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How A Site Survey Could Help Your Business

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Looking for a Commercial Cleaner – Book a Site Survey First!

When considering outsourcing the cleaning of your commercial space be sure to book a site survey of your premise first. The opportunity to walk through your space with your professional cleaners is an invaluable step in ensuring a successful partnership before the work begins. And could save you the loss of time and money in the future from miscommunication and unmet needs.

office cleaners

What Do We Look at In Our Site Surveys?

With almost 20 years in the industry, we at Goldstar know that each client partnership and each cleaning job is unique. So, we use the site survey of your commercial space to make sure we are on the same page from day one and that your facility’s unique needs are met. And continue to be met. During our site survey you can expect us to assess the following when looking at the areas to be cleaned.

  • The Types of Surfaces
  • Volume of Traffic
  • The Types of Soils Present
  • Current process and methods for Cleaning/Maintenance
  • Goals and needs for Cleaning process
  • Improvements to current cleaning process

Next: A Right Plan of Action

Once the above is assessed and discussed, you want to make sure your professional cleaners also have the right products and the right equipment to fulfill your goals and needs. Not all cleaning products are the same and a site survey will allow an accurate assessment of the soils in your workspace that needs to be addressed. The right product or purpose cleaner for your area will provide your establishment a higher quality clean, in the most time-efficient manner. Having the right equipment for the job is also essential in making this happen. Different types of flooring and the size of your premise may require different plans of actions.

office cleaners

Let’s Work Towards the Same Goal

Our years of expertise in commercial cleaning has given us a great understanding of many different environments and solutions for tackling daily and long-term cleaning goals. We use our site surveys to tailor a unique and comprehensive cleaning plan for your commercial facility. By working closely with you we will determine what your goals are and what works best for you. A site survey will help us find the best solution for your facility which will result in improved results. So, your business can focus on its business!

Call Goldstar Cleaning Services Group at +1 (250) 423-4029 now to inquire about a site survey of your commercial facility to see what we can do for you!

The Difference Between Cleaning, Disinfection and Sanitization

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Cleaning up – The 3 Sisters

Understandably cleaning, disinfection and sanitization may have just been words to you over a year ago but have now become very significant topics. Even with their common usage in daily public messaging there can be a tendency to group the them together as the same thing. What is the difference? And how can they help you keep your workplace safe?

House-Cleaning-Supplies

Meet the Three Sisters (Our Fernie Pun) of a Healthy and Clean Environment

Cleaning: The Older Sister

The one you have probably known the longest. Simply put, cleaning is the removal of dirt, germs and impurities from surfaces and objects. It alone, does not kill germs. But fewer germs on surfaces can decrease the spread of bacteria. Tried, tested and true, but for deeper cleans and to stop the spread of viruses and pathogens, she needs to call in her sisters.

Sanitizing: The Middle Sister

Sanitization of surfaces and objects, especially high touch areas, kills and reduces the number of germs and pathogens to a safe level that is determined by public health standards. And is a requirement to operate by making sure surfaces are ‘touch-safe”. But it does not kill all germs.

Disinfecting: The New Kid

Disinfecting is the application of specific and stronger chemicals to kill ALL germs and pathogens on surfaces and objects. In our current health crisis, it is the most effective means to stop the spread of illness causing germs and infections.

How can this help your business? No matter what type of commercial facility you have, keeping it clean and germ-free, so that it can continue to operate successfully and safely is crucial to its success and a community responsibility.

A commercial cleaning service provider has access to the most up to date disinfection technology and equipment necessary to provide you the most effective clean and help reduce the spread of illness causing germs. Putting both you, your employees, and customers mind at ease, knowing their well being and safety is being professionally taken care of.

employees at a board table

Let us do our job so you can do yours!

Have questions about our methods of cleaning, sanitizing, or disinfecting for commercial facilities? Need COVID-19 cleaning help from professionals?

Want to set up regular cleanings or project services to improve your commercial facility?

Contact us at Goldstar Cleaning Services Group today!

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Indoor Plants and Your Winter Space

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Indoor Plants to Brighten Your Winter

While the mountains and fresh powder can keep us all pretty happy in the Kootenays during the winter, the shorter days and colder temperatures tend to drive us inside more at this time of year. Studies have shown the many benefits indoor plants can bring to a home or workspace, such as helping to clean the air, reduce stress and anxiety, and boost creativity and productivity.

Here is a list of some great options to both brighten and clean your home or workspace, and continue to enjoy nature while inside this winter.

The ZZ Plant: (Harry Potter Spell Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

This is the current Instagram darling of the plant world at the moment and one that we think is a great winter indoor option due to how low maintenance it is and drought tolerant. It thrives when it is generally left alone and requires infrequent watering. Best placed in a room with minimal light; it has great versatility to survive in many different rooms throughout this season. Bringing you some beauty with its rich green colour, while also removing toxins from the air, such as benzene, formaldehyde, xylene and toluene.

snake plant

Snake Plant: (Harry Potter Spell Name: Dracaena trifasciata)

One of the most famous of indoor plants before the ZZ Plant got its following is the Snake Plant, also commonly known as ‘Mother-in-law’s Tongue’. This is due to its reputation of being both durable and tough natured. Again, a great option as it also requires little attention, and infrequent watering, especially in the winter. Another air purifier for your space, its long, green stiff leaves can range from 2-6 feet depending on the variety. Look at the dwarf varieties of the “Whitney” or “Future Superba” for smaller options if you prefer. Perfect for low-light rooms as it prefers indirect sunlight. Handles well in dry air or overly-heated winter spaces.

Aloe Vera: (Harry Potter Spell Name: Aloe Vera – that’s how low maintenance it is)

A staff favourite at Goldstar, this succulent is another tough cookie, and can even bounce back from the worst of neglect and requires infrequent watering. So much so, that with succulents, like Aloe Vera its better to almost not water them through the winter. Even with the little attention you give it, it will continue to remove formaldehyde from the air while serving you tropical, desert vibes. And its great for your skin with its natural anti-inflammatory and anti- bacterial properties. This sun loving baby prefers a bright sunny spot. Perfect for a dry window.

Spider Plant: (Harry Potter Spell Name: Chlorophytum Compsum)

This green beauty is the strongest air purifier in the list. A NASA study done to test household plants and their ability to remove toxins from the air, found the Spider Plant to surpass the others, removing about 95% of toxins in preliminary tests. It also differs from the rest on the list by being pet friendly. While it needs bright light, it prefers not to be in direct sunlight. Perfect for a room with big windows. They also love humidity, so are a great option for over-heated winter spaces or bathrooms. Only needs watering about once a week, just make sure the soil has been dried out between waterings.

spider plant

Peace Lily: (Harry Potter Spell Name: Spathiphyllum)

This tropical plant loves living in the warmer temperatures we are used to indoors in the winter. Not suitable for any drafty rooms. They prefer low light, and can also survive under florescent lights, so are a great option for a work desk or spaces that get minimal light. Their dark green leaves and white flowers will bring some much needed life to any dark space while also serving as a great air purifier. Like the rest on this list, they are far more tolerant of under watering than over watering. Not a Plant Person? If you’re for cleaner air, a calmer environment, and enjoying the beauty of nature all in the comfort of your indoor space – maybe indoor plants are your next winter hobby? If so, this list serves as a great guide for the newbie plant owner, busy person or natural green thumb. Worried about the upkeep and care of your plants, whether out of town or during your regular cleaning services? Contact us here at Goldstar and let us know.  We’ll be happy to tend to them when we visit.

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How Janitorial Cleaning Can Improve Employee Morale

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Is Cleaning Related to Morale?

As Businesses continue to operate in COVID times, the focus on a healthy workplace is at the forefront of everybody’s mind. Especially your employees. The return to workspaces as the economy tries to regain its footing has a lot of emotions swirling around.

employees at a board table  

Here are a few ways hiring professional janitorial services for your premises can help contribute to create not only a safe, but positive work environment for your people.

1) Increase Company Morale

Appreciation breeds appreciation. By ensuring your employees’ well being you are actually creating more connection among your team, especially during a time period when isolation and distance has been at the forefront of messaging. Increasing your employee’s confidence to work for a company who values their time, energy, and health. This act of care will have a ripple effect in staff morale and will show in the way they show up each day for their job and their coworkers.

2) Increase in Productivity

There are numerous studies that have concluded that a cleaner space leads to happier, more productive employees. By allowing your people to focus on what you hired them to do, their attention and focus can solely be placed on your business. The extra training and responsibility placed on your employees for new DIY cleaning protocols will not only exhaust them emotionally and physically, its time and energy away from your own product being produced.

3) Reduce Absenteeism

Now more than ever its important to maintain a high level of cleanliness, disinfection, and general hygiene throughout the workplace. Prevention through proper cleaning and disinfection by professionals is your best chance at reducing the spread of bacteria and germs in spaces that people share.

janitorial cleaning team

4) Reduce Staff Turnover

People who feel valued, appreciated, and safe are less likely to look for another form of employment. Research has shown that a positive work environment is more important to job seekers than higher salary, excellent benefits packages, or more vacation time.

5) Improve Company Image

By putting your people first, you earn their trust. Word also spreads fast across industries about which companies are leading the way in leading their people. By building your employees’ trust in your business leadership during challenging times, you have also improved the image of your company and its culture, helping to create a legacy that will also increase your profit line.

Choose Goldstar Cleaning Services Group as your commercial cleaner and access COVID-19 cleaning from professionals in the industry. With Goldstar you can choose from deep cleaning services, sanitation services, and disinfection services that fit your needs.  Call now for a quote on daily or weekly janitorial services for COVID-19 and more at +1 (250) 423-4029.

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How Clean is Your Commercial Facility?

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How Clean is Your Commercial Facility?

Due to our current health crisis, how clean your facility is has become a top priority to you as a business owner, an employee and as a consumer. Germs can be associated with dirt, debris, and things tracked in from the outside, but the reality is the INSIDE of your commercial facility may hold the most amount of germs. A dirty floor, a stained carpet or a dusty surface may seem like likely culprits, but it is the areas that we can’t see that hide the worst kinds of germs. These germs can lead to sickness and the spread of disease.

Cleaning desk in the office, close-up.

Things you should know but probably don’t want to know!

  • The average office work desk can have 400 times more bacteria than a toilet seat.
  • Office keyboards can be home to around 16 million microbes. A study from the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health reported that 96% of sampled keyboards were contaminated with microbes, including E. Coli. If you share keyboards, that microbe count is even higher, and the potential for getting sick goes up as well.
  • An office desk is 100 times less hygienic than an average kitchen table.
  • Doorknobs, faucet handles, refrigerator handles, and microwave handles are some of the dirtiest areas and need the most frequent disinfecting.
  • A person infected with a virus can infect up to 50% of the surfaces/things they touch in their environment.

The importance of disinfecting

Disinfecting a surface can eliminate up to 99.99% of pathogenic microorganisms, including most viruses, which decreases the likelihood of germs spreading. Disinfection is the key to preventing the spread of germs and bacteria throughout your premise.

Germs and bacteria are unavoidable, especially when people gather to share a space. Especially during times of increased viral cases, it is imperative to maintain a high level of cleanliness, disinfection, and general cleanliness throughout the space. This translates to greater productivity, fewer sick days and overall good health among your team.

disinfection

Hiring a Commercial Cleaner to Help You Out

Bring in the professionals to ensure your workplace, and those high touch, hard to reach, hard to see and high trafficked areas are getting a thorough clean. Creating a safer and healthier workplace in your facility.

Contact Goldstar Cleaning Services Group today to find out more about our professional janitorial services and Electrostatic Disinfectant Technology. With years of experience in the industry let us come up with a cleaning solution that suits your needs.

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What Is Electrostatic Disinfection and How Does It Work?

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Electrostatic Spray Comes in Handy …

Most people consider dry and wet dusting enough to clean their surfaces or objects. Yes, they are ideal for cleaning most areas, but they spread the filth around, that’s unless you wash the rags regularly. With dry dusting, you will remove the resting particles and kick them into the air before they rest on other surfaces.

Wet dusting, on the other hand, involves the use of harmful cleaning chemicals. It’s also tough to reach certain objects or spots. Sensitive areas such as R&D labs, clean rooms, healthcare facilities and schools require more effective methods for removing dust, dirt, and germs. That’s where electrostatic spray comes in handy since these areas need specialized sanitation practices.

commercial disinfection services

What Is Electrostatic Disinfection?

It is the process of spraying an electrostatically-charged spray mist on objects and surfaces. Electrostatic spray includes specialized solution atomized by an electrode and combined with air inside the sprayer bottle. The solution contains positively charged particles that can adhere to objects and surfaces aggressively. As such, they will cling and coat the surface they are sprayed on.

For the hard to reach places or objects with weird shapes, you only need to point and spray. The solution will coat on these surfaces evenly and envelope any objects, even when sprayed from one side. After applying the spray, the sanitizing agent can now disinfect the covered surfaces. That’s why electrostatic spray is the best solution for handling areas ridden with germs and contaminants.

How Does Electrostatic Disinfection Work?

The spray is usually electrically charged allowing solutions of disinfectants, mold preventatives and sanitizers to coat and wrap around different surfaces evenly. Once the solution leaves the sprayer, it gains a positive electrical charge. The droplets are attracted to the negative surfaces covering the backside, the visible area, and the underside evenly. Surfaces that are already covered with the solution will repel the mist, so the application method is very efficient.

  covid 19 corona virus

Can You Use Electrostatic Spray Disinfection for Your Business?

Do you have areas in your business sensitive to germs and grime? Whether it’s clean rooms or R&D facilities, you need electrostatic spray when cleaning the surfaces and equipment in these areas. It might sound like a very aggressive cleaning method for commercial cleaning, but it’s actually the best choice. The benefits and features of disinfecting your surfaces using electrostatic spray includes:

  • It reduces the time required to disinfect and cover all the surfaces, including the areas that are hard to reach, by at least 50%.
  • It improves control of infections and the spread of viruses such as HIV, MRSA, influenza, coronavirus and many more.
  • It applies the solution in a controlled and efficient method thereby avoiding overusing of the substance.
  • It helps prevent the costly expenses associated with contracting contagious infections.

You should use electrostatic sprays when cleaning floors, desktops and walls. It should also be used for equipment and areas that are had to reach. If any equipment is trafficked heavily, you should consider this cleaning method to remove dirt and germs effectively. It’s a huge benefit to your organization in the ways mentioned above and many more.

Don’t Fight Coronavirus on Your Own

As the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps across the globe, it’s a great idea to be prepared. You can get the best help from cleaning experts. You should hire deep cleaning professionals and sanitization experts to disinfect your office and business effectively. Your life and everyone around you is very important!  For all of your cleaning needs, contact us at Goldstar Cleaning Services, we’d love to help.

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Spring Cleaning Tips for The Office

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5 Quick Tips to Tidy Up the Office

Tip 1: Get your paperwork organized

The concept of having a paperless office sounds very appealing. However, turning that into a reality can take some time. It requires that all of your business processes be digitized and for you to eliminate using paper in your entire facility. A solution that is more feasible is to find ways to ensure that all of your paperwork stays regulated and organized. One way to do that is to create space on a bookshelf or cabinet for the amount of paperwork that you need to store.

The next step that you need to do is divide up you are papers into various categories, like having a set that is labeled “to be filed” while another one is for your “to do” paperwork. After the various groups have been categorized, the documents should be stored in the appropriate file boxes or paper trays.

Tip 2: Set aside an area for your supplies

It’s common for office supplies and stationery to be found on practically every desk in many offices. At the same time, those types of supplies are not normally used on a daily or regular basis. Those items over time make desks look very messy and untidy. In order to avoid that situation, assign a special drawer or bin to organize your office supplies. Only leave the items that you use frequently on your desk. Everything else should be thrown out.

spring cleaning sign

Tip 3: Find a place to store your temporary items

Temporary items can be defined as things like trade publications and magazines. To avoid getting them mixed up with important client files or documents, have an area designated for those items. When temporary items are placed in a single designated area, that allows you to monitor them as they continue to accumulate. That gives you enough time to determine which files to get rid of, older editions in particular.

Tip 4: Organize your computer

Another important task that is involved in office spring cleaning is tidying up and organizing your virtual desktop. Filing documents that you are most likely to use frequently or again is the best approach to take. If you have any old documents you don’t need any longer, then you should delete them. That will clear off your desktop, and also save you numerous hours that you would have spent looking for important documents.

Tip 5: Get Rid of Clutter

In order to keep your office tidy and clean at all times, you will need to do other things beyond cleaning. You will also need to get into the habit of ensuring that everything is always in the right place. If you tend to have a cluttered workspace, spring is a great time to make a new resolution for yourself and get into the habit of having better cleaning habits. Only keep your most essential belongings and get rid of any clutter that is unnecessary out of your work area.

For all your cleaning needs, contact us!

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Tips for Making and Using DIY Hand Sanitizer

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The Benenfits of Hand Sanitizer

Health organizations and experts all over the world have constantly been reminding people to wash their hands properly with soap to prevent COVID-19 infection, but hand sanitizers prove to have many benefits that make them a more appealing solution. The National Hand Hygiene Initiative has listed some of them as follows:

-It takes less than 30 seconds to clean your hands with a sanitizer, although it does not kill all the microbes like soap and water.

-Most hand sanitizer formulas are less irritating, and unlike soap and water, you do not need to use paper towels to complete the job.

-Also, there are places or situations where water and soap are not readily available such as meeting rooms.

In this article, we are going to take a look at how you can make your own hand sanitizer with readily available ingredients.

Alcohol is obviously the primary ingredient when it comes to making DIY sanitizer, as it’s pretty effective in killing various types of bacteria and viruses. However, the conventional vodka you may have at home may not be quite effective as an alcohol concentration of above 60% is required. Most alcoholic drinks usually have a 40 to 47 percent alcohol concentration, proving them ineffective. So, you’ll want to head out to the local pharmacy or hardware store and buy some isopropyl alcohol.

man using hand sanitizer

For Gel Sanitizer, You’ll Need:

-1-part aloe vera gel

-Three parts of isopropyl alcohol

-Several drops of tea tree oil

For Spray Sanitizer, You’ll Need:

-1 and 2/3 cups of isopropyl alcohol

-A tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide

-Two tablespoons of glycerin or glycerol

-1/4 cup of distilled or cool boiled water

Keep in mind that both iterations should be mixed using clean instruments, bottled, and left to sit for 3 days in order to kill any germs from the preparation process.

When & How Should You Use the Sanitizer?

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, you should use sanitizer as per the following:

-Only when water and soap are not readily available

-If the hands are soiled, use towelettes to get rid of the soil, prior to applying the sanitizer

-Ensure the hands are dry as wet hands will only dilute the hand rub.

-Apply enough to cover your fingers and the surface of your hands.

-Rub the hands together until the hand rub completely evaporates.

hand washing

Situations to Wash Your Hands

It’s advisable that you wash your hands with water and soap not less than five times a day, including times when you wish to use hand rub. According to the Center for Disease Control & Prevention in the United States, you should wash your hands with soap and water in the following situations:

Before, during and after meal preparation

-Before eating food

-After using the restroom, cleaning up kids who have used the bathroom and after changing diapers

-Before and after treating a wound

-After coughing, sneezing and blowing your nose

-After touching an animal including your home pet

-Before and after being in contact with a sick individual

-After touching garbage

-After being in contact with any touchpoints such as buttons, handles, doorknobs, etc.

-If your hands are dirty, soiled, or greasy.

 With these tips, you should be able to increase your chances of staying safe from the virus.

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Find the right cleaning company for your business

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You wouldn’t hire just anyone to clean your house. Similarly, if you’ve decided to contract out cleaning and janitorial services at your office, it’s important to thoroughly review your options.

A cursory search online will unearth numerous cleaning companies in your community. Which one you choose will depend on a variety of factors, including your own personal preferences, cost and the cleaning needs of your workspace.

To help narrow down the field, Goldstar has compiled this handy list of questions to ask yourself when comparing the services of different cleaning companies.

How frequently do you need cleaning done?

Your answer will depend on numerous factors, including the nature of your business, the number of employees and what facilities (kitchen? bathrooms?) are present in the office.

What do you need cleaned – and what can you handle yourself?

Most cleaning companies provide a checklist of services they can perform. Once you’ve hammered down a routine that works for your office, make it clear to your employees that personal cleanliness is still their responsibility.

Who are your cleaning company’s references?

Don’t settle for online testimonials. Ask to speak with references from other companies that hired your cleaning service. Ask your references what the cleaners do well, what they can do better and whether they’re satisfied with the quality and cost of service.

Do you have special cleaning requests? 

If you have cleaning requests that go above and beyond what’s on a cleaning company’s checklist, ask whether they will accommodate you and request a quote for the extra work. Training, health and safety laws and insurance may inhibit some companies from performing non-standard cleaning jobs, so be realistic in your expectations.

Is green cleaning important to you?

Some cleaning companies specialize in using products that are hypoallergenic, biodegradable and low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs). However, these eco-friendly plans will likely be costlier than normal service.

Choosing the right office: 6 things to consider

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Choosing the right office space for your company can pay dividends in the form of increased productivity, better workplace morale and more customers. (istockphoto)
Choosing the right office space for your company can pay dividends in the form of increased productivity, better workplace morale and more customers. (istockphoto)
It’s not a stretch to say that choosing an office is one of the most important decisions your company will ever make. It’s easy to see why; even in an age of telecommuting and e-work, day-to-day productivity at most companies is still heavily influenced by how employees interact with their working environment. Does the space make workers feel energized, or fatigued? Does the layout of the office encourage productivity, or stifle it? When searching for an office to rent or lease, it’s important to ask the right questions. Here are some things to consider before your company sets down roots. How much space do I need (and how much will I need in the future)? This is a bit of balancing act. On the one hand, you don’t want pay for more space than you need. On the other hand, you don’t want to feel trapped in a confined space as your company grows. An industry standard  to provide between 150 and 250 square feet of office space per employee. Expansion options in your lease agreement can help your company address the need for additional space down the road. Is the location right for my customers and employees? For some businesses, setting up shop in an out-of-the-way location is perfectly fine, while other businesses will want to be easily accessible to their clients. Leasing an office in a bustling downtown neighbourhood may bring in more customers, but is also likely to cost more than an office in the suburbs. You should also make sure your employees can easily get to the office, whether that means being accessible by public transit or ensuring there’s adequate parking. What are the hidden costs? Moving is an expensive proposition. Costs like utilities, renovations, cleaning services and loss of productivity during the move should all be factored in to your rental budget. Down the road, a landlord might increase your rate when re-negotiating your rental agreement. A real estate broker can provide advice and help you plan for the transition. Is the space flexible enough to my company’s needs? With the ability to work wirelessly, many companies are eschewing walled-off offices and cubicles in favour of multi-purpose workstations, shared common areas and glass dividers (or no dividers at all). The benefit of an open-concept office is that it encourages collaboration among employees and can be easily re-arranged to suit the changing needs of your company. Of course, an office stills need to have some private spaces to host meetings, or for when a worker just needs some quiet time to focus. Does the space promote the health and well-being of my employees? Nothing saps the energy out of an office faster than bad lighting, poor air circulation or unhygienic conditions. Make sure your office is well-lit, has good ventilation and is scent-free (potted plants are one cheap way of improving air quality in a building).  If your lease doesn’t come with a cleaning services contract, get one. The decision will pay dividends down the road with clean floors, squeaky clean bathrooms and happy workers. Does the space allow for both work and play? Every office should make room for fun. Depending on your office environment, you could set up a coffee bar station, a games room, a relaxation space or a lounging area for co-workers to chat. Socialization encourages collaboration and the sharing of ideas, decreases stress and generally makes people feel good about coming to work.