I've worked in several workshops and offices where routine cleaning (sweeping/mopping/vacuuming, cleaning windows, wiping desks, dusting, etc.) is part of 'other duties as assigned'. In every single one of these places, the cleaning is never done well enough for management (read as; the ones who don't have to do it). Every manager acts like a clean workspace will magically make all our productivity goals a breeze, but in reality, I can scrub these machines til they shine and they won't run a damn bit faster. And the dust on the floor has literally ZERO impact on the welding taking place above.

Even if this WERE somehow a magical cure-all, why then, do we look down on janitors and maids and street-sweepers? If keeping things clean is so damn important, why does it pay the lowest wages?

I didn't go to college to be a janitor who fixes robots. Why am I getting yelled at if I don't sweep the floor well enough?