FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
By Danny Steele, Director of SM Cleaning & Support Services
I think it’s fair to say that expectations around workplace hygiene have shifted significantly in recent years. What was once considered “good enough” cleaning is no longer meeting the expectations of employees, tenants and visitors.
Facilities managers are increasingly being asked to maintain workplaces that not only look professional but also support health, wellbeing and productivity. As offices continue to evolve, the standards expected from cleaning providers are evolving too.
Looking ahead, there are several key areas where facilities managers should expect higher standards and clearer processes from their cleaning partners.
HYGIENE EXPECTATIONS ARE HIGHER THAN EVER
One of the biggest changes is the level of awareness employees now have around workplace hygiene. Shared desks, communal kitchens, lift buttons and door handles are all high-touch areas that people notice immediately if they are not properly maintained.
Employees are far more conscious of hygiene than they were just a few years ago. If surfaces appear neglected, it can quickly affect confidence in the workplace environment.
For facilities managers, this means cleaning specifications should clearly prioritise high-touch surfaces and shared spaces, with regular attention throughout the day rather than relying solely on end-of-day cleaning routines.
CLEANING CONTRACTS NEED CLEARER STANDARDS
Another common challenge across many workplaces is the lack of clarity in cleaning contracts. Cleaning specifications often describe tasks in general terms rather than defining measurable standards. This can make it difficult for facilities managers to assess whether the expected level of service is actually being delivered.
In 2026 and beyond, cleaning contracts are increasingly moving towards clearer standards and accountability. Instead of simply listing tasks, specifications should outline what success looks like. This might include defined cleaning frequencies for specific areas, visual standards for washrooms and communal spaces, and clear responsibilities for maintaining shared environments such as kitchens and breakout areas. When expectations are clearly defined, both facilities managers and cleaning teams can work more effectively together.
MULTI-TENANT BUILDINGS REQUIRE COORDINATED STANDARDS
In multi-tenant buildings, maintaining consistent cleaning standards can be particularly challenging. Different organisations may have different expectations, and shared areas such as receptions, lifts and washrooms experience significantly higher footfall than individual office spaces.
Facilities managers increasingly need cleaning strategies that reflect how these buildings actually operate. High-traffic areas often require more frequent cleaning and monitoring throughout the day to maintain consistent standards.
Regular communication between building management teams and cleaning providers is also important to ensure that shared spaces remain well maintained as usage patterns change.
VISIBILITY AND COMMUNICATION ARE BECOMING MORE IMPORTANT
Facilities managers are also recognising the importance of visible cleaning standards. Employees feel more confident in the workplace when they can see that cleaning is being actively managed. This might include daytime cleaning in communal areas or clearer communication about hygiene routines.
Cleaning teams are becoming more integrated into the overall workplace environment rather than operating purely outside office hours. This visibility helps reinforce confidence that the workplace is being properly looked after.
CONSISTENCY IS THE REAL BENCHMARK
Ultimately, the most important cleaning standard is consistency. Occasional deep cleans can be valuable, but the day-to-day condition of the workplace is what shapes how people experience the environment.
Consistent attention to high-use areas, clear cleaning schedules and well-defined service expectations all contribute to maintaining professional workplace standards.
For FMs, setting clear expectations and working closely with cleaning providers will remain key to ensuring workplaces continue to meet the higher hygiene standards people now expect.
