Spring is in the air in Australia and with the change in season comes the time for businesses to refresh their ideas, practices and their direction. No business has become successful by being trapped in the thinking ways of the past. So it is out with the old and in with the new.
One of the main areas businesses need to focus on is health safety practices that will contribute to their overall business productivity and profitability. Many Australian business owners fail to see the direct impact that investments in these areas will have on their business over the long-term. This short-sightedness is handicapping the businesses from reaching their maximum potential.
There is power in the absence of clutter
Studies have shown that the appearance and presence of a clean environment will increase morale and confidence. Looking at minimalist interior designs, they have proved that less provides more in terms of ambiance, energy and aesthetics. Reports from the P&G and USA’s Minnesota Department of health state facts that there is a direct correlation to businesses cleanliness that will improve their productivity.
Australian cleaning company Consolidated Property Services have noticed in their 34 years of professional cleaning services that by reducing clutter and mess from the working environment, the business is also increasing the respect, admiration and honour for the workplace. These traits will rub off on employees and into their work, thus making employees more productive.
A poor working environment will lead to poor employee output
The quickest way to reduce the ‘feel good’ self-driven pride in your business is if you fail to take care of the environment. What is worse is when people start noticing these things; your staff will start to raise questions and concerns. As a matter of fact, this will be detrimental to the credibility of your business, as the cracks will start to show by employees being sloppy in their jobs.
Lessons that can be learned from cleaning expert Marie Kondo
Marie Kondo is the author of the book ‘The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up’. While her cleaning and tidying habits are primarily for the home, her mantra that is ‘Does it spark joy?’ can also be adopted to the business world but in the way of ‘Does it offer value?’ Her book addresses how people reach the tipping point of clutter in their lives. Businesses face the same challenge by not knowing how to manage their waste and cleanliness processes.
In her book, Marie Kondo says “Clutter in our homes is correlated to stress.” As with the study shown above, the correlation between an untidy workplace can also lead to detriments in health including stress and employees physical health. While Marie Kondo’s mission has been one to help people in their homes to combat mess and clutter, there are several learnings that can also be adopted into the workplace.
Australian cleaning businesses are now in a prime position to take advantage of the ‘cleaning market opportunity’
There is a need for cleaning businesses to educate and demonstrate the value that clean environments can bring to the operational efficiency and productivity of a business. Although it may be difficult to recognise the initial monetary value of cleanliness to the business, the productivity, revenue and profit will rise over time.