How Important is it to Have Customers Brag About Your Cleanliness?

“Cleanliness is next to Godliness.” -attributed to St Thomas Aquinas

Ask a member of a Boy Scout Troop what the Scout law is, and he will immediately recite “A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.”

At every Boy Scout weekly meeting, the members of the troop open with a recitation of the Boy Scout Law. It is the guiding principles by which a scout is to live.

I believe it can and should serve as the guiding principles for a business owner, as well. There isn’t a point in the entire Scout Law that doesn’t serve an entrepreneur well, either as a business or as a person of integrity. Today, I’d like to focus on the eleventh point.

A number of years ago, I took my car into two repair shops over the course of a couple months. The first one had random tools scattered all over the place, employees wore dirty t-shirts and jeans, motor oil spilled all over the concrete floor, and the trash can was overflowing. When I got back into my car, there were dirty footprints on the floor mat.

The second shop was the complete opposite. The floor was clean. Employees were wearing clean uniforms. It appeared that all tools were in their place. The employee who came out to wait on me was taking off latex gloves that kept his hands clean. The whole shop had an atmosphere of professionalism. This became my repair shop of choice.

A clean and organized workplace not only creates a positive impression but also contributes to employee well-being and productivity. Some ways to promote this include:

  1. Maintaining a Clean Workspace: Keep your own workspace tidy and organized as an example for employees to follow. A clutter-free and well-maintained desk sets the tone for cleanliness throughout the office.

  2. Implementing Cleaning Policies: Establish clear and comprehensive cleaning policies and procedures for the workplace. Make sure they cover regular cleaning tasks, such as dusting, vacuuming, and sanitizing high-touch areas.

  3. Hiring Professional Cleaning Services: Consider hiring professional cleaning services to ensure a thorough and consistent cleaning schedule. Professional cleaners have the expertise and equipment to maintain a clean environment effectively.

  4. Providing Cleaning Supplies: Make sure that cleaning supplies, such as disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizers, trash bags, and paper towels, are readily available throughout the office for employees to use.

  5. Encouraging Personal Hygiene: Promote personal hygiene among employees by providing access to handwashing facilities with soap and water. Encourage employees to maintain cleanliness in their personal spaces.

  6. Enforcing Cleanliness in Common Areas: Pay special attention to common areas, such as break rooms, restrooms, and meeting rooms. Regularly clean and sanitize these spaces to prevent the spread of germs.

  7. Displaying Cleanliness Signage: Place signs and reminders about cleanliness practices, such as handwashing instructions and reminders to clean up after oneself, in appropriate locations.

  8. Organizing Storage Spaces: Keep storage areas and supply closets organized and tidy. This makes it easier to find items, reduces clutter, and helps prevent the accumulation of dust and dirt.

  9. Conducting Regular Inspections: Schedule regular inspections to ensure that cleanliness standards are being met. Address any issues promptly and take action to maintain a clean environment.

  10. Leading by Example: As a business owner, demonstrate your commitment to cleanliness by actively participating in cleaning efforts and promoting a culture of cleanliness within the organization.

  11. Implementing Appropriate Waste Management: Encourage recycling and proper waste management practices to keep the workplace clean and inviting.

  12. Educating Employees: Conduct training sessions or workshops to educate employees about the importance of cleanliness, proper hygiene practices, and their role in maintaining a clean workplace.

By prioritizing cleanliness in the workplace, a business owner creates a healthier and more inviting environment for everyone involved, which can positively impact productivity, employee satisfaction, and the overall reputation of the business.

Our FREE book will help you build the business the way you want it to be, to help you live that principle of bravery. Go to https://www.swbizcoaching.com/ and enter your email to get you on your way to heightened success.

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