Although hybrid working is now a fact of life, and there are advantages that come with a more flexible working arrangement, the demand for working in an office environment is still there either through employer requirement or personal preference.

So, what are the incoming trends for the future of commercial offices and how can office environments be adapted satisfactorily in light of the changing expectations of employees and the evolution of health and safety practice?

Firstly, businesses that require in-person working realise that productivity, revenue, and ultimately profit is linked to staff engagement, which is linked, in turn, to employee expectations.

A recent index suggests that over 65% of respondents want more face to face time with their colleagues and 66% of businesses are contemplating a redesign of their office space to accommodate hybrid work patterns, which should include planning for how to maintain a clean, safe office environment.

In fact, there appears to have been a shift in priority to regard cleaning for health as important as cleaning for appearance. On average, 38 days are lost per business, each year, to colds and flu, so not only does a clean office support staff morale, customer first impressions, and brand reputation, it can actually save money.

But how does a company capitalise on these shifting attitudes?

Firstly, it could perform a current cleaning audit, so the current cleaning schedule is scrutinised for frequency and effectiveness. From there, benchmarks and targets can be updated and reviewed so that progress is reported, and practice can be adapted if required.

Secondly, while the visual presence of a regular cleaning team during work hours could provide reassurance that it is actually taking place, at the same time it could create concerns for office workers who may want to know, for example, the sustainability of the products used, or their possible potential to cause skin or eye irritation. These concerns might not even be on workers’ radars if the office was cleaned out of hours. However, once they are aware of any concerns, cleaning companies could choose and use visible products accordingly to address those concerns.

Thirdly, businesses may need to be aware that their post-pandemic office layouts which may have been updated to reflect hybrid working patterns and incorporate more open plan work spaces will require more regular, thorough cleaning and disinfection. This can still be a benefit to employers if their employees want to see cleaning taking place albeit with minimal disruption.

If businesses choose a reliable and professional office cleaning service, they should be confident in the standard of work provided. The best service providers will be committed to fulfilling the most demanding specification whilst maintaining a personal and responsive relationship directly with their client.