean office go much further than just health and safety. It’s also known to boost the productivity of employees and improve staff morale.
After all, people spend so much time in the office that is important to have a clean and organised environment that makes your employees feel motivated and appreciated, because they are being looked after whilst working.
Maintaining an office in good condition should be a collaborative task and employees should play a part, but once the heavy cleaning duty is done then you should also encourage people to keep their desks tidy and shared spaces organised.
As well as that, regular office cleaning can help prevent cross-infection in the workplace which can mean fewer people taking sick days because they caught a cold in the office.
How much does it cost to clean an office?
Now that you’ve learned some tips for choosing an office cleaning company, hopefully, it’s not just the hourly rate that will determine your decision. However, budget is an important business factor and it’s important to have an idea of costs. We’ve broken down the cost of the most common office cleaning jobs at Cleanwise:
General cleaning - from £15 per hour
This is the standard rate for regular cleaning tasks such as vacuuming, cleaning kitchen and toilets, and emptying bins. The total cost can vary according to your business needs and schedule, just get in touch with us for more information.
Anti-viral fogging - from £99
Anti-viral can be very effective to disinfect an office, making it a safe workplace, as it’s highly effective against viruses, including H1N1 and COVID 19. It’s a water-based, anti-microbial method that uses a fogging machine to create a fog of chemicals in a room, disinfecting even hard to reach areas. To know more!
Office deep cleaning – from £ 99
If you need cleaning in additional areas within the office or just a deeper cleaning in communal areas, for example, a deep cleaning job can be tailored to your needs. All the work will be carried out by trained professionals to ensure excellent service. If you need more information or have a question about office cleaning, just get in touch and we can help you to create a safe and clean work environment that will make your employees look forward to going to work.