Taking a proactive approach to cleaning and maintenance is a crucial part of running a successful business. In today’s uncertain economy, building owners and facility managers may be tempted to cut costs with deferred services, cleaning, and maintenance to make the most of the budget, but this strategy may only offer a reprieve, causing more serious (and expensive) issues down the line.
There are many factors involved in taking a proactive approach, rather than practicing deferred cleaning and maintenance for the performance and future of your facility:
Health concerns can be caused by neglecting cleaning schedules. Failing to complete deep cleaning can mean missing signs of growing mould or other potentially harmful and damaging conditions. Even issues like tripping hazards, missing lighting, or increased dust, dirt, and allergens can lower IAQ, posing a health and safety risk to building occupants. In addition, if employees suffer from decreased cleaning and hygiene, your company could incur the costs of medical treatment and employee absenteeism.
Safety is a top concern, and delaying necessary work can compromise your safety efforts, posing a risk to your employees and your facility. For example, failing to replace failing doors or enclosures can mean that they don’t function correctly, potentially allowing unauthorized access to the building. Similarly, delaying repairs can result in the deterioration of your building, causing hazardous conditions for building occupants.
Regulatory non-compliance can also become an issue (depending on your industry and location) when commercial cleanliness suffers. Postponing action or delaying compliance with regulations can compromise occupant health and safety, and it also exposes your business to potential fines and penalties.
Higher expenses are a risk when minor neglected repairs exist, skyrocketing expenses over time, increasing repair needs or inciting replacement. Regular equipment maintenance affords managers the opportunity to stay on top of its condition, efficiency, and the urgency of repairs to lengthen the lifespan of their equipment. Similarly, skipping regular cleaning can lead to reduced efficiency in your HVAC and ventilation systems, as dirt and dust build up over time.
Studies show that on average, deferred maintenance compounds at a rate of seven per cent per year, and in some cases, delaying maintenance can increase future costs for the same work by as much as 600 per cent.
Failed compliance can come from deferred maintenance when the fire marshal or health and safety inspector comes. If they determine that there is necessary work, you may be under a tight timeline (with higher costs) to invest in the required upgrades or services.
Higher bills are a risk to poorly maintained properties as they become less efficient, increasing heat loss, and resulting in inefficient use of water and energy. So, while you may not see increased costs with repairs or replacement, incrementally growing bills can come from lessened operational efficiency.
Work stoppage is also a risk if maintenance is left long enough. Just completing a routine task like window cleaning presents little work disruption, whereas eventual repair or replacement could affect tenants and cause work stoppage. On a larger scale, failing to upgrade or regularly maintain your pipes could cause cracks, failure, or freezing during colder temperatures, and this could mean flooding, interior damage, or even closures as the work is completed.
Decreased property value is a concern for building owners. Neglecting maintenance can significantly reduce property value, negatively affect occupancy rate, lower rent options, and make your real estate less competitive.
Negative impressions from customers or visitors can result with more infrequent cleaning and maintenance. From dirty or unstocked public restrooms to visually missing repairs condition of your building, deferring cleaning and maintenance can lead to a negative customer experience, lost business, and a decline in reputation.
Employee perception can also be affected when staff witness deferral practices and a lack of attention. A negative impression from within can lead to employee turnover, decreased morale, and a decline in reputation.
Cleaning and maintenance are vital components in managing building operations, and while delaying expenditures might initially seem like a budget-conscious approach, it can be risky for the health of your occupants, detrimental to your operations, and more expensive in the long run. Managers who take a proactive approach can set themselves up for a more efficient, less expensive, safer place to work.
