In a recent article published in the European Cleaning Journal, an interesting co-relation has been established between cleaning and mental health. A team of industry experts that has been gathering material on cleaning ergonomics and conscious cleaning for the last three years. They explored how cleaning, as an activity, can alleviate stress, serving almost as a form of therapy that supports mental well-being.
According to a study conducted Helge Alt from Puhastusekspert in Estonia and Tarja Valkosalo of Propuhtaus Finland within the Erasmus+ Ergoclean project, reported that 72% of cleaning supervisors and 46% of cleaning staff reported that their work can be mentally stressful. However, numerous studies indicate that cleaning, as an activity, can alleviate stress, serving almost as a form of therapy that supports mental well-being. This is particularly evident in research focused on household cleaning.
A 2019 study by Kärcher, which surveyed 11,000 participants from various countries, found that 75 per cent of Brits reported they turn to cleaning when feeling stressed, finding it relaxing. Moreover, 84 per cent of all respondents admitted they feel more relaxed and better in a clean home. In the IKW Study “So putzt Deutschland” (2022), 78 per cent of individuals reported feeling relaxed after cleaning.
This raises an intriguing question: why does cleaning as a job tend to create stress, while cleaning at home generally relieves it? The activities performed in both contexts – such as dusting, mopping floors and cleaning toilets – are quite similar. Yet research shows the same actions can have different effects on an individual’s mental health depending on the environment.
So, what can be done to ensure that workplace cleaning supports mental well-being?
1. Skills of cleaning staff: Individuals who feel like professionals in their field are often more motivated and inspired. Studies indicate that trained cleaners tend to work more effectively, achieving cleanliness in less time and appreciating the results of their efforts. Professional training is essential to create behavioural and cognitive shifts that enhance efficient cleaning.
2. A shared understanding of cleanliness: Establishing a common understanding of what cleanliness means among all parties — clients, service providers and cleaning staff – is crucial. Moreover, the cleaning staff has been trained in a way that enables them to perform cleaning according to the agreed quality levels. Clear definitions of quality levels should be outlined in contracts and quality assessments should be made periodically. A feedback system that is constructive and forward-looking is vital, a lack of defined quality leads to uncertainty and mental strain.
3. Feedback on work: Everyone desires feedback on their performance to understand what they are doing well and what needs improvement. In cleaning, when everything is clean, it often goes unnoticed, whereas only the negatives are highlighted when something is amiss, usually through criticism. A clear and consistent feedback system should highlight positives as well, including areas where cleaning may be excessive.
4. Sufficient time for cleaning: Cleaning services face intense competition, often cleaning staff are assigned overly large areas to clean or not enough consideration is given to reasonable workloads. This can lead to inefficiencies and stress, as the expected results are difficult to achieve.
5. Appropriate guidance: Cleaning staff come from varied backgrounds and possess different skill sets. Appropriate guidance from their immediate supervisors is critical. Cleaning supervisors must have adequate knowledge of cleaning technical skills, as well as leadership and communication abilities. A supervisor’s competence can significantly affect both their stress levels and those of their subordinates. Thus, proper training for cleaning supervisors is one of the key factors in improving workplace mental health.
6. Leadership: The professional, communication and leadership skills of cleaning managers are crucial, as cleaning staff often consists of a high turnover of workers. However, stable leaders with good skills are a key asset for the company, making comprehensive training for supervisors a critical issue
The impact of clean spaces on mental health
Working and studying in clean environments is associated with reduced stress, greater efficiency and improved health, as supported by numerous studies. Henry Ford, a well-known innovator in production system quality culture and healthcare services, emphasised that a clean environment helps reduce waste and increase efficiency. His legendary saying: “If we do that which is before us to do in the best way that we know, that is, if we faithfully try to serve, we do not have to worry much about anything else. The future has a way of taking care of itself,” embodies the significance of cleanliness.
Thus, it is important to consider what level of cleanliness is needed in this context. A critical question to ask is the potential harm caused when this cleaning quality level is not met. Understanding the investment in cleaning as a vital resource allows for a clearer perspective on the importance of cleanliness. The key is to identify all dirt and remove dirt effectively to achieve the need-based cleanliness.
— ECJ
