Isn’t it time to review your existing cleaning contractor?
As the cost of living increases, many companies will be experiencing rising prices across their business which will affect the products and services they provide. Office cleaning has been an important service over the past two years but the business landscape has changed. As we emerge from COVID-19, all costs are being challenged so this could be a good time to consider your cleaning expenditure. In this blog we look why it could be time to review your existing cleaning contractor.
4 reasons why you should review your existing cleaning contractor now
Cleaning hours to reflect new office or building occupancy
There may be no return to the traditional five day office week. The pandemic has changed opinion and the longer-term implications are that working from home will remain at least in part. Hybrid working, where staff split their time between home and office, it seems is here to stay.
The office will still play a vital role. People still need face to face interaction for collaboration and development. The changed office use however may require a new approach to when and how the cleaning takes place.
For example, if the office is much quieter on a Friday, then the team could focus on periodic tasks such as a kitchen deep clean. If the office is fully closed one day a week, then the weekly hours could reduce accordingly. Adjusting the schedules and frequency could save on the overall costs.
Every office is unique and every client has different needs. This means adjusting and tailoring the cleaning schedules to ensure staff continue to deliver the highest standards of office hygiene.
COVID Secure Cleaning
Anti-viral cleaning products are the new norm as they are proven to kill pathogenic viruses including coronavirus. These should be used correctly following manufacturers guidelines. It's important to note the contact time, which is how long a disinfectant must stay wet on a surface to be effective.
Regularly reviewing the office usage is essential to ensure that the enhanced cleaning regimes are still effective. This includes frequently sanitising work areas and especially the common touch points. These typically include door handles and push plates, kitchen appliances and washroom fixtures and fittings.
Continuing to enforce a clear desk policy helps to keep surfaces clear so that cleaning routine are effective. Since cleaners have instructions not to move personal items on desks, having clear areas will make it possible to clean surfaces, keyboards and phone handsets.
More emphasis on environmental and sustainable responsibility
Clients increasingly demand that service providers use greener products, have better social responsibility policies and have a commitment to sustainability.
Sustainable cleaning in the workplace is about eliminating harsh chemicals and instead using biological products that are safer for the environment. This extends beyond cleaning products such as
- Using equipment such as the iMop to reduce water usage
- Replacing vacuum cleaners with alternatives which are more energy efficient
- Reusing spray bottles to reduce single use plastic waste
- Using products made from recycled materials, and for paper products eg hand towels, to use sustainably sourced fibres
- improving workplace recycling rates
Managing the cleaners
One of the biggest complaints from clients is that their onsite cleaning team do not feel supported. This covers training, health and safety, understanding schedules and expectations, cleaning product availability and cleaning to the agreed specification in the contract.
Regular scheduled manager visits for quality audits provide an excellent opportunity to meet with clients and staff. Meeting with the staff mean they can check the equipment and materials, review service delivery, check shifts and holiday cover and ensure the team has everything they need to succeed.
TemcoUK Facility Services is a professional commercial cleaning contractor
Temco has vast experience in commercial cleaning. We understand that as businesses adapt to different ways of working, so too do our cleaning schedules need to adjust to reflect the changing landscape. We tailor our office cleaning service to meet the unique requirements of your business, whatever days you work and whatever your office occupancy.
Our comprehensive list of services covers everything including office window and carpet cleaning, washroom services and pest control.
If you would like further information or reviewing your cleaning, please contact us on LinkedIn, email hello@temco-services.co.uk or call us 01895 520370.
The importance of valuing cleaning staff
Cleaning and hygiene rose the top of the agenda during the Covid-19 pandemic. Cleaning operatives were seen as vital to protect the health and wellbeing of others during this time. Their visibility gave confidence to returning office workers that their workspace was safe and hygienic. With this changing attitude to a previously invisible workforce, this blog looks at the importance of valuing cleaning staff.
Cleaning Industry background
Traditionally in the commercial cleaning industry it was common knowledge that low pay and low expectations of staff was widespread. If you then add poor training and ineffective equipment, the results are poor productivity and at best, second-rate daily office cleaning. In spite of this, low investment in staff is rife, with contractors locked into the low wage and low expectation business model.
Fair Pay – Good Productivity – Great Service
The direct opposite of this business model for commercial office cleaning services begins with fair pay for staff, which naturally leads to high expectations. The Living Wage is a great way to demonstrate fair pay to staff, and to recognise their important contribution.
The Living Wage Foundation rate is based on the cost of living and reviewed annually. It is currently £9.90 and the London Living Wage rate is £11.05. This compares with the national living wage, set by the government, which stands at £9.50.
Then add in a professional training regime and give staff the latest equipment to work with. The result is exactly as commercial cleaning services clients would wish - good productivity and great service. It is clearly in everybody’s interest that this approach is adopted.
Labour shortages
In today’s post Brexit, post lockdown employment climate, valuing cleaning staff has become even more important. Some European staff went home during lockdown. They have not returned and seem unlikely to do so in the future. In addition, many people have understandably re-evaluated their lives after being locked down, and this is clearly including many office cleaning staff. When they look around they find that they have more job alternatives open to them than before the lockdown. As a result it is only those who are happy in their work who are staying in the industry.
Employer of choice
A daily office cleaning provider needs to be an Employer of Choice to ensure it can recruit the staff its clients need. It needs to earn a reputation for paying a fair wage and showing genuine concern for staff wellbeing. Then to keep existing staff they need to be encouraged to develop through training and incentives. They also need to be provided with the latest equipment which will help them do the job of office cleaning faster and more effectively.
High expectations
An ethos that encourages staff to deliver the very best service, giving them the most modern equipment and the best consumables will give your commercial cleaning services contractor a high quality attitude that will penetrate every corner of their operation. The result for clients is of course excellent productivity and the best possible service.
Training
Recruiting and retaining the best clean staff is not only about pay. It’s also about providing training to safely deliver the highest standards of service using the best equipment available. Staff increasingly want to feel secure, valued and see a potential to advance their career.
The result for managers will be a highly motivated staff of professional cleaners who really care about their work. People who can be flexible when it is required. People who are responsive and resourceful.
TemcoUK – an Employer Of Choice
Our employees are the backbone of our business. We always offer clients a Living Wage cost option, as we believe it is the right thing to do. And we invest in people, technology and processes to ensure that our cleaning regimes reflect client requirements and building needs. This enables us to recruit and retain staff who care about their work and go above and beyond, after all they often become a part of the wider client FM team.
The benefits for clients is clear: great service, a well-trained and supported professional cleaning team who consistently deliver the highest standards of workplace cleaning and hygiene.
Please contact us if you would like to discuss your cleaning contract hello@temco-services.co.uk or call 01895 520370