Office Spring Cleaning: Are You Being Judged?

According to a new survey by staffing firm Adecco, 57% of workers admit to judging a coworker based on the cleanliness of their workspace and nearly half say they have been "appalled" by a dirty office.

It can be hard to prioritize cleaning and organization in the office. But these aren’t just “nice-to-haves.” An orderly and tidy workplace improves productivity, boosts morale and reduces absenteeism.

Today we have provided you with a checklist for cleaning out the winter cobwebs and getting organized with some office spring cleaning.

Computer

•     Use compressed air duster to clean keyboard and computer vents
•     Disinfect keyboard, mouse, trackpad, writing tablet, and stylus
•     Wipe down computer monitor
•     Untangle and label computer cords and cables
•     Wipe down exterior of computer

Computer Data

•     Backup computer files to external or other drive
•     Update to most recent version of programs, apps, or operating systems
•     Delete items in trash or recycling bin
•     Delete unnecessary or unneeded files
•     Uninstall programs or apps you no longer use
•     Clear cookies and caches from internet browsers
•     Run system-wide virus scan
•     Defragment hard drive or perform disk utility cleanup

Email

•     Cancel unnecessary email accounts
•     Delete messages from inbox and other folders
•     Delete items from deleted message or trash folders
•     Unsubscribe from unwanted email lists and mailings

Desk

•     Dust and disinfect entire desk surface
•     Throw away broken or dried-up writing implements (pens, pencils, markers, etc.)
•     Dispose of broken office supplies: stapler, tape roll, containers, holders, rulers, etc.
•     Transfer information on business cards to digital contacts
•     Return borrowed books or documents to owners
•     Return books to public or private libraries

Filing Cabinet

•     Place old or inactive files in archives
•     Purge and shred dead or unnecessary client, customer, and project folders
•     Create files for new clients, customers, and projects

General Items

•     Thoroughly dust entire room
•     Clean venetian blinds, roman blinds, and other shades
•     Shake out and/or clean area rugs and carpets
•     Vacuum and clean air vents, ducts, and baseboards
•     Wax and treat wooden furniture
•     Clean light fixtures
•     Thoroughly vacuum upholstery
•     Wash windows
•     Thoroughly vacuum and/or mop floor