Ending Work From Home? Here’s What Returning Offices Expect From Your Cleaning Program

After several years of remote and hybrid schedules, many companies are asking staff to return to the office—whether part-time or full-time. With this shift comes a new level of expectation for workplace cleanliness, safety, and overall building hygiene.

Employees who grew accustomed to the comfort and control of working from home now notice cleanliness more than ever. And property managers, office administrators, and employers must respond with stronger, more consistent cleaning standards.

Here’s what today’s returning workforce expects—and how your cleaning program can rise to the challenge.

1. A Clean Workspace Is No Longer “Nice to Have”—It’s Mandatory

Before the pandemic, a dusty workstation or missed garbage bin was annoying.
Today, it feels unacceptable.

Employees expect:

• Sanitized desks and touchpoints

• Clean washrooms stocked at all times

• Fresh, odor-free carpets and floors

• Clear communication about cleaning routines

A clean office directly supports morale, health, and productivity—and people expect visible proof that their workplace is cared for.

2. High-Touchpoint Cleaning Is Still a Priority

Even though health restrictions have eased, the awareness of germs hasn’t.

High-touch areas that must be cleaned consistently include:

• Door handles

• Light switches

• Kitchen counters

• Fridge and microwave handles

• Printer/copier buttons

• Elevator call panels

Regular disinfecting reassures staff that the workplace is safe and hygienic.

3. Washrooms Must Stay Fully Stocked and Professionally Maintained

Nothing frustrates employees faster than:

• Empty paper towels

• Out-of-stock soap

• Overflowing garbage

• Dirty sinks or stalls

Many buildings now expect day porter services to maintain washrooms during business hours. Consistency matters—even one poorly maintained washroom can affect employee confidence and satisfaction.

4. Floors and Carpets Need More Frequent Care

With more people returning, foot traffic increases—along with dirt, dust, and wear patterns.

Modern expectations include:

• Regular vacuuming to maintain air quality

• Encapsulation cleaning for high-traffic carpets

• Annual hot water extraction to remove embedded soil

• Auto-scrubbing and polishing for hard floors

• Slip-prevention and safety-focused maintenance

Clean floors not only look good—they reduce safety risks and extend the life of your flooring investment.

5. Transparency Builds Trust

Employees want to know:

• When cleaning occurs

• What products are used

• How frequently areas are sanitized

Companies that communicate their cleaning schedule—whether through signage or internal messages—build stronger trust and reduce workplace complaints.

6. Eco-Friendly Cleaning Matters More Than Ever

The post-pandemic workforce is environmentally aware.
They want:

• Green Seal–certified products

• Low-odor cleaning solutions

• Sustainable methods that reduce chemical exposure

A green cleaning program protects the environment and creates a healthier workspace.

7. Flexibility Is Key

Hybrid work schedules mean building usage can vary dramatically throughout the week.
Modern cleaning programs must be flexible enough to adjust to:

• Peak days

• Meeting-heavy schedules

• Corporate events

• Rotating staff patterns

Customized cleaning frequencies—1×, 2×, 3×, or 5× per week—allow businesses to match cleaning to actual occupancy levels.

The Bottom Line: Cleanliness Defines the Return-to-Office Experience

As companies end WFH or shift to hybrid models, cleanliness becomes part of the employee experience—and a competitive advantage.

Employees expect:
✔ A clean, healthy workspace
✔ Visible cleaning activity
✔ Well-maintained washrooms
✔ Fresh carpets and polished floors
✔ Clear communication

Businesses that invest in professional cleaning create safer environments, reduce complaints, and support employee retention.

Need Help Preparing Your Office for a Return-to-Work Environment?

JES Building Services provides:

• Janitorial services

• Day porter support

• Carpet cleaning (extraction & encapsulation)

• Hard floor care

• Post-renovation cleanup

• Paper dispenser supply & installation

We help offices transition smoothly back to in-person work with cleaning programs that meet today’s higher expectations.

Contact us today to book a walkthrough and customized quote.