A clean workplace contributes to a positive company culture by supporting employee wellbeing, boosting productivity, enhancing professionalism and reinforcing shared values.

A 2024 SHRM study found that employees who rate their culture as good or excellent are far less likely to be considering leaving their job, showing how workplace environment and culture strongly influence engagement and retention.

 

The Link Between Environment and Culture

Culture is shaped not only by leadership and policies but also by the physical environment people experience every day.

A clean and well-maintained workplace communicates that employees are valued and that the organisation takes pride in its standards. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) highlights the importance of workplace conditions in influencing staff morale and performance.

Hygiene and Wellbeing

A positive company culture begins with ensuring employees feel safe and cared for. A clean workplace reduces the spread of germs, supports respiratory health, and creates an environment where staff can thrive.

Why Hygiene Matters

• Regular cleaning reduces bacteria and viruses on shared surfaces, helping to prevent illness.

• Dust and allergen management supports respiratory health.

• Odour control improves comfort and overall atmosphere.

According to the IPPR, workplace sickness costs UK businesses over £100 billion annually. The Guardian states that much of it is linked to poor environments and presenteeism.

Learn more about this in our blog: The Hidden Costs of Poor Office Hygiene.

Presentation and Professionalism

The way a workplace looks and feels has a direct impact on how employees, clients, and visitors perceive the organisation. Clean, well-presented spaces communicate care, attention to detail, and professionalism.

How Presentation Shapes Culture

• Employee pride: Staff feel more motivated when they are proud of their environment.

• Client trust: Visitors interpret a clean, well-kept workplace as a sign of reliability.

• Brand alignment: Cleanliness reinforces company values and brand identity.

A Staples survey found that 94% of employees felt more productive in clean, organised workplaces.

Productivity and Focus

Research by Princeton University has shown that clutter reduces the brain’s ability to focus and process information effectively, directly impacting workplace productivity. A separate study by the University of Oxford found that happier employees are around 13% more productive, linking workplace conditions and culture directly to performance.

An uncluttered, hygienic workplace reduces stress and helps staff concentrate. Clean spaces provide fewer distractions and a more positive atmosphere for focused work.

How Cleanliness Supports Productivity

• Clear workstations promote concentration and reduce stress.

• Clean windows let in natural light, which reduces eye strain and improves mood.

• Well-maintained communal areas encourage collaboration without disruption.

See our blog on How Cleaning Can Improve Focus & Productivity In The Workplace for more information.

Trust, Engagement and Culture

A clean workplace helps to build trust between employers and employees.

When organisations invest in maintaining high standards, it sends a clear message that staff wellbeing and comfort are a priority. This fosters loyalty, strengthens engagement, and contributes to a more positive culture overall.

Why Trust Matters

• Employees who feel respected and supported are more likely to stay with their employer, reducing turnover.

• Neglecting workplace cleanliness can undermine confidence in leadership and create a sense of neglect.

• Positive culture grows when working conditions demonstrate genuine care and attention.

According to the CIPD’s Good Work Index 2024, workplace environment and quality of facilities are key drivers of employee engagement in the UK. In addition, research by the Wellbeing Research Centre showed that a one-point increase in happiness (on a 0-10 scale) among staff at BT call centres was associated with a roughly 12% increase in productivity, underlining the direct link between positive workplace conditions and overall performance.

 

Sustainability and Shared Values

Modern company culture is increasingly tied to environmental and social responsibility. Sustainable cleaning practices demonstrate that a business not only values its people but also the wider community and planet.

This alignment strengthens culture by reflecting the values employees want to see in the organisations they work for.

Sustainability in Practice

• Eco-friendly cleaning products reduce chemical exposure and environmental impact.

• Microfibre cloths and other reusable tools help reduce waste.

• Water-saving cleaning methods support broader corporate sustainability goals.

The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) highlights sustainability as a cornerstone of professional cleaning standards, reinforcing the idea that businesses can improve their culture by embedding eco-conscious practices into daily operations.

Beyond Cleaning in Action

Our Beyond Cleaning strategy makes sustainability practical by working with supply partners who share our values and commitment to responsibility. This approach ensures that every aspect of our service – from uniforms to consumables – reflects a culture of care and innovation.

We work with Simply Washrooms to provide sustainable washroom solutions that reduce waste, improve hygiene, and create better experiences for everyone using the building. This ensures facilities are not only functional but also reflect modern standards of responsibility and care.

Through our partnership with SMI, we provide ethically sourced uniforms that ensure staff feel professional, comfortable, and proud in their roles. This partnership supports responsible supply chains and reflects our belief that even the details of day-to-day operations should align with our values.

We were also honoured to receive the Recognition for Sustainability Award at SMI’s inaugural ESG Exhibition. This award highlights our joint commitment to sustainable practices and celebrates how our uniform strategy contributes to a more responsible supply chain and a positive workplace culture.

Our partnership with Bunzl Cleaning and Hygiene Supplies enables us to use eco-friendly cleaning products and consumables that minimise environmental impact. By incorporating sustainable product ranges into daily cleaning routines, we promote responsible resource use while maintaining the highest levels of quality and safety.

Together, these partnerships – along with many other trusted suppliers – demonstrate how every element of our service delivery contributes to a culture of responsibility, pride and forward thinking.

External Statistics at a Glance