It is common knowledge that offices can be repositories for germs. For instance, on an average desk set, with computer keyboard and mouse, there are over 20,000 germs, and up to 10 million bacteria. Office phones contain more than 25,000 germs per square inch. Flu viruses and other common sicknesses can survive on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours. In fact, 75 percent of all infections are spread by hand contact with contaminated surfaces, along with direct contact with other people. Suffice to say, the average office is rife with potential sickness, and that?s not good for your employees or your business. As a whole, businesses lose more than $200 billion dollars annually due to employee sick days.

Many businesses and property management companies are turning to green cleaning. Green cleaning means using products, methods and services that are environmentally safe. They have very little negative impact on the environment, or on employees? physical health. Many potential benefits of green cleaning exist, not least of which is employee health. In addition, increased productivity, reduced operating costs and government benefits are considerable.

Depending on the size of the business or facility, many organizations choose a cleaning company or green cleaning service that specializes in environmentally friendly products and methods. These trained facility cleaning professionals will use energy-saving tools, natural products free of harmful chemicals, and efficient cleaning methods. Green cleaning services for an average office will normally include vacuuming carpets and rugs, sweeping and mopping, emptying garbage cans, and disinfecting desk surfaces, door handles, telephones, and computers keyboards and mice. A medical office cleaning service, or green cleaning for other specialty office type, will include other tasks relevant to the business.

Typically, regular or commercial cleaning supplies can be damaging to your skin and respiratory system. Harmful, irritating chemicals are often found in most common cleaning supplies, especially those that come in aerosol cans. However, green cleaning provides an alternative. Green cleaning can reduce the risk of allergic reactions or asthma, as well as cutting back on germs and bacteria.

For the most part, products used in green cleaning are safe for all types of surfaces, which in turn helps those surfaces and objects last longer. For example, office floors can be worn down and slowly eaten away by harsh chemicals; green cleaning uses more natural chemicals that clean without stripping away the floor surface.

Lastly, many government agencies offer motivation for going green. Tax credits, rebates, and other incentives are provided in order to support efforts to be environmentally safe, reduce waste, support energy efficiency, and encourage the use of renewable resources. In addition, using green cleaning and making other efforts to go green can improve a company?s reputation. Caring about the environment and the health of employees presents a positive image to clients, customers, employees, investors, and networked businesses.

It?s not hard to know how to choose the right cleaning company; look for one in your area that specializes in green cleaning, has a strong reputation, and takes the time to customize their services to your needs. Overall, going green is an excellent goal for any business that wishes to improve employee health and productivity, maintain a quality office location, earn incentives, and present a strong, positive reputation in the community.