3 Ways Hybrid Work Has Reshaped In-Office Cleaning & Maintenance

While it may feel like a distant memory now, the pandemic created lasting changes to many in-office norms. Recent research found 88% of employers offer some degree of hybrid work to its employees. While this change has had many positive impacts, including a broadened talent pool for hiring, greater flexibility for employees and lowered individual carbon footprints by 40%, it has also affected building maintenance practices.

Logically, one may think that fewer employees on-site would mean less cleaning for maintenance crews. However, in reality, it can lead to a less predictable cleaning schedule as the number of employees on-site each day could vary week to week. By and large, hybrid work isn’t going away any time soon, and it’s advantageous for facility maintenance pros to set their team up for success. Here are three major changes that have emerged from hybrid work, and tips on how maintenance professionals can adapt to them.

Hybrid Workspaces Require Flexible Cleaning Schedules

Globally, 83% of employees prefer a hybrid work model. But having a strong company culture is still important to employee satisfaction and community. Many hybrid companies require one “anchor day” each week for all-staff meetings and culture-related activities. Other days, commonly Fridays, there may be fewer people required in the office. Prior to the pandemic, evening cleanings used to be extremely formulaic. Now, in the era of hybrid work, each week can look a bit different. Client meetings, out-of-state employee visits and in-office parties or events can require unique or deep cleaning by facility maintenance crews. This means preparation is key.

Facility maintenance professionals must keep the maintenance room or closet fully stocked with the right products for a variety of cleanup needs —from wiping products to bathroom essentials. This preparedness ensures spaces are thoroughly cleaned when on-site employee attendance is high, and resources aren’t wasted or overused when offices are emptier. 

Shared Spaces Encompass Multiple Uses (And Users)

The average hybrid worker spends 3.7 days per week in the office. That could mean more days of empty, unused desks and extra expenses that come with too much space. Along with hybrid work came the introduction of the “hot desk” system. This means that not every employee has a designated desk and may be working in a variety of different spaces throughout an in-office day. This can include shared desks, conference rooms, huddle rooms, phone booths and collaborative lounge spaces.

Because of this flexibility, desks, keyboards, monitors, chairs and other office equipment need more thorough cleaning by jan/san crews than previously. Afterall, one person’s desk may become another’s lunchroom a few hours later. If employees perceive a space to be dirty, they won’t use it, reducing usable workspace and undermining perceptions of cleanliness. On busier office days, this may mean more than a traditional after-hours cleaning and include a midday refresh.

In-Office Cleaning Can Start with Employees

Keeping spaces clean and tidy doesn’t have to be exclusively for maintenance professionals. By providing adequate cleaning and wiping products throughout office spaces, facility managers can give office workers the tools they need to proactively wipe up spills or small messes.

For many messes, an absorbent paper towel like Bravo will get the job done. Additionally, strategically placing a more absorbent, high-quality wiper like the Clean Task® All-Purpose Z400 Wipers in a place where more durability may be needed can equip office workers with the wiping power they need. By keeping high-quality cleaning supplies at the ready, tenants can be prepared for quick, effective cleaning for that unexpected client or customer visit or just a midday mess.

 From bathrooms to break rooms and every space in between, Sellars has the products facility managers need to make light work of thorough cleaning. Browse our cleaning and wiping inventory to find the right wipers for your cleaning cart.