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.