Offices are high-traffic environments, with multiple people touching the same surfaces throughout the day. Common hotspots for germs include:

• Keyboards, phones, and computer mice
• Door handles and light switches
• Kitchen surfaces and shared appliances
• Desks and chairs
• Communal bathrooms

The scale of the issue is startling: the typical office desk can harbour 400 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. Without regular cleaning, bacteria and viruses can easily spread between staff. increasing the likelihood of colds, flu and stomach bugs making their way around the workplace. 

When germs spread easily, it results in higher staff absence rates. Businesses in the UK are estimated to lose tens of millions of working days each year due to issues rooted in poor hygiene and sanitation, one estimate suggests around 38.8 million days lost. 

This isn’t just about absence, when employees come to work but aren’t fully well (presenteeism) productivity suffers even more. Improving cleanliness becomes a crucial part of maintaining a healthy workforce.

Routine, professional cleaning ensures key touch-points are disinfected and all areas remain hygienic. Here’s how it makes a difference:

Reduces the spread of germs: With frequent cleaning, disinfection and hygiene measures in place, the risk of contagion drops significantly. For example, workplaces that introduced enhanced cleaning protocols saw reductions in absenteeism of up to 30%. 

Improves hand hygiene and behaviour: With only ~61% of UK office workers reporting proper handwashing after the toilet, there’s a clear hygiene gap. 

Improves air quality and reduces allergens: Regular vacuuming, dust-removal and deep cleaning of carpets/fabrics reduce the burden of allergens and pollutants in the workspace.

Encourages better hygiene habits: A visible, well-maintained environment helps reinforce good hygiene practices among staff (hand-washing, desk cleaning, tidiness) which supports health outcomes.

Hiring a professional cleaning company ensures that the right products, tools, and colour-coded systems are used, reducing the risk of cross-contamination and maintaining high hygiene standards. At Simplifying Cleaning we follow the correct British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) colour-coding system and use trusted products to ensure every area is cleaned safely and effectively.

A clean workplace isn’t just healthier, it’s more productive. Employees feel valued, motivated, and focused in a tidy, sanitised environment. First impressions count too, a clean office reflects professionalism and attention to detail. With reduced sick days and fewer disruptions, your business stays on track and performs better.

Regular office cleaning is an investment in your team’s health and your business’s success. The statistics show that a cleaner workplace can lead to significantly fewer sickness-related absences and improved productivity. By maintaining high hygiene standards and reducing the spread of illness, you can keep your workplace running smoothly, efficiently, and safely.

At Simplifying Cleaning, operating across North East Lincolnshire (and into Yorkshire), we provide tailored office cleaning services, helping businesses maintain spotless, healthy environments every day.

👉 Get in touch today to see how we can help reduce sick days in your workplace.

Regular office cleaning removes bacteria, viruses, and allergens from frequently touched surfaces. This helps stop the spread of illnesses like colds, flu, and stomach bugs, meaning fewer staff absences and a healthier workplace overall.

Common germ hotspots include door handles, keyboards, phones, kitchen worktops, shared appliances, and bathroom surfaces. These areas should be disinfected daily to prevent cross-contamination.

Most offices benefit from daily cleaning, with additional deep cleans scheduled weekly or monthly depending on footfall and activities. High-traffic areas such as kitchens and restrooms should always be prioritised for frequent disinfection.

Yes. Studies show that enhanced cleaning protocols can reduce absenteeism by up to 30%. A cleaner workplace reduces exposure to germs and allergens, keeping employees healthier and more productive.

Professional cleaners use BICSc colour-coded systems to prevent cross-contamination and products designed to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses. Microfibre cloths, disinfectant sprays, and HEPA-filter vacuums are also key tools for maintaining hygiene.

Professional cleaning ensures consistent hygiene standards, correct product use, and compliance with health and safety regulations. It also frees up employees to focus on their work, improving efficiency, morale, and overall wellbeing.