It's no secret that a clean workplace is a healthy workplace. Numerous studies have shown that a clean and well-maintained environment can help to prevent the spread of illness and infectious diseases. But many people don't realize that cleaning and disinfecting are two very different things. Here's a quick overview of the difference between the two and how you can use them to further prevent the spread of illness in your office.

What's the Difference Between Cleaning and Disinfecting?
Cleaning is the process of removing dirt, dust, and other debris from surfaces. This can be done using soap, water, and physical scrubbing. Disinfecting, on the other hand, is the process of killing bacteria and other germs on surfaces. This is usually done with chemicals such as bleach or alcohol.

So why is it important to know the difference between cleaning and disinfecting? Well, simply put, cleaning removes dirt, while disinfecting kills germs. And in a workplace setting, both are important for preventing the spread of illness.

Cleaning should be done regularly to remove all the dirt, dust, and debris that accumulated on surfaces over time. This will help to create a cleaner environment overall. Disinfecting should be done on an as-needed basis, typically after someone has been sick or suspected of an illness outbreak.

Tips for Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Workplace
Now that you know the difference between cleaning and disinfecting, here are some tips for doing both in your workplace:

-Use soap and water for cleaning surfaces whenever possible. Physical scrubbing is still the best way to remove surface dirt and debris. However, if soap and water aren't an option—for example, cleaning up after someone who has vomited or diarrhoea—then you can use a commercial cleaner instead. Just make sure it's one that's designed for use on hard surfaces (i.e., not carpet or upholstery).

-When disinfecting surfaces, always follow the directions on the label of your chosen product. Certain products require longer contact times to be effective (bleach solutions typically need to sit for at least 5 minutes), so read the label carefully before getting started.

-Pay special attention to frequently touched surfaces when cleaning and disinfecting. Door handles, light switches, countertops, keyboards, phones, etc., are all hotspots for germs. So take extra care to clean and disinfect these areas often.

-If someone gets sick at work, clean and disinfect all areas that they may have come into contact with—including their desk/workspace, any common areas they may have used (kitchenette, bathrooms), and any shared equipment (phones, laptops).

A clean workplace is a healthy workplace—there's no denying that fact. But many people don't realize that cleaning and disinfecting are two very different things. Cleaning removes dirt while disinfecting kills germs—both are important for preventing the spread of illness in your office. Use these tips to help keep your workplace clean and safe for everyone! We would be glady to discuss how we can put together a proactive cleaning plan that keeps your staff and visitors safe. 

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When it comes to TUPE, there are many things to consider. But one of the most critical questions is: do you have to TUPE cleaners? The short answer is yes, but there are some exceptions. Here's everything you need to know about TUPE and cleaners.

What is TUPE?
TUPE stands for the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations. In the UK, TUPE protects the rights of employees when their job is transferred to another employer. This includes cases where there is a merger, acquisition, or outsourcing.

If you're considering transferring your cleaning staff to another employer, you need to be aware of the TUPE regulations. Failure to comply with TUPE can result in legal action from your employees.

The first thing you need to do is inform and consult with your employees about the transfer. This includes providing them with information about the new employer, their contact details, and any changes to their working conditions or salaries. You must also give them enough time to discuss the transfer and raise any concerns they may have.

The next step is to consult with employee representatives, such as trade unions. You need to agree on any measures that will be taken concerning the transfer, such as changes to terms and conditions or redundancies. You must still consult with employees individually if there are no employee representatives.

Once the transfer has occurred, the new employer must recognize any previous employer's trade unions. They must also notify employees of any changes to their contract of employment within one month of the transfer taking place. And finally, they must take on any collective agreements that were in place at the previous employer.

TUPE can be a complex area, but it's essential to make sure you comply with the regulations if you're thinking about transferring your cleaners to another employer. By following the steps outlined above, you can avoid any legal action from your employees and ensure a smooth transition for everyone involved. Thanks for reading and if you would like more help or advice schedule a walkthrough today and get a free no-obligation cleaning proposal within 24 hours.

How often should your office be cleaned? You'll get a different answer depending on whom you ask. Some people say daily, some say weekly, and some say it depends on the business. Cleaning frequency has pros and cons, and it ultimately comes down to what's best for your business. Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons of different cleaning schedules to help you make the best decision for your office.

DAILY CLEANING
Pros: A clean office is a happy office, and happy employees are productive employees. Daily cleaning also helps prevent the build-up of dirt, dust, and grime—all of which can contribute to Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). SBS is real, and its symptoms—headaches, dizziness, fatigue, respiratory problems—are no joke. In short, daily cleaning can improve employee morale and health, which boosts productivity.

Cons: Daily cleaning can be costly in terms of money and time. Hiring a full-time cleaner or cleaning team may be challenging if you have a large office. And even if you can swing it financially, daily cleaning can disrupt employees trying to focus on their work unless done out-of-hours. Not everyone works well with having someone clean around them; some prefer complete silence while they work, while others appreciate white noise or music. Either way, daily cleaning can interfere with employee productivity if not done at an appropriate time or if it's disruptive.

WEEKLY CLEANING
Pros: A weekly cleaning schedule strike a good balance between cost-effectiveness and cleanliness. It's often more affordable to hire a part-time or contract cleaner for a few hours once a week than to hire someone full-time or multiple times per week. And while weekly cleaning isn't as thorough as daily cleaning—you're not going to get into all the nooks, and crannies like you would come with daily cleaning—it's still enough to keep things tidy and prevent the build-up of dirt and grime.

Cons: The cons of weekly cleaning are similar to the cons of daily cleaning; it can be disruptive to employees trying to focus on their work unless done out-of-hours. Additionally, because weekly cleanings are less thorough than daily cleanings, there's a greater chance that dirt and grime will build up over time—especially in areas that don't see much foot traffic (think: under desks, in corners). If left unchecked, this build-up can lead to unpleasant smells and even health problems.

So how often should your office be cleaned? That depends on your business—its size, industry, budget—and what you prioritize as a company. If you value employee productivity above all else, then daily or biweekly cleanings may be worth the investment. However, if you're working with limited resources (time & money), then weekly cleanings may be more feasible. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide what's best for your business.

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