COVID-19 has given commercial cleaning and disinfection even greater priority in facility maintenance. Property and facility managers that depend on janitorial services and commercial cleaning to create safe and healthy environments should expect various innovative products and technology in the months and years ahead.
As COVID continues to elevate the importance of getting the job done properly and efficiently, let’s look at a few techniques that are sure to benefit your work as a property manager.
Disinfection technology has new priority since COVID—19
Disinfection technology such as an electrostatic spray system is well-established, with a history, that goes back a few decades. However, the demand for a technology solution to apply disinfectants has soared this year. Many may not have even known they were available twelve months ago, but now, systems like Kleenway’s Electrostatic Spray System are being requested across every industry.
Using electronic spray systems, cleaners, sanitizers, and disinfectants, commercial cleaning companies are able to treat surfaces, often in less time and with better coverage than traditional cleaning methods. The effective broad-spectrum disinfectants are non-toxic, which means they are suitable for use not only for industrial cleaning, but also, in food applications, including the disinfection of food produce, and in health face facilities.
Scheduling, tracking and quality control
There’s no doubt: data-driven scheduling of resources for better control of cleaning requirements is here to stay. With COVID-19, the need for such systems has moved from “nice to have” to “have to have” for cleaning companies that are serious about internal auditing of services. Now, and in the months ahead, measuring Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), for instance, is going to be seen as an integral part of a properly executed service contract. When measuring KPIs, a set of client-driven KPIs is established for each project and facility. Such transparency gives the property manager (and the stakeholders he or she reports to) assurance that every aspect of the operation is being performed to the specific standards and protocols.
The same applies to technology that tracks and reports on what has been done, where, why and by who. Facility cleaning has always been a routine and necessary service, but since COVID-19, cleaning and disinfecting has moved to front and centre in terms of visibility. Tracking and scheduling technology has been available for many years but with COVID, property managers now have to be able to demonstrate through scheduling and quality control checks exactly what has been done, when, and where.
Green cleaning that kills COVID germs
Green cleaning is more popular than ever, and this trend is going to continue. Integral to both the health and safety of staff and tenants, sustainable practices and products are now a fundamental part of this industry. Suppliers that haven’t figured out how to get rid of trash, strip and refinish floors and clean carpets without affecting the health of those around them are going to struggle in the future. COVID hasn’t diminished the need, in fact, it has accelerated a trend of a greater willingness to embrace more sustainable cleaning routines.
A recent Euromonitor International report, “From Sustainability to Purpose: New Values Driving Purpose-Led Innovation”, sums it up this way: “Post lockdown, brand purpose will be key in connecting with consumers’ emotions and inspiring the new wave of sustainability orientated innovation, with cleaner technologies, products, services and new business models expected to shape a sustainable post COVID 19 world.” [sic]
The pressure to keep costs under control even with increased cleaning demand
Today’s companies face enormous restraints to keep costs down but at the same time, maintain high levels of service. How do you manage when you have to set up additional cleaning at your facility, in many instances, twice as often as before, while meeting tight budgets? Productivity is going to be even more important in the future.
More efficient and productive workers is among the most popular commercial cleaning industry trends. Technology and communication tools, such as 24/7 live chat tools, help service delivery teams respond to issues quickly which means they can maximize their time and effort.
Also look for more product innovations, which speed up the cleaning process without sacrificing quality. When your employees can complete more cleaning tasks in the same amount of time, it helps reduce labour and other maintenance costs. Some innovations already gaining popularity include automatic dispense systems and cleaning tools that do more than one task at once.
More innovations in the cleaning industry are coming. Companies that have already invested in technology and see technology as a key component of their services will be reviewing each as they come along. Data-driven tools based on the “Internet of Things” are already available and provide managers with real-time information about the status of dispensers of soap, paper, and towels — and this is just the beginning!
Hiring and training takes a front row seat in commercial cleaning during COVID
Onboarding and training of staff is the new required “normal”. Training can’t be a one-time event; there needs to be a continuous check, coach and correct system in place using quality audits and on-site inspections. Companies like Kleenway have had such training practices in place for many years now, others are just catching up. Employees need to be able to work effectively to make sure they keep up with the service schedule; in addition, strict government protocols for COVID cleaning methods and products must be part of the continuous education process.
Strong, strategic relationships are more important than ever for property and facility managers and cleaning service providers
The cleaning business has pivoted to cleaning for health, and not just for appearance anymore.
Whether you can visit face-to-face or need to stay in touch through a tablet or telephone, strong, strategic relationships are more important than ever between property and facility managers and commercial cleaning services. Those readily available to answer questions or work out a solution to a problem, are going to be the ones that continue to thrive in this industry.
Companies like Kleenway, for instance, rely on information, which is scientifically proven and medically backed and, accordingly, are closely monitoring and adhering to the advice given by public health authorities including our local officials, the Canadian Government, and the World Health Organization. These are the partners that bring the trust and transparency required to monitor trends and bring property managers the best there is in terms of health and safety in all aspects of cleaning.
