Where facilities management maintenance is concerned, saying goodbye to the cold winter months and hello to the fresh new beginning of spring is very much welcomed.
As the icy temperatures of winter begin to warmth into spring, the phrase ‘spring cleaning’ means so much more than tidying up. Spring is the perfect time for facilities management maintenance to get the start it desperately needs after the winter. Spring is the perfect time for restoration. Facilities management teams must ensure their property is prepared for the season ahead.
A property that is well cared for throughout the year will improve the health and productivity of the occupants inside. In an research conducted by Initial Hygiene UK, it was discovered that 57 percent of employees are more motivated and have higher morale, when the workplace is clean. Here at Smarter Services, we have a number of ways to keep on top of spring facilities management maintenance:
A lovely walk through spring…
Addressing all issues, whether they are big or small, proactive or reactive, will help you get an idea of what needs to be done and during which time scale. Sorting the small details as soon as possible will make improvements in appearance and building functionality.
A facilities manager can walk through the process too, addressing anything you might usually overlook. The main things to consider for inspection are:
- Light switches
- Ceiling Tiles
- Countertops
- Shelving
- Fire Extinguishers
- Cabinets
- Hinges
- Doors
- Door stops/locks
Small changes, such as a simple lick of paint, cleaning the windows or ensuring those ceiling tiles are all uniform, will make a difference.
Clear the carpets
With rain, mud and even snow joining us for the ride, shoes can ruin carpets and flooring during winter. Shampooing carpets or waxing floors regularly will ensure that they last longer and should be done seasonally. Even once Spring is over as pollen can remain trapped in flooring and cause a nasty allergy for building occupiers.
Fight germs
It is a standard for buildings to have working toilets that are cleaned daily for hygiene purposes. However, a deep clean every month or so is necessary to ensure they are performing to optimum standard. Inevitable germs that build up over time can be diminished through sanitisation of surfaces, floors and equipment.
Is everything in top quality condition? Do mirrors/sinks need fixing or replacing? It is important to check as it can quickly turn into a safety hazard. The drier weather is also a great time to renew sealing around the sinks, toilets and windows, to not only get rid of the mildew but also to refresh the look.
Listening and following up with feedback from building users is key here – ensure you set aside a time each month to walk through the restrooms to make sure nothing is missed. Be sure that you’ve been paying attention to occupant comments about restrooms and don’t forget to periodically perform your own walk-throughs to ensure nothing is missed.
Go green with spring
As we mentioned in our previous blog: ‘Introducing Eco Friendly Cleaning in Facilities Management‘ using sustainable cleaning products is the way forward.
Bio-based products and supplies such as microfibre products will drastically improve your cleaning processes and give your business a tick in the environmentally friendly box. Natural eco-friendly cleaning products still give the same result as a product pumped with harsh chemicals, with zero risk of chemicals and toxins.
First impressions count
Spring is the perfect time to make your environment as inviting as possible. Plotting seasonal plants and flowers inside your building will instantly improve the mood of visitors as well as employees. The 2015 Human Spaces report found that employees whose offices included natural elements scored 15% higher for creativity than those whose offices didn’t include such elements. Taking advantage of the possibilities in spring for grounds beautification is important.
