Maintaining a clean workplace is not just about appearances – it’s a strategic business decision that impacts employee morale, satisfaction, and even staff turnover. For facility managers, business owners, and office managers, a spotless environment can translate into happier employees who are more loyal to the company. In this blog post, we’ll explore the direct connection between workplace cleanliness and employee turnover rates, backed by data and research findings. We’ll also highlight how Assett Commercial Services – a leader in Commercial Cleaning Services and Janitorial Services – can help you achieve a cleaner workplace that boosts morale and retention.

The High Cost of Turnover – And How Cleanliness Can Help

Employee turnover is expensive and disruptive. Replacing a departed employee can cost about 33% of that worker’s annual salary when you factor in recruiting, training, and lost productivity. In concrete terms, that’s roughly $15,000 to replace someone earning $45,000/year according to hrdive.com. Such costs eat into the bottom line, so smart managers are keen to find any edge in keeping valued staff on board.

One often overlooked factor in retention is the workplace environment itself – especially cleanliness. A dirty, disorganized office can quietly undermine employee satisfaction and push people out the door. On the flip side, a clean workplace can be a powerful retention tool, signaling that management cares about employees’ well-being. As we’ll see, employees notice and deeply value a tidy, hygienic work setting, and it influences their decisions to stay or leave.

Employees Value a Clean Work Environment

Don’t just take our word for it: numerous surveys show how much employees prioritize cleanliness at work. Consider these eye-opening facts and figures about workplace cleanliness and employee attitudes:

• Cleanliness is a top workplace priority: According to a large Tork survey, 86% of office employees say cleanliness is the most important aspect of a good work environment – ranking it higher than things like location, noise levels, or even technology. In other words, most employees view a clean office as fundamental to their job satisfaction.

• Workers will trade pay for a healthy environment: A 2021 survey found that 60% of workers would take a lower-paying job if the new employer offered a healthier work environment, and 70% of people now ask about a company’s health and hygiene protocols during job interviews. This shows how strongly employees value a clean, safe workplace – even above salary considerations.

• Poor cleanliness drives people away: In a recent JLL survey of healthcare employees, those considering leaving their jobs were far more likely to report their break rooms and offices were unclean or poorly maintained. In fact, fewer than 60% of employees eyeing an exit said their workplace was clean and well-maintained, compared to over 70% of employees who intended to stay. The message is clear: when the workplace is dirty or run-down, employees are more inclined to leave.

• Cleanliness boosts pride and happiness: A survey of industrial workers showed 94% of employees linked their on-the-job happiness to having a clean workspace, even outranking factors like organizational systems or up-to-date technology. No one wants to work in a grimy environment – a sparkling facility makes people feel proud and positive about their job.

When employees see that their employer invests in professional cleaning and upkeep, they perceive it as a sign of respect. In fact, 90% of Americans believe that employers who regularly deep-clean their workplace (like keeping restrooms pristine) care more about their staff’s health and wellness than those who don’t. And when workers feel cared for, they are far more likely to value their jobs and remain loyal. A national poll reinforced this: 81% of people think employees are more likely to value and stay at a job when the employer keeps facilities like restrooms clean and well-stocked with quality supplies. Cleanliness, in employees’ minds, equals an employer’s commitment to their well-being.

A Clean Workplace Boosts Morale and Productivity

A clean, orderly environment doesn’t just prevent complaints – it actively improves employee morale. Think about how you feel walking into a tidy, fresh-smelling office versus a cluttered, dusty one. The difference in atmosphere is palpable. Research in environmental psychology has shown that cluttered and dirty surroundings can induce stress, anxiety, and discomfort, whereas clean, well-organized spaces promote calmness, clarity, and a sense of control. Employees in a clean workplace simply feel better. They can focus on their tasks without the distraction of mess or the health worries of dirt and germs.

Aesthetic appeal plays a big role here. A visually clean, pleasant space creates a positive atmosphere, enhancing employees’ mood and morale. People take pride in an office that looks well cared for. That pride can translate into higher motivation and creativity, as employees are more comfortable and energized in their environment. On the other hand, if the office is dirty or disorganized, employees may subconsciously feel that their company is indifferent to their comfort – leading to resentment or apathy.

Improved morale from cleanliness often goes hand-in-hand with higher productivity. When morale is high, people are more engaged and productive. Studies consistently find that employees get more done in a clean workplace. For example, in one survey, 90% of workers said they accomplish more in a clean, well-maintained office with quality cleaning supplies available. It makes sense: fewer distractions, fewer sick days, and a better mood all contribute to better performance. Conversely, dirt and clutter can slow work down – one analysis even found that searching for lost or messy documents costs businesses millions in lost productivity annually. By keeping the workplace neat, you reduce those inefficiencies and frustrations.

In short, cleanliness creates a virtuous cycle: employees feel happier and less stressed, which boosts their morale; higher morale leads to better focus and productivity; and productive, engaged employees contribute to a positive workplace culture that further reinforces morale. It’s a win-win for staff and the business.

Cleanliness as a Retention Strategy

It’s clear that employees care about cleanliness – and that affects whether they stick around. High morale is itself a retention booster, but let’s look more directly at how a clean environment helps reduce turnover:

1. Employees feel valued and loyal. When a company maintains a high standard of cleanliness, employees interpret it as a sign of respect. Providing a clean office says “We care about your comfort and health.” This nurtures loyalty. As noted earlier, workers are far less likely to job-hop if they feel their employer truly cares about their well-being. A clean workplace is a tangible way to show that care. On the flip side, if the office is always dirty, employees may feel disrespected or undervalued – and start looking for an employer who does invest in a better environment. Remember that a significant portion of turnover causes are preventable, and poor office conditions are certainly a preventable issue. Simply upgrading your cleaning routine can remove one major source of dissatisfaction that pushes people out the door.

2. Reduced stress means less burnout. Unclean workplaces can actually contribute to employee stress. For instance, nearly half of workers in one survey said that unpleasant odors, poor ventilation, and stuffy rooms create a stressful work environment for them. Lingering trash, dirty breakrooms, or musty air aren’t just minor annoyances – they elevate stress levels. Over time, chronic workplace stress erodes morale and leads to burnout, a well-known driver of turnover. By keeping the environment clean (including proper ventilation and odor control), companies remove these stressors and help employees feel more at ease. That can significantly improve retention, as employees are less likely to quit due to stress or burnout related to their physical work environment.

3. Healthier offices mean fewer absences. A clean workplace is a healthy workplace. Regular cleaning and disinfection reduce the spread of germs, leading to fewer sick days. How does this tie to retention? Employees notice when their employer prioritizes health and safety. Especially after recent pandemic years, workers have higher expectations for hygiene and cleanliness in the workplace – and they are likely to leave if those expectations aren’t met. In early 2021, two in three employees (66%) said they expect their offices to be cleaned daily, reflecting new standards for cleanliness. If an organization fails to provide a hygienic environment, employees may see it as a disregard for their health. On the other hand, a consistently clean, sanitized workplace builds goodwill and trust. Workers feel safer and more secure, which keeps them coming to work rather than calling out sick or looking for a healthier workplace elsewhere. There is even evidence that employees remain “extra cautious” about germ spread and consider cleanliness in their employment decisions, so a proactive cleaning program directly addresses a top employee concern.

4. Better workplace reputation aids recruitment and retention. Your current staff aren’t the only ones who care about cleanliness – prospective hires do too. Companies known for clean, well-maintained offices have an edge in attracting talent. Remember that 70% of job seekers now inquire about a company’s cleaning and hygiene practices before accepting an offer. People want to work where they know the environment will be safe and pleasant. By investing in professional cleaning, you not only retain your existing employees but also enhance your reputation among potential recruits. Conversely, losing employees due to a dirty facility can hurt morale among those who remain, and word might spread that the company doesn’t take care of its workspace. That can make hiring replacements even harder. Thus, cleanliness is a key component of your employer brand. It helps you keep the talent you have and draw in new talent more easily, reducing the churn over time.

Finally, let’s circle back to the bottom line: lower turnover saves money. It’s far cheaper to maintain a clean facility than to constantly replace staff. Losing even one employee can cost tens of thousands of dollars once you add up hiring costs, training time, and lost expertise. By preventing some of that turnover through a better work environment, a robust cleaning program pays for itself. In essence, every dollar spent on high-quality cleaning is an investment in employee retention and satisfaction, which yields savings in recruitment costs and productivity.

Assett Commercial Services: Your Partner in a Clean, Positive Workplace

Maintaining a consistently clean workplace is a big job – and that’s where Assett Commercial Services comes in. Assett is a family-owned provider of commercial cleaning services and janitorial services with a proven track record of keeping professional facilities spotless. In fact, Assett has cleaned over 500 million square feet of commercial space and is trusted by businesses across industries for our reliability and quality. Our philosophy is simple: it’s our job to care for your facility, so you can focus on running your business.

How can a partnership with Assett Commercial Services help reduce turnover and improve morale in your organization? Here are a few ways:

• Consistent, high-quality cleaning: Assett’s trained janitorial staff follow rigorous cleaning protocols to ensure every corner of your workplace stays clean on a day-to-day basis. We pay special attention to high-traffic, high-touch areas – from door handles and desks to breakrooms and restrooms – so that employees always encounter a sanitary environment. By eliminating dust, clutter, and grime, we create a workspace that employees find comfortable and motivating. Consistency is key; rather than sporadic clean-ups, Assett provides dependable service that keeps standards high every single day. This consistency means your team never has to worry about a messy office – they can see that cleanliness is a priority, which boosts their confidence in management’s care.

• Health-focused cleaning for employee well-being: Assett was originally founded as a healthcare cleaning specialist, so we bring hospital-grade expertise to every job. We use effective disinfectants and techniques to reduce the spread of illness. Our team understands how to maintain good indoor air quality through proper vacuuming, filtration, and ventilation measures. A cleaner, healthier building means fewer germs and allergens, which helps cut down on sick days and keeps your team healthier and happier. As we’ve discussed, employees who feel safe from health hazards at work are more likely to stay with the company. Assett’s services can thus directly contribute to your employees’ well-being and peace of mind.

• Professionalism and accountability: With Assett Commercial Services, you get a partner who is accountable and responsive. We know that facility managers and office managers need cleaning done right and on time. Assett uses professional systems – including quality checks and live verification of cleaning tasks – to ensure nothing is overlooked. Our staff are thoroughly trained, uniformed, and supervised to meet high standards. When issues or special requests arise, we respond quickly. Many of our clients have noted how responsive and proactive our team is in addressing their needs. This level of service means you won’t have to chase down cleaning crews or worry about inconsistent results. Instead, you’ll have confidence that the workplace will always be clean, which in turn lets your employees know that their environment is in good hands.

• Customized solutions for your facility: Every workplace is different. Assett offers flexible cleaning schedules and services tailored to your facility’s requirements. Whether you operate a standard office, a medical clinic, a retail store, or an industrial site, we have the expertise to handle it. From nightly janitorial services to day porter services, from routine dusting to periodic deep cleans of carpets and floors – Assett covers the full spectrum of cleaning needs. This comprehensive approach ensures all aspects of your workplace cleanliness are maintained. You won’t have certain areas being neglected (which employees would surely notice). By covering everything, Assett helps you provide a uniformly clean environment that employees across all departments appreciate.

Perhaps most importantly, by outsourcing your cleaning to Assett, you allow your management team and employees to focus on their primary roles. Your staff won’t be pulled away to take out overflowing trash or deal with sanitation issues, and your managers won’t have to micromanage an in-house cleaning crew. Assett Commercial Services handles the cleaning hassle for you, efficiently and reliably. The result is less stress for everyone and a smoother, more pleasant daily experience in the workplace.

Building a Positive Workplace Culture Through Cleanliness

A professionally cleaned workplace does more than just shine – it becomes the foundation for a positive company culture. When employees walk into a gleaming office each day, it sets a tone of professionalism and respect. They are more likely to keep the space tidy themselves, treating the environment (and by extension, the company) with greater respect. In contrast, if they see trash and dirt around, they might feel less compelled to maintain standards, leading to a downward spiral. Cleanliness thus encourages a culture of pride and accountability among staff. Everyone is in it together to keep their space nice.

Moreover, common areas like kitchens and restrooms tend to be hot-spots for either boosting or hurting morale. A dirty breakroom can breed resentment (“Why doesn’t management fix this?”) and even inter-employee tension. But a well-maintained, clean breakroom or lounge sends a message that people matter. It provides a welcoming space for employees to relax and interact, which strengthens team cohesion and morale. The same goes for restrooms – given that employees are more likely to complain about restroom conditions than any other aspect of the workplace, keeping them clean can dramatically cut down grumbling and improve overall satisfaction. Assett Commercial Services understands these pain points and focuses on them, so that your team experiences a positive environment throughout the building.

Finally, by prioritizing workplace cleanliness, you demonstrate leadership and set expectations that align with employee values. It’s telling your team, “We hear you, and we want you to be comfortable and happy here.” When management visibly cares about something as concrete as cleanliness, employees are likely to feel that care in other areas of work life too. It fosters trust: employees trust that their leaders have their best interests at heart, making them more engaged and committed. Numerous studies have shown that when employees are satisfied with their work environment, they are more likely to remain with the company and perform at their best. In contrast, dissatisfaction with the work environment (including cleanliness issues) can lead to disengagement, absenteeism, and ultimately turnover. In essence, a clean workplace is a cornerstone of a healthy, high-morale workplace culture, which is the kind of culture where people stick around.

Conclusion: Invest in Cleanliness, Reap the Rewards

There is no question that maintaining a professionally cleaned workplace yields significant business benefits. We’ve seen how cleanliness reduces employee turnover by improving morale, health, and overall job satisfaction. A clean workplace makes employees feel valued and happy; happy employees are less likely to leave and more likely to give their best effort. For management, the cost of quality cleaning is small compared to the high cost of losing good people. In competitive job markets, something as simple as a sparkling office or well-kept facility can be the deciding factor that keeps your star employees from jumping ship.

The business value of a clean workplace goes beyond just avoiding complaints – it creates an environment where employees can thrive. Higher productivity, fewer sick days, better team spirit, and a strong company reputation are all dividends of investing in cleanliness. It is truly one of the easiest and most effective retention strategies a company can implement.

Now is the time to act. If you want to reduce turnover and boost morale in your organization, start by evaluating your cleaning standards. Are you meeting the expectations of today’s workforce for hygiene and comfort? If not, consider bringing in the professionals.

Assett Commercial Services is here to help. As experts in commercial cleaning and janitorial solutions, we partner with businesses to create cleaner, healthier workspaces that employees love. Let us show you how a tailored cleaning program can transform your workplace and support your retention and employee satisfaction goals. From daily office cleaning to specialized deep cleaning, Assett has the experience, staff, and commitment to maintain an immaculate environment for your team.

Ready to elevate your workplace and keep your employees happy? Contact Assett Commercial Services today to discuss your needs and get a customized cleaning plan. Discover the difference a truly clean workplace can make in reducing turnover and improving morale – and ultimately, how it can contribute to your company’s success. Your employees – and your bottom line – will thank you for it.