It’s supposedly the end of an era, folks… The WFH era, that is! There’s a growing list of companies that are moving towards ending fully remote work, and asking employees to return to the office – some part-time, some full-time.
The last hangover of the pandemic seems to be approaching its end. But for employees who’ve been working from home for extended periods, the transition comes with challenges – and even a few unwritten expectations. If they’re going to have to give up their WFH lifestyle in favour of commuting and being back in a more formal work environment, they’re expecting a clean office at the very least.
A spotless workspace sends a clear message: “We want you back. We care about you and your wellbeing while you’re here.”
Because it’s not just about looking good; it’s about health, productivity, and making your employees feel valued – especially after giving up the WFH life.
So, what should they expect when they undertake the great office remigration of 2025 (and beyond)? Dust and grime – or a gleaming workspace?
We’ve prepared a little list of things you’d want to consider for your employees’ return.
Dusty desks and workstations
When an office has been underused for long periods, dust accumulates everywhere. EVERYWHERE. From the tops and undersides of desks, to computer monitors and phones – even in the crevices of keyboards. You need to get your dusting game on top form.
Desks, chairs, and phones
Give workstations a thorough dusting and wipe down. Electronics – like computer monitors and keyboards – should be cleaned with anti-static and electronic-safe wipes if possible, and canned air should be used to blow out the dust from in between keys.
Bookshelves and desk organisers should be dust-free, too. Any stacks of paper should be sorted and disposed of if no longer necessary. And remember: A clean, tidy workstation promotes focus and reduces the risk of sickness for returning employees, who might have more sensitive immune systems since beginning WFH.
Phones and shared office equipment
Phones, printers, photocopiers, and other shared devices are high-touch surfaces – and these need extra attention. Before reopening the office full-time, disinfect office phones, making sure that handsets and buttons are free from dust, grime and germs.
Clean shared devices like printers, photocopiers, and scanners using alcohol wipes, or other tech-specific cleaning products. And if there are any manky old mouse mats, get rid of them and order some new ones in.
Providing disinfectant wipes will also encourage your teams to clean up after themselves (or before use), to help reduce the spread of germs.
The office kitchen
If there’s one place that’s guaranteed to collect hidden messes during extended WFH periods, it’s the office kitchen. Start with the messiest device in there… the microwave.
If the ceiling in the microwave looks like a cave full of stalactites, then you’re in for a long cleaning session! Start by removing caked-on food and clearing away stains as best as possible. Bicarbonate of soda can help with stubborn stains, mixed in with washing up liquid to tackle the grease.
Even if they’re clean-looking, wash all plates, mugs, and cutlery that may have been sitting unused for months. Looking clean is one thing, but invisible bacteria could be lurking on them.
Wipe down all surfaces, including cabinet handles, to remove dust and grease. And be sure to stock up on essentials like washing up liquid, sponges, and paper towels, to encourage employees to keep the kitchen clean moving forward.
Read more: Office Kitchen Cleaning: The Ultimate Guide
The office fridge
Yes, the fridge deserves its own subsection! Because there’s nothing worse than opening a communal fridge after months away to find it full of rotting food.
We’d start by emptying out all contents of the fridge – discarding any expired food, mystery containers, and forgotten snacks. We would then deep clean the interior with warm, soapy water, and deodorise it if necessary with bicarb. You can also pop a box of bicarbonate of soda inside to absorb any future smells.
Going forward, establish clear fridge rules – like regular clean-outs every Friday.
Read more: Office Fridge Clean-Out Email to Send to Staff
Break rooms and shared spaces
Break rooms and communal spaces are vital for collaboration and relaxation – but without regular cleaning, they’re likely to have descended into dust and grime. Sanitise tables, chairs, and vending machines to get them ready for use again.
Check coffee machines for mould and old coffee grounds, and clean them thoroughly. Deep clean flooring and carpets in these areas – because old unnoticed spills will have left their mark (and their odour). Carpets can trap dust, allergens, and smells – so before reopening, consider getting commercial carpet cleaning done office-wide.
Oh, and don’t forget to check the bins for anything nasty, too.
Toilets: clean and stocked
A hygienic toilet area is non-negotiable. Employees will expect clean toilets and sinks – so deep clean all fixtures to get them free of stains, dirt, and unpleasant odours.
Restock all the essentials. Toilet paper, hand soap, paper towels – they should be readily available and not on order by the time folks return to the office.
Read our Guide to Office Bathroom Odour Removal if you’re struggling to get that freshness back. Speaking of which…
Air quality
Stale air and neglected heating or AC systems can lead to unpleasant odours, dust buildup – and even health issues. For good office air quality, get your HVAC systems serviced before people return. Open windows to improve airflow and reduce stuffiness in the meantime, and consider adding air purifiers for an extra boost in air quality.
Adding a few indoor plants can not only brighten the place up, but also improve air quality in a natural way.
A clean office for a smooth transition
Ending WFH and asking employees to return to the office is a significant shift. But it’s also an opportunity to make a fresh start – with regular, professional office cleaning from The Abbey Cleaning Service.
Call 029 2067 9323 today, and find out how we’ll help get your office clean for the great office return of 2025 and beyond – without disrupting your work day.
