The workplace has evolved. Today, employee wellness, indoor air quality, and operational efficiency are more than perks—they’re expectations. One often overlooked yet critical contributor to a healthier workforce is the cleanliness of the physical workspace. But can professional commercial cleaning services actually reduce sick days at work?
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Absolutely—and the data backs it up. With high-touch surfaces harboring everything from dirt to disease-causing pathogens, consistent cleaning isn’t just about appearances. It’s a key part of infection prevention and control, employee morale, and long-term business performance.
Why Cleanliness and Hygiene Matter for Employee Health
Illnesses like influenza, the common cold, and even allergies spread rapidly in enclosed, shared environments. Poor ventilation, dusty carpets, and unclean restrooms can create a breeding ground for viruses, bacteria, and allergens such as mold, dust mites, and pollen.
Studies have shown that viruses introduced to a single desk or doorknob can spread to 60% of office surfaces within hours. Without targeted cleaning—including disinfectant use and routine sanitation—disease transmission is inevitable.
To maintain a healthy workforce, regular janitorial cleaning services must include:
- High-touch surface disinfection (e.g., door handles, phones, keyboards)
- HEPA vacuuming and microfiber mopping to trap dust and particles
- Deep carpet cleaning and upholstery cleaning to reduce allergens
- Bathroom and grout sanitization to eliminate odor and prevent spread
- Improved air filtration and scheduled floor cleaning services
These practices, when implemented properly, directly support employee productivity, reduce absenteeism, and enhance workplace wellness.
The Hidden Costs of Employee Sick Days
Every day an employee is out sick creates ripple effects across the business. Missed deadlines, additional workload on others, interrupted workflows, and even declines in customer satisfaction become real concerns.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average cost of a flu-related sick day per employee is around $230 annually. In high-density offices and busy seasons (like July and winter), that cost can multiply quickly.
Additionally, indirect costs such as lowered employee morale, increased stress, and a decline in team efficiency further strain operations. Investing in a professional cleaning service becomes an essential form of business risk management.
The Role of Professional Commercial Cleaners
A certified commercial cleaner or office cleaning company is more than just a janitorial team. These professionals follow OSHA and CDC guidelines for infection prevention and control, understand proper chemical handling, and use advanced tools like HEPA vacuums, microfiber cloths, and even commercial steam cleaners for deeper sanitation.
Services typically include:
- Office cleaning services customized to your industry (medical, retail, industrial)
- Carpet cleaning services and floor cleaning services that eliminate debris, stains, and odors
- Medical office cleaning with CDC-aligned cleaning and disinfecting
- Post construction cleaning for new builds or remodels
- Commercial kitchen cleaning services and breakroom sanitation
- Window cleaning services and commercial window cleaning for improved visibility and atmosphere
- Retail cleaning services and public-facing space management
- Environmentally friendly cleaning with eco-safe solutions and recycling programs
These professional cleaning services deliver a clean office that’s not only visually appealing but also safer and healthier for all employees.
Boosting Morale, Reputation, and Retention
Cleanliness isn’t just a health issue—it’s a cultural one. A well-maintained environment improves mental health, promotes a positive atmosphere, and reinforces that leadership cares about employee well-being. This enhances employee morale and helps build a stronger company reputation in a competitive talent market.
Studies show:
- 77% of employees report higher work satisfaction in a clean environment
- 86% say a clean workspace improves focus and creativity
- Employees in clean offices have significantly lower levels of fatigue, stress, and illness-related absences
In short, investing in office cleaning services or commercial janitorial services is also an investment in team culture, brand image, and workplace sustainability.
Are You Missing These Key Cleaning Practices?
Not all commercial cleaning services are created equal. If your current plan doesn’t include the following, it may be time to revisit your facility cleaning strategy:
- Routine deep cleans of carpets, upholstery, and tile
- Use of hospital-grade disinfectants with proper dwell times
- Focused cleaning of high-traffic zones such as bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by staff
- Air quality management and regular inspection for dust buildup
- Integration of hand hygiene stations and hand sanitizer supplies
Modern businesses need a partner in cleaning—not just a crew with a mop and bucket.
FAQ: Commercial Cleaning and Sick Day Reduction
1. How often should office cleaning be scheduled to reduce illness?
Daily sanitation of high-touch areas is recommended, with weekly deep cleaning. During flu season, frequency should increase, especially in high-traffic or shared environments.
2. Can carpet cleaning really help reduce allergies and sick days?
Yes. Carpets trap allergens, dust, and pathogens. Regular carpet cleaning services with HEPA vacuums and eco-safe chemicals improve indoor air quality and reduce allergy flare-ups.
3. Are environmentally friendly cleaning products effective against viruses?
Yes—when used properly. Many green cleaning products meet EPA standards for disinfecting and are effective against common bacteria and viruses, offering safe, sustainable solutions.
4. What industries benefit most from commercial cleaning services?
Offices, medical, manufacturing, retail, and construction industries all benefit. Each setting has unique hygiene and compliance needs that professional janitorial services can meet.
5. How does commercial cleaning support compliance and risk management?
By aligning with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and OSHA guidelines, commercial cleaners help reduce liability, manage insurance risks, and protect employee health.
6. Is it possible to get a free quote or custom cleaning plan?
Yes. Many top providers, including Maintenance Resources, offer free quotes and flexible plans tailored to your industry, building size, and workflow requirements.
Ready to Strengthen Your Workforce and Sanitize Your Workspace?
If you’re searching for commercial cleaners near me, office cleaning companies near me, or trusted building cleaning services, look no further. At Maintenance Resources, we deliver high-performance, professional cleaning services designed to reduce sick days, improve employee morale, and keep your business running smoothly.
Our services span everything from janitorial cleaning services to specialty cleaning, including emergency cleaning, restoration, and national facility maintenance programs. Whether you manage an office, a plant, or a multi-site portfolio, we’ll design a plan tailored to your needs, budget, and zip code.
Contact Maintenance Resources today to request a free quote and discover how our clean team can protect your people, your business, and your reputation—one sanitized surface at a time.
