As the labour shortage continues to affect organizations across the nation, the U.S. Department of Labor reports that there are 5.5 million more U.S. job openings than workers available to fill them. In turn, this has placed a spotlight on strategies to retain employees in order to reduce turnover and retain high performers during this competitive market.

An effective way for businesses to help boost employee retention and improve morale is to provide a clean, enjoyable and supportive work environment. Clean work environments have been linked to improved happiness and productivity, but especially now, it has become an expectation for many. In fact, a recent study revealed that while cleaning practices weren’t a main priority for employees pre-pandemic, 66 per cent of U.S. workers find it extremely important now.

Make the workplace a home away from home

Since employees spend a significant amount of time at work, it’s important they feel comfortable. Businesses can achieve this by outsourcing difficult or unpleasant tasks to lessen the burden on employees and by providing solutions that enable them to complete their jobs effectively and with ease. In addition, supplying wellness products to employees demonstrates that their health, safety and happiness are valued.

Below are steps to enhance your facility to help keep employees happy and thriving in the workplace.

• Focus on washrooms. Everyone loves a clean washroom, but deep cleaning it can be a daunting, unappealing task for employees. Consider partnering with a provider for deep washroom cleaning to take the heavy-duty responsibilities off employees. This will ensure washrooms are professionally cleaned and sanitized on a regular basis to enable employees to complete light, daily washroom maintenance with ease. An additional way to enhance the washroom experience is to implement a washroom supply service. Investing in a routine replenishment service guarantees the washroom is always stocked with quality products for employees. Supplies must be stocked on a regular basis including hand soap, paper towels, toilet paper and air fresheners. Doing so can help provide a pleasant washroom experience around the clock.
• Make hand hygiene a priority. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), hand hygiene is an easy, affordable, and effective way to prevent the spread of germs and keep employees healthy. To promote wellness and hand hygiene in the workplace, provide employees with accessible hand sanitizer dispensing stations. Select quality sanitizer that kills 99.9 per cent of bacteria but is gentle enough for everyday use. It should contain a moisturizing agent to help keep hands soft and protect against dry skin. Place stations in high-traffic areas, employee cafes, outside washrooms, or anywhere soap and water are not readily available to help employees protect themselves with ease.
• Clean regularly and sustainably. Employees value cleaning transparency from their employers more than ever. Providing insight into the cleaning process and schedule will give employees the peace of mind that their workplace is truly being cleaned to help keep everyone safe and healthy in the workplace. Research the benefits of implementing microfibre mops, wipes, and duster tools for effective, sustainable cleaning. In addition, consider a cleaning chemical service that offers properly diluted, Green Seal-certified chemicals that are proven safe for health and the environment. For added protection, consider disinfectant and sanitizer spray services to help eliminate germs, viruses, and bacteria from surfaces and common touchpoints.
• Provide additional comfort. For employees required to stand for extended periods of time, supplying anti-fatigue mats to ensure standing comfort throughout the day is a fantastic option. There are several anti-fatigue mats on the market that offer different levels of support, so it’s important to research options and select quality products with bounce-back technology that is proven to reduce discomfort. This can help employees feel more relaxed and productive throughout the workday.

During this challenging labour market, it’s critical to ensure employees are satisfied with their work environment to help keep them on board. Providing a clean, enjoyable atmosphere complemented with wellness products can translate into improved morale and reduced turnover.

John Engel is the director of marketing for the Facility Services division of Cintas, with more than 13 years of industry experience and is currently responsible for product line management and development.