The positive impact of cleaning on sustainability: appreciation for the unseen power
Cleaning is often viewed as a practical, necessary task with minimal impact on sustainability. However, this service plays a crucial role not only in the appearance of a building, but also in the well-being of the people who work there every day, as well as its broader impact on the environment. Their work is sometimes unnoticed, but cleaners are essential for a healthy, safe and sustainable work environment. In this blog, we put them in the spotlight and highlight their significant contribution to the social, governance, and environmental aspects of sustainability (ESG).
Social
The foundation of a pleasant workplace and wellbeing
A clean workplace is more than just aesthetically pleasing. It has a direct impact on the health and well-being of employees. It reduces the spread of bacteria and viruses, which in turn lowers absenteeism, as shown in research published in the American Journal of Public Health. Employees also feel more comfortable in a clean environment. This boosts satisfaction, energy and motivation. In this way, cleaning contributes to both employee well-being and a more sustainable approach to work.
Higher productivity and satisfaction
Cleaners not only maintain hygiene but also create a sense of peace and order. A messy or dirty workspace can distract and disrupt concentration. A clean and tidy space helps people focus better. A study by the University of Arizona found that employees in a clean and organised environment are up to 15% more productive than those in a cluttered one. People feel more at ease and often deliver better quality work. So, cleaning directly contributes to a pleasant and efficient workday.
The silent guardians of safety
Cleaners also play a crucial role in maintaining workplace safety. They notice tripping hazards, fire risks or other unsafe situations before they lead to incidents. In this way, they contribute not only to employee wellbeing, but also to a work culture where safety comes naturally.
Governance
Compliance with rules and regulations
Cleaning services can help companies comply with essential health, safety, and environmental laws. Regular and well-executed cleaning helps organisations comply with workplace safety rules, create a healthy environment and avoid possible fines or legal issues.
Cleaning as part of risk management
Because cleaners are present every day, they often spot risks first, such as moisture problems, blocked emergency exits, or poor maintenance. Taking their signals seriously makes cleaning a valuable part of broader risk management.
Safeguarding quality in production environments
In production settings, cleaning has a direct impact on product quality. Dirt, dust or contamination can disrupt the process or even lead to rejected products. Especially in sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals, or high-tech, hygiene is essential. By incorporating cleaning into quality control, companies can reduce risks and protect product reliability.
Environment
Reducing environmental impact
Cleaning services help reduce a company’s ecological footprint. By using environmentally friendly cleaning products, energy-efficient equipment and water-saving methods, they lower the impact on both the workplace and the planet.
Circular cleaning practices
Cleaning services that adopt circular methods help companies achieve sustainability goals by reusing materials and selecting products with a minimal environmental impact. Regular deep cleaning also extends the life of carpets and furniture, saving resources and reducing costs.
Making the invisible visible
The cleaning industry makes a valuable daily contribution to health, safety and sustainability. But that impact often stays under the radar. Many cleaning companies are already working hard to become more sustainable, utilising green products, circular materials, and a focus on providing good employment.
But their impact goes beyond their teams. Office workers and on-site customers benefit daily from the quality, safety, and appearance that cleaning makes possible. These external effects are rarely communicated, even though this is often where the most significant impact happens.
It’s time to make that visible. Not only to show appreciation for the people who make a difference every day, but also to demonstrate that sustainability is a practical reality, achieved through small, consistent steps that have a ripple effect throughout the entire chain.
Eevery helps cleaning companies make their sustainable impact visible. With our platform, you measure your current performance, improve with practical tips, and communicate your efforts through a clear sustainability report. Curious how it works? Book a demo and show what you already do.
