Motivating employees to clean up after themselves may seem a lost cause. It does not have to be a lost cause if interest in keeping common areas such as restrooms and break rooms clean is generated. Making proper cleaning supplies readily available is also imperative.

I did not leave that there

How many times have managers and janitorial or maintenance employees heard that statement from employees when asked who the culprit is that left the big mess? Leaving dirty dishes, especially with food on them, in the break room for hours after the person had lunch break and the refusal of everyone to undertake the task of cleaning the restroom are examples of germ-breeding opportunities. Of course no one left the dirty dishes, even though there are stacks of them with food that has been sitting all day and the bathroom is a disaster. It is up to managers and business owners to motivate employees to work collectively to clean up after themselves and to keep break rooms and restrooms clean.

Motivating and educating employees

It is imperative that regular meetings be held to keep employees motivated to keep break areas and restrooms clean. Most employers offer cleaning instruction and give notice of where cleaning supplies are when an employee is first hired. Then there is nothing - ever.

Do not shame employees into cleaning; instead find ways to motivate them. Scientific American explains in "How the Illusion of Being Observed Can Make You a Better Person" that in one study, just hanging posters of "staring human eyes" was enough to improve upon people who did not clean up after themselves in a university cafeteria. Let employees know there will be regular meetings and ask employees to offer suggestions.

Make sure everyone knows where cleaning supplies are located, what each is used for, as well as the dangers of mixing cleaning supplies. Holding one meeting will not suffice if the nature of your business is one where employees work different shifts or only certain days. Multiple meetings must be held to ensure reaching all employees.

Cleaning supplies tips for managers and business owners

Always have ample amounts of all cleaning supplies on hand. Employees cannot regularly and thoroughly clean if there are no cleaning products available. Order cleaning supplies well in advance of running low or running out. If you are not sure which supplies are used most often, or if your company has an adequate supply of essential cleaning products on hand, ask your janitorial or maintenance staff if you have them. If you do not do the ordering yourself, check with the person who does. Ask that person to show you existing orders and ask when those supplies will be in. Make sure the person who orders supplies understands the importance of never running out.

Be proactive

When you come out of the office and interact with employees regarding the importance of cleaning break rooms and restrooms, it sends a message. You are no longer viewed as sitting behind your desk; oblivious to what is going on with regular employees. You also demonstrate that you care about their health and well-being by being pro-active in the effort to reduce germs and therefore the potential for illness when employees are continually subjected to areas that are breeding grounds for bacteria and germs.