Cleaning Is An Act Of Compliance With Occupational And Public Liability Regulations
Occupational, environmental, and public health acts enjoin private and commercial facilities to maintain a specified minimum standard of cleanliness and housekeeping for the health, safety and wellbeing of staff and patrons.
A salient requirement of Ghana Labour Act 2003 (Act No.651) regarding occupational health, safety and environment is the existence of an effective housekeeping program for dust and dirt removal, surface cleaning, spill control and waste removal at the workplace.
An employer, property owner or building occupant may escape liability against injury claims such as slips, trips and falls and other legal implications, if a professional cleaning plan exists to keep their premises reasonably clean and safe from foreseeable harm.
Cleaning ensures an entity does not fall short of the law, and protects it from any legal consequences thereof.
A clean workspace is a pleasant foreplay for a delightful customer experience. A noticeably clean business space inspires confidence and comfort in both customers and employees.
Employees feel cared for, and valued, by an employer that invests in cleaning for their health and wellness.
That positive energy permeates their interactions with customers, and creates a synergy of positive outcomes, snowballing into an exciting experience for customers.
Additional to being a good channel of repeat business, delightful customers are de facto brand ambassadors for good reviews and references.
The responses of a survey by Procter & Gamble in 2010, ranked cleanliness higher than value, speed, convenience, and variety, as a customer satisfaction driver of quick serve restaurant (QSR) chains.
In yet another survey, by simply reading a review that mentioned poor housekeeping, 90% of respondents said they will not try out a new restaurant.
And a further 85% of customers will not repeat a purchase or revisit a business premise that is perceived to be unclean. Marginal improvements in cleaning standards is an indirect sales and customer service tool for sales growth.
First impressions matter, and so is the immediate impression of a brand. A good standard of clean is a firm foundation for brand marketing and improving brand perception.
Prospective customers judge a brand based on the look and feel of the business space. Cleanliness gives an impression of efficiency. A survey conducted in 2017 by IPSOS, asked if the cleanliness of a business was an important factor in deciding to be a repeat customer.
92% of respondents said cleanliness of a business environment will affect their decision to return. In the mind of the average consumer, a tidy business space is an accessory for superior quality products and services.
A positive brand impression is critical in driving new business and brand loyalty. A clumsy and untidy business environment would result in prospective customers walking away before you could present any propositions of your business to them.
Yussif Salford
CEO City Xtra Limited
