In years gone by, the average employee thought very little about when their desk was last wiped, or how many people had touched the washroom door handle before them. Then, in March 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic struck – and suddenly, specialist cleaners took on a whole new importance.
It can be hard to remember what life was like before lockdowns and Zoom meetings took over. British workers lived under varying degrees of lockdown conditions for around a year and all normal working practices disappeared. For many people, life will never be the same again.
Cleaners’ new importance
As we started a gradual return from home working to our regular workplace, the commercial cleaning companies who had operated seamlessly in the background in the past had become significantly more important.
One of the few positive things to come out of the pandemic is a new appreciation of the essential job cleaners carry out in our offices, retail stores, warehouses, factories and other places of business.
Today, we all have a heightened awareness of the importance of cleaning, sanitising and disinfecting our surroundings.
Staff and customers feel relieved at the sight of cleaners working during the day, rather than behind the scenes overnight. It comforts us to know the same high levels of hygiene are being kept up, even though the lockdowns have gone.
Cleaners provide peace of mind
In the past, office cleaning often took place at weekends or at night, so the cleaners wouldn’t disrupt normal working activities. Today, research shows some companies actually request that cleaners work during the day.
This provides peace of mind for employees and visitors when they know professional cleaners are on hand. It makes them feel safe and lets them know the company cares.
A survey of 1,600 employees at the end of 2021 revealed around 50% were still worried about working in the office because of the threat of another wave of Covid. Seeing professional contract cleaners at work made 62% of employees feel safer.
Deep cleaning protocols
While professional cleaners have always done a thorough job, the additional deep cleaning and sanitising procedures introduced during the pandemic are still important today.
A survey of employees has revealed a massive 89% still believe workplace cleaning protocols are important. In fact, 38% of people said they might look for a new job if proper workplace cleaning wasn’t carried out.
Considering current staff shortages UK-wide, the possibility that employees might quit over inadequate cleaning is especially concerning for employers.
Preventing the spread of illnesses
As well as preventing the spread of Covid, a stringent cleaning and disinfection programme can also help to stop the spread of other illnesses, such as influenza.
It also reduces the risks for employees who have allergies and asthma by removing dust, environmental hazards and allergens in the workplace.
Busy shops, crowded offices and other public buildings benefit from frequent cleaning, with high-touch areas such as door knobs, lifts, escalator rails, bathrooms and desk phones requiring particular attention.
Commercial cleaning companies know the most efficient schedules and procedures to meet companies’ bespoke needs while remaining within their budget.
For commercial cleaning services, get in touch with our team today!
Sources:
How Commercial Cleaning Practices Have Evolved Since COVID-19
https://www.cleanlink.com/news/article/How-The-Pandemic-Has-Elevated-Commercial-Cleaning–28488
https://www.irmi.com/articles/expert-commentary/how-covid-19-changed-the-commercial-cleaning-business
