Running a successful business is an art. It involves juggling multiple elements – from delivering quality products to providing exceptional customer service. But one aspect often gets overlooked – maintaining a clean office environment.
This article brings expert tips from Clay Vavasseur, the co-founder of Advanced Office Care, who has made office cleanliness his life’s work.
Clay Vavasseur and Family
Meet Clay Vavasseur
Clay Vavasseur’s journey to becoming a leader in the office cleaning industry is as unique as inspiring. After high school, he served in Desert Storm as part of his military duty.
Upon returning home, Clay graduated from Louisiana State University (LSU) and ventured into the chemical industry. His career took a turn when he decided to join Advanced Office Care full-time, bringing his management and logistics experience to the table.
His partner, Nessa, also an LSU graduate, brought her years of sales experience in the janitorial industry to the venture. “I was interested in getting more involved in the operations side,” she recalls. “I enjoyed taking care of the customers and I liked the cleaning side of the business.”
Together, they founded Advanced Office Care in 2006, combining Nessa’s sales and customer service experience with Clay’s management expertise to fill a market niche. “We hit the ground running and haven’t looked back since,” says Clay. “We are proud to celebrate our 17th anniversary in the Baton Rouge area.”
Now, Clay shares his top tips for maintaining a clean and productive office environment.
Clay’s Top Tips for Office Cleanliness
Here are some of Clay’s top tips for keeping your office clean:
1. Prioritize High-Traffic Areas
High-traffic areas such as entrances, corridors, and communal spaces can quickly become dirty. Regular cleaning and maintenance of these areas not only create a positive first impression but also help to prevent the spread of germs.
“When it comes to office cleanliness, these areas should be your top priority,” says Clay.
2. Regular Professional Cleaning
Office spaces should be professionally cleaned regularly. This not only maintains a clean environment but also extends the life of office fixtures and furniture. Clay recommends a professional cleaning service that understands your needs and can provide personalized solutions.
“It’s important to find a reliable and experienced service that you can trust with your office cleaning needs,” he says.
3. Encourage Employee Cleanliness
Encourage employees to maintain cleanliness in their personal workspaces. Simple habits like clearing their desks at the end of the day, using desk organizers, and regular hand sanitizing can go a long way in maintaining a clean office environment.
“Unfortunately, we see it all the time. People walk into an office, and it looks like a tornado came through,” says Clay. “It’s important to establish clear expectations on employee cleanliness from the start, so that everyone is held to the same standard.”
4. Invest in Quality Cleaning Supplies
Cheap cleaning supplies may save you money in the short term, but they often need to work more effectively. Investing in high-quality cleaning products ensures a thorough cleaning, ultimately saving you money by prolonging the lifespan of your office furniture and equipment.
“Your office isn’t your house, so don’t skimp on the cleaning products,” says Clay. “You want to make sure you’re getting top quality supplies that won’t scratch or damage surfaces.”
5. Regular Maintenance Checks
Regular checks of office appliances, plumbing, and electrical systems can prevent more significant issues down the line. A small leak or a faulty air conditioning system can lead to bigger problems if not addressed promptly.
“I remember, back in 2018, there was a major flood in a local office because of a leaking pipe,” said Clay. “It was a huge mess that cost thousands to fix. It could have been avoided with regular maintenance checks.”
6. Go Green
Consider using environmentally friendly cleaning products. Not only are they better for the environment, but they’re also less likely to cause allergic reactions among your staff.
“Today, everyone wants to do their part in preserving the environment,” said Clay. “Choosing eco-friendly cleaning products is a great way to make your office greener as well as healthier for everyone.”
7. Consider Hiring a Professional Cleaning Company
Sometimes, it can be challenging to manage a thorough and consistent office cleaning routine. Hiring a professional cleaning company may be the solution you need.
“Professional cleaners have the necessary skills and experience to get the job done quickly and efficiently,” said Clay. “Plus, they use high-grade equipment that can make sure your office is always spotless.”
But how do you select the right cleaning company for your office? “The best way is to do some research and get referrals from friends or colleagues who have used their services before,” said Clay. “That way, you can be sure you are getting a quality service at an affordable rate.”
Read this article to learn about other criteria to consider when selecting a cleaning company for your office.
Once you’ve selected the right cleaning company, it’s important to communicate your expectations. “Take some time to explain what kind of cleanliness you are looking for and how often you would like them to come in,” said Clay. “It is also important to provide clear instructions and guidelines for the cleaners to follow when they come in.”
Ensuring you have a good relationship with your cleaning company is also essential. “You need to be able to trust them and feel comfortable letting them in your office building,” said Clay. “It’s important that you can communicate any concerns or special requests easily and know that they will do a good job.” It can be helpful to set up regular meetings with your cleaning company to make sure that the service they are providing is meeting all of your needs.
Also, don’t forget about the importance of safety and security when contracting a cleaning company. “Make sure that the cleaners know how to use any special equipment or products,” said Clay. “Check that the cleaning company is insured and bonded so you’re protected in case of any accidents or damage.”
Finally, provide clear instructions for the cleaners to follow when they come in, such as which rooms need special attention or what should not be touched. This way, you can ensure the job is done correctly and efficiently.
By doing a bit of research and setting up clear expectations, you can be confident that your cleaning company will provide the service you need to keep your space looking great. With all the responsibilities running a business entails, finding time for a deep clean can be challenging.
But with the help of a professional cleaning company, you can make sure that your office looks and feels its best. A clean environment will also make your business look better to current and potential customers, so it’s definitely worth the investment!
In Conclusion
Maintaining a clean office is more than just a cosmetic concern – it’s a crucial aspect of running a successful business. It creates a positive impression on clients, boosts employee morale, and even reduces the number of sick days your staff takes.
With Clay Vavasseur’s expert tips, you’re well-equipped to keep your office space clean and inviting. Remember, as Clay puts it, “cleanliness should never be an afterthought in your business operations.”
Advanced Office Care has been providing professional cleaning services to businesses in the Baton Rouge area for over 17 years. Their commitment to exceptional customer service and high-quality cleaning has made them a trusted name in the industry. Whether you’re a small business owner or manage a large corporate office, Advanced Office Care has a solution that fits your needs. Contact Clay and his team today to learn more.
