The benefits of a clean and uncluttered workspace on mental health and productivity

Maintaining a clean, professional looking office is good for business, but did you also know it’s good for your employees? Experts across fields like psychology, workplace design, and organizational behaviour consistently link clean and uncluttered workspaces with improved mental health and productivity.

For example, a cluttered workspace competes for our attention: the visual overload can overwhelm the senses, triggering feelings of stress and a lack of control. Studies have even found that people who described their environments as cluttered had higher levels of the stress hormone, cortisol.

A clean, minimalistic, and organized work environment, however, is consistently associated with a greater sense of calm, mental clarity and overall satisfaction. Cleaner spaces can also subtly influence behaviours and attitudes. For instance, research has shown that individuals are more likely to make healthier choices and be more generous in clean environments, a benefit to overall team morale and wellness.

A tidy space also minimizes distractions. Whereas clutter competes for our brain’s attention, making it harder to focus and process information, a clean and organized space enhances our ability to focus and work efficiently. And a tidy workplace also saves time and money: the National Association of Professional Organizers claims the average person wastes 4.3 hours per week searching for papers, and disorganization can lead to financial losses equivalent to 10 per cent of a manager’s salary. A workplace with everything organized in a logical, consistent place means employees can spend less time, with less panic, looking for the documents or tools they need to do their job well. 

And while some may argue that a little mess is part of their creative process, most experts agree that an organized baseline helps free up mental space for more expansive, creative thinking, especially in open office layouts and team environments. Clean and uncluttered workplaces also encourage everyone to have clean and efficient habits at their own desk or in their offices, establishing a healthier, more professional culture overall. A clean environment signals respect for the space, its occupants and any visitors – a win-win-win for any business. 

Looking to take your office cleaning to another level? Showroom Janitorial provides the full range of commercial and versatile cleaning services on a one-time or recurring basis. Located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, we help dozens of businesses create and maintain cleaner, more productive work environments – and we can help you too! Get in touch by calling (204) 694-9513 or visiting our fill out our get a quote form.