Exciting innovation redefines commercial floor cleaning
Exciting innovation redefines commercial floor cleaning
For many years there was little innovation in the cleaning industry. Ten years ago in 2014 the i-Mop scrubber dryer revolutionised floor cleaning. Now the manufacturer i-team Global have just upped the game again by launching the new i-walk. This is the very latest innovation in floor cleaning technology, and enables operatives to work smarter not harder. Temco was privileged to be invited to the global product launch in London on 1st October 2024.
In this blog we look at how this exciting innovation redefines commercial floor cleaning.
The new i-walk
What is the i-walk
The i-walk is a groundbreaking co-bot that redefines cleaning, delivering unmatched efficiency and precision cleaning. It works by attaching to the i-mop XL, transforming it from a standalone cordless scrubber dryer to an automated co-botic which will clean up to 300m2 with only one minute of set up time.
The i-mop XL is a patented flexible floor scrubber dryer that revolutionised cleaning in 2014. This is an innovative floor scrubber dryer which combines the flexibility of a floor mop with the power and speed of an industrial machine, cleaning 70% faster than conventional wet mopping. It will improve the appearance of the hard floors considerably as it is highly effective at removing dirt.
Greener
The i-mop already is a very eco-friendly cleaning machine. It uses an advanced recovery system that cuts water usage by 70% and reduces chemical use compared to manual cleaning. This makes it a greener and a more environmentally responsible floor cleaning choice.
Safer
The i-walk's suction system ensures surfaces dry very quickly, reducing the risk of slips and falls after cleaning. Plus it's battery operated so no trailing cables which further improves safety.
Complete the work even when short staffed
The combination of the i-mop XL and the i-walk frees cleaning operatives from repetitive and time-consuming tasks. By reducing the need for manual labour, it allows staff to focus on other tasks rather than floor cleaning. This not only makes their jobs more enjoyable, and offering the client a real benefit.
For cleaning companies facing staff shortages, this technology facilitates the maintenance of high cleaning delivery standards with reduced operatives onsite.
TemcoUK Facility Services is a professional commercial cleaning contractor
Temco is a professional commercial office cleaning. We offer office contract cleaning and periodic cleaning such as floor maintenance.
Our cleaning managers are experienced and we have a stable team. This gives you consistency, reassurance and expertise for the management of your contract. We tailor our office cleaning service to meet the unique requirements of your business.
If you would like further information please contact us on LinkedIn, email hello@temco-services.co.uk or call us 01895 520370.
Fed up with your cleaning contractor – 4 signs it’s time to change
Without regular management of the cleaning contract, it can become stale and overlooked. Organisations often stick with unsatisfactory cleaners, thinking that it’s difficult or a hassle to change. It’s not! Staying in a partnership with an unreliable service provider is not ideal, and could even affect your staff morale. Consider a change to your office cleaning contractor.
In this blog we look at four signs that it could be time to review your existing cleaning contractor.
4 signs that it’s time to change your cleaning contractor
There’s no support for onsite contract cleaning staff
Office cleaning staff need regular and reliable support and management, plain and simple!
One of the biggest complaints we hear from new contracts is that their previous cleaning team do not feel supported. Not just in training, for example health and safety, but also in the correct cleaning methods and usage of the specified products.
Understanding responsibilities within the cleaning team is essential, and schedules will list out all the tasks allocated to roles. This also provides compliance and reassurance that the cleaning specification is being carried out in accordance with your contract.
Lines of communication need to be clear and responsibilities explained and understood. This will allow small issues to be quickly resolved before they escalate.
In addition lines of communication need to be clear and responsibilities explained and understood, and any small issues can be quickly resolved before they escalate.
You never see your cleaning area manager
Cleaning area or regional managers should be regular visitors to ensure the contract is running well.
Prescheduled client meetings are the perfect way to discuss service and delivery, and plan for upcoming events or office changes.
Regular quality and compliance audits should be done during these meetings, ideally with the client in attendance. All results will then be fed into the site Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) which should be reviewed at least quarterly with you.
This is also an opportunity for mangers to review onsite equipment, check stock ordering and amend staff shifts to cover holiday.
Poor communication and slow response time
You shouldn’t have to wait days to get a response from your provider for something that you need. If they take several days to respond to emails or calls, and repeatedly fail to follow up or progress specific issues, then it’s definitely time to consider change to one that can communicate and respond in a timely manner.
Re-occurring staff issues, especially around payroll
Nothing annoys and demotivates cleaning staff more than incorrect pay, especially if payroll errors are made time and time again.
This comes down to accuracy with timesheets and communication between supervisors or managers and head office. Any pay queries that are escalated to managers or head office should be dealt with and resolved as a matter of urgency, ideally within 24 hours.
Paying the correct amount at the correct time should be the priority of every cleaning company.
TemcoUK Facility Services is a professional commercial cleaning contractor - change to us!
Established in 2001, Temco is an expert in commercial office cleaning. We understand that as businesses adapt to hybrid working, so too do our cleaning schedules need to adjust to reflect the changing landscape.
Our cleaning managers are experienced and we have a stable team. This gives you consistency, reassurance and expertise for the management of your contract. We specialise in cleaning, and tailor our office 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 please contact us on LinkedIn, email hello@temco-services.co.uk or call us 01895 520370.
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
Clear Cleaning Costs Create Confidence
When your contract cleaning company gives you clear prices for daily office cleaning it creates a strong base of trust in your relationship. Transparency makes sure that you know exactly which commercial cleaning services you are actually paying for. This blog look at why clear cleaning costs create confidence.
At Tender
At the start of your relationship with a new professional contract cleaning company, clear prices are vital. This will enable you to properly compare the charges proposed by the competing companies. If you can compare each company in detail you will be able to make a fair assessment of each proposal and ensure you get the best for your premises.
Avoid Shocks
A professional contract cleaning company will be open and honest about the pricing for office cleaning services right from the start of the contract. The invoices you receive should be exactly as you expected at the end of the month. This will help you avoid those surprise costs that will throw out your financial plan.
Look For Detail
If the invoice your contract cleaning company sends you shows every service in one lump sum then you cannot know what you are paying for. As an example, you need to know the cleaner's hourly pay rate, not least because it helps with discussions about the Living Wage. It is also possible that you are paying for more cleaners than are actually carrying out your daily office cleaning. Or perhaps your cleaners pay is less, resulting in a lack of care and concern about standards of work. It is also possible that your contract cleaning company is making more profit from your contract than was agreed.
So you need clear detail in your quotation and invoices to get a proper understanding of the commercial office cleaning services supplied.
Situations Evolve
No company stands still, so contracts do change over time. If the last two years have showed us anything, it is that a contract cleaning company needs to be quick to adapt.
If your cleaning contractor supplies detailed pricing you will be able to look at the effect of any changes within your company before implementation. This will give you detail to help you keep any increases in costs as low as possible.
Commercial office cleaning services providers needed to understand and implement new rules to establish new protocols very quickly during the pandemic. Professional COVID disinfection and sanitising services, with new systems and new products had to be brought in fast. Access to clear pricing was essential for managers to understand the effect on their budgets. Otherwise they were working in the dark.
The current environment has staff shortages causing pressure to increase wages, plus rising inflation. More reason then why Facility Managers need to understand the reason behind unavoidable upward pressure on costs.
Itemise Everything
Your commercial office cleaning services provider should give you a full list of all prices, which must include how much they are making. It is fair that a provider should make a profit, but only to the amount agreed. That way you will understand what you are being charged for all the time. You will also be able to see that the contractors carrying out your daily office cleaning are treated properly. Detailed pricing will show up important matters like care of staff and the progress of technical changes.
Clear Cleaning Costs Create Confidence
Your commercial office cleaning services provider should supply clear pricing from the word go.
It must include:
- Direct wage costs - weekly hours multiplied by the rate of pay
- Indirect costs - National Insurance, sick and holiday pay and pension
- Compliance and equipment
- Margins and expenses
There should be no concealed costs and your commercial cleaning services provider should only invoice for agreed charges. Specialist cleaning, like commercial window and carpet cleaning services must be listed separately. The cost of cleaning consumables should be agreed at the start.
TemcoUK Facility Services
With over 20 years experience in the commercial cleaning sector, Temco has always operated a transparent pricing policy. Clear pricing makes working with us as your contract cleaning provider much simpler with less chance of invoice queries and misunderstandings.
Following a site survey, we will prepare an accurate quotation based on the hours required to achieve the cleaning specification.
If you are looking to change your cleaning provider, please give us a call or drop us an email to hello@temco-services.co.uk
TUPE and Office Cleaning Contracts
TUPE regulations were first passed in 1981 and in the Facility Management arena it is a very regular occurrence. This blog looks at TUPE and how it applies to Office Cleaning Contracts.
What is TUPE?
The Transfer of Undertakings and Protection of Employees (TUPE) regulations give commercial office cleaning services staff protection in respect of their employment contracts when an office cleaning contract is moved from one contract cleaning company to another. This essentially means that employers cannot dismiss staff at will and the conditions under which they work remain the same.
Needless interference?
The TUPE update in 2006 caused widespread concern in the professional office contract cleaning sector. Commercial cleaning services then, as now, were provided for a fixed contract period of typically five years. Contracts running well sometimes had extensions and at some stage retendered. Some companies were used to having free reign to do as they wish with staff when taking on a new contract, because that was an easy way of managing costs. This could include reducing wages and increasing hours that daily office cleaning staff were required to work. Unsurprisingly these companies saw TUPE as a threat, bringing in needless interference and extra bureaucracy. The type of commercial cleaning services provider that behaved like that applied the business practices that result in low expectations of staff. This usually led to poor productivity and likely as not, poor daily office cleaning services.
TUPE - An opportunity
The more forward looking contract cleaning company did not see TUPE as a threat. Indeed, for professionally managed daily office cleaning companies it was welcomed as an opportunity. These are the types of company that invest in staff, have high expectations of their abilities and provide them with the best equipment. This will result in high productivity and high levels of service. The structure of TUPE regulations when applied by a professional office contract cleaning company can go a long way to improve a contract. This includes a wide range of options to take apply and develop the abilities of staff at all levels throughout the contract.
Staff concerns
Inevitably though, and in spite of the many protections that TUPE regulations offer, staff understandably worry when the time comes for a new contract cleaning company to take charge. Staff will be concerned that their circumstances will change even within the bounds of TUPE, and that is unsettling. Gossip flourishes and it is easy for undesirable sentiments to flourish. For this reason it is important to avoid unpleasant shocks and focus on supporting them at a potentially troubling time and bringing them into the conversation. Good communication is a vital part of this process.
Trust
Through timely and considered messaging, daily office cleaning staff can learn that they can trust their new employer. Sometimes the contract cleaning company will have to deliver unwelcome news. Maintaining trust happens when employers are honest and considerate. It is sudden surprises that undermine trust. Furthermore this creates a negative atmosphere around the beginning of the commercial cleaning services contract. It takes time to rebuild that trust once lost.
The benefits of TUPE
Those viewing TUPE as an encumbrance lose sight of the fact that there are some genuine benefits for employees. The previous contractor might have been responsible for delivering the commercial cleaning services for several years. They might have become jaded, which staff sense and this will be reflected in their work. The old contractor unlikely to have the drive and enthusiasm of a new office contract cleaning company that has just successfully tendered for the contract. Almost certainly employees will find a new contractor more open to new ideas, welcoming comment and opinions about how matters might improve. A professional commercial cleaning company will genuinely value the grass roots viewpoints of those who have been closest to the sharp end of the contract. This ensures that new contractors can deal with any ongoing concerns right from the start. Fresh ideas will reinvigorate every aspect of the contract.
It is a fact of life in the commercial office cleaning services industry that most employees will come to contractors through TUPE. It is also true that if those employers consult staff and treat them with the consideration they deserve, then provided with the best equipment and products, the new contract will be significantly better.
TemcoUK understands TUPE
Our team has vast experience of transferring staff via the TUPE process. We always work closely with staff to discuss any operational changes and explain any changes to schedules or staffing. Our aim is a smooth transition which results in higher productivity and service levels.
Please contact us on 01895 520370 to find out more.
8 ways to reduce Office Cleaning costs
Now more than ever, keeping a workplace clean and hygienic is a top priority for Facility Managers. A clean and well-maintained workplace sends a positive message to staff, customers and visitors and it plays an important role in wellbeing at work. Regular benchmarking of cleaning costs is good practice, and a professional contractor will always work with clients to offer best value. Here are eight ways to reduce office cleaning costs.
Review the cleaning specification
If the cleaning specification has not recently been reviewed, then this would be a good place to start. The scope of work may highlight some time savings if its possible to modify or remove tasks. Additionally, identifying high priority areas which must be cleaned daily will focus the cleaning resource as required and highlight other areas where frequencies could be reduced.
How many hours per week?
As we highlighted in a previous blog, using productivity to calculate cleaning hours required – rather than a visual inspection only – will ensure that the right number of hours are allocated to a project. Many clients will prefer to have a daily presence. For smaller offices with less than 10 staff, it may be beneficial to consider having cleaners only for 3 or 4 days a week. Please bear in mind that it is difficult to recruit cleaning staff for less than 1 hour shift as transport costs will make it uneconomic to work for such a short period of time.
Review consumables
Cost in use is a key factor when reviewing office consumables such as washroom paper and soap products. Your cleaning provider may be able to reduce consumption by suggesting smarter dispensing options, and work with you to reduce waste and usage. It’s a fact that higher quality paper hand towels for example absorb more moisture quickly, reducing usage and wastage.
Central bins
Individual waste bins are inefficient as cleaners spend a lot of time emptying each one and replacing the bin liner. Removing them from under every desk and replacing with communal recycling bins will save time and money on the contract. Furthermore, it can have a beneficial effect on recycling rates as it forces staff to rethink how they use and dispose of their rubbish.
Technology
In certain locations and office layouts robotic vacuums can be the ideal, innovative way to reduce time spent vacuuming floors. Time savings mean more focus for higher priority tasks such as sanitising or desk cleaning.
New generation chemicals and surface protectors with increased efficacy offer another solution too. These kill bacteria and viruses and provide a longer-term solution.
Promote a culture of cleaning up
Whose responsibility is it to return used cups and plates from staff desks to the kitchen? One way to reduce the cleaning hours required is to ask staff to take their own cups, crockery and cutlery back to the kitchen. This also applies to meeting room etiquette and clearing away items after use.
Review PPM frequency
Planned Preventive Maintenance (PPM) is scheduled maintenance outside of the standard cleaning, for example windows cleans and carpet deep cleans. Preparation of schedules use a pre-agreed frequency of work, for example quarterly window cleaning.
However, this may not always be the most cost-effective approach, for example north facing windows may require less cleaning than south facing ones, or carpet cleans required only during the winter months. Reviewing the schedules may result in frequency reduction.
Use a professional contract cleaning contractor
As businesses increase their focus on cleanliness and hygiene, it has never been more important to work with a professional cleaning company. A cleaning contractor will work with clients to create a unique cleaning solution that mirrors the unique requirements of the work environment.
TemcoUK works with clients to deliver cleaning excellence
Commercial office contract cleaning is our business, and we have been in business for over 20 years. We are passionate about providing an excellent service to clients. Hundreds of clients trust us to deliver compliant, consistent and reliable cleaning leaving them to focus on their business goals.
Office cleanliness not only affects hygiene standards, but also overall employee wellbeing, productivity and morale. If you would like to discuss your cleaning project, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 01895 520370 or email hello@temco-services.co.uk
New Year Resolutions for Office Cleaning
Goodbye 2021, Hello 2022. As we welcome in the new year, now is an ideal time to review the office cleaning and set new years resolutions which will keep the workplace clean and hygienic all year round. Here are some ideas for consideration for new year resolutions for office cleaning.
New Year Resolutions for Office Cleaning
Here we have shown just 6 examples to start the process, but these vary by office type and unique requirements.
Ensure workplace remains Covid-safe
Continuing to maintain Covid-secure workplaces remains a top priority, and Facility Managers must continue to manage the risks for staff accessing the office.
Even with the vaccination and booster programmes it is still possible to catch and spread Covid-19. With the new Omicron variant it’s clear that we will be living with Covid for the foreseeable future. It’s good practice to review all site protocols, check social distancing rules are clear and consider the following:-
- Cleaning regimes in place and followed including sanitisation of frequently touched surfaces and touchpoints
- Sufficient stocks of consumables such as sanitiser, anti-bacterial surface wipes and face masks
- Improving ventilation and air flow
- Stocks of lateral flow tests, if requesting staff to test on arrival to the office
Keep up to date with innovations. For example chemicals with residual efficacy are now available and there are a range of antibacterial and antimicrobial products which protect surfaces for longer, minimising the need for constant sanitisation.
Go green, make the office more eco-friendly
Becoming more environmentally friendly in the office is not as hard as it may seem. Making some small changes can have a big impact on the office footprint.
Sustainable cleaning materials
Many professional office cleaning providers already use as standard environmentally friendly cleaning solutions and will be able to provide information and advice on this. For Facility Managers looking for more sustainable solutions this is a quick win. Innovative solutions such as SoluPak’s water soluble sachets offer a sustainable and effective solution.
Switch to reusables
Encouraging staff to switch to reusables at work is a simple way to reduce plastic pollution. A good starting point is a reusable plastic bottles (rather than single use ones), and encouraging reusable coffee cups will help to reduce the staggering 2.5 billion disposable coffee cups that are used in the UK every year. Furthermore, removing disposable plastic cutlery and plates to sustainable alternatives is another way to encourage a change in employee habits.
Start or review the office recycling scheme
Introducing a recycling scheme into the office environment is a great first step to reducing waste, carbon emissions and costs. For existing schemes, its always good to review as waste contractors are making it as easy as possible to increase rates and bins should reflect specific requirements. Latest developments mean that it is possible to collect waste in one mixed recycling service for paper, card, plastic and cans.
Plan periodic Carpet cleaning
Don’t forget the carpets when reviewing office hygiene. There are many benefits to professionally carpet cleaning on a regular basis, including:-
- Prolonging the life of an office carpet
- Improving the office appearance by eliminating stains, spills and marks
- Removing bacteria, viruses and allergens
- Freshening the office and removes nasty odours
- Creating a good impression for staff and visitors
Book window and solar panel cleaning
Planned window cleaning schedules will ensure that windows and facades are always well presented. Window cleaning frequency will depend on a number of factors. These include location, traffic, seasonality and proximity to green space (and the amount of birds).
Introduce office confidential shredding bins
Cloud storage and the digital age has reduced the need for paper but the truly ‘paperless office’ still seems some way off. Compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) can be achieved by providing a secure consoles to dispose of confidential waste such as paper documents or electronic or electrical materials such as hard drives and discs. An on-site or off-site shredding service can be quickly implemented, and Certifications of Destruction issued once items are destroyed.
TemcoUK Facility Services – expert cleaning all year round
TemcoUK is a professional contract cleaning provider based in Uxbridge and serving London and the home counties. As businesses are adapting to the post-Covid environment, it has never been more important to work with a specialist cleaning company. We have the expertise and experience on all aspects of office cleaning and associated services – from cleaning, janitorial supplies, window and carpet cleaning and waste management – helping you to improve and maintain a clean and hygienic office environment all year round.
If you have made some New Year Resolutions for office cleaning and would like to find out more about our service, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01895 520370, email hello@temco-services.co.uk or visit our website www.temco-services.co.uk
How contractors should manage an office cleaning contract
One of the most common reasons which prompts clients to seek alternative cleaning contractors is lack of management. This is frustrating to say the least, as office cleaning teams should solve issues rather than create them. If you are finding that you are increasingly becoming involved in day to day service, then its definitely time to consider a change of provider. In this blog we look at how contractors should manage an office cleaning contract.
The cleaning contract specifies the cleaning activities and frequencies for the cleaning team. Ensuring this is implemented every day to the required standards is the essence of good contract management. This should not be a firefighting role, but rather working proactively and collaboratively with the client to achieve a common goal.
5 key elements to manage an office cleaning contract
Communication
Managing a cleaning contract effectively requires excellent communication. The cleaning service should after all match the client requirements and things do change which may necessitate a corresponding change to the service delivery.
This could be about any number of issues, such as changing cleaning specifications or hours. Communicating these changes, either by email, phone or in person, should be easy with the contractor responding quickly to confirm how they will be implemented and by when. Lines of communication need to be clearly defined and responsibilities explained and understood by all members of the team.
Regular scheduled contract meetings
Having regular contract meetings with a set agenda will not only improve communication but will also help to build good working relationships. To be meaningful there needs to be open and honest forum for discussions.
Reporting Performance management / KPI
As we discussed in an earlier blog, cleaning costs can make up a large proportion of an organisation’s FM budget so its important to ensure the service delivery is as per the agreed terms.
Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) are a common way to measure and monitor the contract against business objectives. The KPI may be made up of various different indicators which vary, but typically contain scores for the following:-
Quality of Service
Determined by the results of quality and compliance audits. These scores reflect the results of many areas, for example scoring the cleanliness of an office desk or reception floor.
Staffing
This would include staff training matrices and that right to work documents are in place. It should also report on employee attendance and any other issues relating to the cleaning team.
Health & Safety
For example reviewing accident or near misses, Portable Appliance Test (PAT) reports, checking that Risk Assessment and Method Statements are in place, as well as the necessary COSHH and MSDS documentation.
Periodic Schedule (PPM)
This would be to review the periodic tasks which support a daily office cleaning contact, for example window cleaning, washroom services and pest control.
Operational including Site inspections
Checking equipment is in good working order and fit for use
Are all cleaning material in stock and storage correctly
Are the cleaning cupboards neat and tidy
Ensuring cleaning workplans up to date and cover arrangements in place if a member of staff is absent
Environmental and sustainability issues
Financial / Budgetary
Closely monitoring financial performance to check how actual spends compare to the allocated budgets. The main spend is labour. Other costs are chemicals and consumables for example washroom items such as soap or paper towels.
Customer Satisfaction
Customer satisfaction results can be discussed here and a review of any helpdesk or other issues arising. Good cleaning contractors will strive to exceed client expectations through consistent service excellence and client-focused solutions to deliver reliable, good quality cleaning.
Feedback provides crucial insight into a contractors performance, identifying issues which can be rectified for continuous improvement.
TemcoUK Facility Services is a professional commercial cleaning contractor
Established in 2001, TemcoUK provides professional daily office cleaning and associated facility services in London and the South East.
There is a vital difference between on and offsite contract management. We often find when we tender for a cleaning contract that clients are happy with the onsite staff, but become frustrated by the lack of interaction and support by offsite managers.
Temco has an excellent record of contact management, and you will have full transparency on your service from mobilisation and for the duration of your contract. We professionally manage our contracts are our managers will make regular visits to monitor performance and discuss any issues.
Please get in touch if you are looking to switch your cleaning provider. Call us on 01895 520370.
Transparent pricing in office cleaning contracts
Commercial cleaning is a sizable part of the facilities cost for most organisations, and it can be confusing to understand what exactly is covered. In the B2B commercial office cleaning market, where bids can include many component parts, FM managers must be clear they know what is included in costings to remove guesswork and uncertainty. Price transparency is one way to mitigate this. Here we examine what is meant by transparent pricing in office cleaning contracts.
What does transparent pricing in office cleaning mean?
Transparent pricing means breaking down the total cleaning cost into component parts so that each item is clearly identifiable.
Benefits of clear and transparent pricing
Understanding an office cleaning costing is vital for 4 reasons.
Firstly, it enables facility or building managers to compare cleaning costs from different companies on a like for like basis. This is very useful to check that contractors are offering value for money.
Secondly, it enables budget holders to hold incumbent contractors accountable for what they are billing verses the service received.
Thirdly it provides a baseline cost, where it is easy to see the changes to the bottom line when one or more elements change. This is particularly relevant in today’s environment with increasing wage rates and inflationary pressures. This was also applicable during the pandemic when cleaning service requirements changed frequently, and facility managers needed to understand the impact on their budgets.
Finally, it enables clients to be clear on the wage rates being paid to cleaning staff working in their buildings. This opens up discussion for introducing the Living Wage for instance.
Breakdown of a commercial cleaning cost
A commercial cleaning cost can be broken down in many ways depending on the nature of the work. In general however these are common elements common for most cleaning providers:-
Direct labour cost
This is the majority of the cost. In simple terms, this is contracted hours multiplied by the agreed pay rate. For example for one cleaning operative contracted to work 15 hours a week at £10.85, the direct labour cost would be £162.75.
Other labour costs include
Statutory
- National insurance
- Pension
- Sick pay
- Holiday pay reserve
Staff
- Staff training
- Recruitment
- Staff vetting and right to work checks
- Uniform
Materials & Equipment
- Equipment including maintenance and portable appliance testing (PAT)
- Cleaning materials and chemicals
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves and masks
Legal
- Employers and product liability insurance
Consumables costing
These are usually charged on a usage basis, as the amount can vary from client to client. Examples of cleaning consumables are below.
- Paper products such as toilet paper, hand towels, tissues and centrefeed rolls
- Waste sacks
- Kitchen products such as washing up liquid, dishwasher tablets and rinse aid
- Skincare and hand hygiene such as soap, sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes
Services cost
Associated facility management services would include
- Washroom services such as feminine hygiene
- High level window cleaning
- Waste management, recycling and confidential shredding
- Pest control
- Landscaping and grounds maintenance
TemcoUK Facility Services – open, honest and transparent pricing from the start
Every Temco quotation we provide shows a cost schedule for cleaning services, with clear and transparent pricing so that our clients know exactly what they are paying for.
The cost is broken down into elements. Firstly, the total direct wage costs: the number of hours times payrate. Secondly, there is a breakdown of non direct costs including for example national insurance, pension, sick pay and holiday reserve. The third element is directly related to the cleaning such as equipment, materials and staff compliance costs such as vetting and insurance. Finally we show our profit and overhead figures. There are no hidden extras, and we charge only for what we have agreed with our clients.
Additional service costs are itemized by service line, for example window cleaning or pest control, and consumables are invoiced with a line-by-line breakdown by month and site. All consumable unit costs are agreed in advance, and annual costs are provided where a purchase order is required.
Costs are updated annually in line with changes to the Living Wage Foundation rate. These pay rate changes are announced in November with implementation within 6 months ie by May the following year.
If you would like to discuss your cleaning contract or are considering a change of cleaning provider, please contact Temco today 01895 520370.