As humans, our innate smelling ability is way more powerful than we perceive. Research has shown that a human’s sense of smell is closely intertwined with memory, perhaps more so than any of the other senses. It has the power to trigger strong feelings and intense emotions.
However, for most offices, the importance of smell has always been somewhat overlooked. Suppose your employee has come forward to air their grievances pertaining to a particular disconcerting smell. In that case, our advice is to never ever downplay the issue – for they might bring about an aggravating disrupt to the workplace.
What’s that smell?
Office odour is a prevalent issue that every employer can expect at one point or another. After all, an office is a relatively confined space shared by many. Unlike our own homes where we have the ultimate control over how we clean up, shared spaces can become real funky over the course of the day simply because not everyone takes the same attitude towards cleanliness.
The source of the unpleasant smells that float through the air? Most of the time, they stem from improper cleaning. But sometimes, the source can be pretty hard to pin down. From a co-worker’s body odour to a dead rat lying around the corner (well, we certainly hope that is not the case), an office smell violation can come in many varying forms. But there is one thing they all have in common for sure. That is – they are equally displeasing.
The Impact
Decrease in productivity
If you are wondering whether bad smells can affect one’s productivity at work, the answer is an unswerving ‘yes’! There is a strong correlation between productivity and the scent of offices. Surely, we all want a comfortable environment where we can be at maximum productivity – but this can only happen when we feel relaxed and pleasant. Scents can directly impact our mood and induce changes in our cognitive performance. And naturally, an office masked by overpowering foul odours put your employees in a negative frame of mind which in turn, erodes their ability to perform their best.
Decrease in the quality of life and physical wellbeing
Beyond mental wellbeing, it is also worth noting that ongoing exposure to a foul odour can also lead to tangible health problems – ranging from mild discomfort to more consequential repercussions such as migraines, nauseous, coughing, wheezing and other breathing problems.
Everyone has a different level of sensitivity to smell. Although it may not impact every employee the same way, a prolonged exposure can indisputably take a toll on your team members’ health and morale.
Putting it under control
As an employer, it is now your time to be proactive. Here is what you can do to put your stinky office in Singapore under control: Do the cleaning right!
As mentioned earlier, these revolting smells are usually emanated from improper cleaning. Something as simple as accumulated garbage storage can be the cause of unpleasant odours. The best way to keep your office smelling fresh and looking its best is to do periodically deep cleaning – better still, engage professional cleaning services. Office cleaning services work best if you do not have the appropriate cleaning supplies or the expertise to eliminate the traces of foul smell. While an off-the-shelf odour remover spray helps to remove surface odour, a professional team has the ability to address the primary sources of it by wiping down every nook and cranny, including hard-to-reach areas.
Furthermore, office cleaning services enable you to take the hassle out of the equation. Ready to take the first step towards combating unpleasant scent? Click here!