Get Your Office Ready for the Holiday Season: Essential Tips for Office and Facilities Managers

As December approaches, office managers and facilities managers are tasked with ensuring their workplaces remain clean, organised, and safe during the holiday season. This time of year often brings office closures and festive parties, which can create unique cleaning challenges. At The Mayfair Cleaning Company, we understand the importance of maintaining a clean environment during this busy period. Here are some practical tips to help you manage office closures, prepare for Christmas parties, and maintain a tidy office throughout the holidays.

1. Preparing for Office Closures: Avoid Common Mistakes

With many offices closing for extended periods over the holidays, it’s easy to overlook a few key tasks. Here’s how to avoid common mistakes when preparing for time away from the office:

• Clear the Fridge: Leftover food in the office fridge can spoil and create unpleasant smells or even attract pests. Remind employees to clear out their personal items, and make sure perishable items are disposed of before the office shuts down.

• Dispose of Rubbish and Recycling: Ensure that all rubbish bins are emptied, and recycling is properly sorted. A build-up of waste during an extended break can lead to unpleasant odours and unwanted pests.

• Check High-Use Areas: Shared spaces like kitchens, restrooms, and break rooms should be left in good condition. A quick clean of high-touch areas such as taps, handles, and light switches will help prevent a build-up of germs during the office closure.

• Restock Supplies: Before the office closes, check that cleaning supplies, hand sanitiser, toilet paper, and other essentials are well stocked. This will ensure that everything is in place when employees return to work.

2. Preparing for the Christmas Party: Keeping the Office Clean and Festive

Christmas parties are a great way to celebrate the season, but they can also leave behind a lot of mess. Here’s how to prepare for a successful and tidy office party:

• Pre-party Cleaning: Before the event, make sure to clean high-traffic areas such as kitchens, restrooms, and break rooms. Wipe down surfaces, clean carpets, and ensure communal spaces are hygienic and ready for the party. A clean space sets the tone for the event and ensures that your employees can enjoy themselves in a pleasant environment.

• Manage Decorations: Decorations are an essential part of the festive spirit, but they can create a mess. Ensure that any spills or crumbs are cleaned up quickly, and place extra bins for wrapping paper and party waste to make disposal easier for guests.

• Food and Drink: Food and drinks can easily spill or leave crumbs behind. Opt for easy-to-clean serving options to minimise mess. After the event, make sure all leftover food is disposed of, and wipe down any surfaces that came into contact with food or drink.

3. Post-party Clean-up: Restoring the Office to Its Normal State

After the Christmas party, it’s important to get the office back to normal quickly. Here are a few tips for post-party clean-up:

• Remove Leftovers: Dispose of any leftover food or drinks promptly to avoid attracting pests or creating lingering smells. Clean any dishes or catering items used during the event.

• Clean the Restrooms: Restrooms are high-traffic areas during parties. After the event, take time to wipe down surfaces, restock supplies, and ensure that everything is in working order.

• Sanitise High-Touch Areas: High-touch surfaces such as desks, doorknobs, and light switches can spread germs. It’s important to sanitise these areas after the event to maintain a healthy office environment.

4. Routine Cleaning During the Holidays: Keep It Consistent

While holiday parties and office closures may disrupt your usual routine, it’s essential to keep up with regular cleaning throughout the festive season. By maintaining a consistent cleaning schedule, you ensure that your office stays presentable and hygienic, whether employees are working or enjoying the holidays.

At The Mayfair Cleaning Company, we specialise in commercial cleaning services that can be tailored to your office's needs during the busy holiday season. Whether you need a pre-party clean-up, post-party restoration, or routine cleaning, our team is here to ensure your office stays in top condition throughout December.