In the world of work, cleanliness is like oxygen – essential, yet often unnoticed until it’s absent. Just as an exceptional experience at a 5-star hotel can be undone by a single unkempt room, a company’s reputation can be tarnished by overlooked dust or grime. And, in social media, one bad experience can go viral, potentially impacting the bottom line.
According to Jeffrey Madkins, Marketing Manager at Unilever Professional, cleaners play a vital yet often underappreciated role. “Their work may go unnoticed when done well, but its absence speaks volumes. And, a spotless office isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a reflection of a company’s attention to detail and respect for its employees, guests and customers. It’s the silent ambassador of a business’s standards and values, quietly influencing perceptions and experiences every day.”
Furthermore, studies have shown that a tidy workspace can reduce stress levels, improve focus, and even boost creativity. In customer-facing settings like restaurants and hotels, a clean environment has been linked to increased consumer spending and brand loyalty. Given their remarkable impact, it’s clear that cleaning professionals aren’t just maintaining spaces – they’re actively contributing to employee wellbeing, productivity, and business success, truly making them the unsung heroes at the heart of most organisations.
And, their jobs aren’t easy either. “Often the first to arrive and last to leave, their job is physically demanding. They spend long hours on their feet – standing, walking and cleaning – and this often leads to physical strain. Plus, irregular hours mean that it’s tough to maintain regular personal and family routines. Yet, they work hard, persevere and their dedication is evident in the spotless environments they create, day after day,” Madkins shares.
Madkins recommends six ways that you can show your appreciation for your cleaners and set them up for success every day, not just on ‘Thank Your Cleaner Day’:
1. Invest in Your Cleaning Staff: Consider offering your cleaners a small bonus to show the value you place on their essential work. Financial recognition will not only make them feel loved and appreciated but will also help retain these skilled professionals.
2. Provide Comprehensive Training: Keep your cleaners up-to-date on new cleaning methods, products, and safety rules. This will help increase their confidence and improve their satisfaction at work.
3. Supply the Right Products: Make sure that they have access to high-quality, eco-friendly cleaning products, like those from Unilever Professional. This will not only make their job easier and keep your environment cleaner for longer, but it will also help keep them safe.
4. Recognise and Appreciate: Remind your team to regularly acknowledge your cleaning staff’s efforts through simple handwritten thank-you notes or even awards.
5. Prioritise Health and Safety: Implement measures to protect your cleaners’ well-being, such as providing proper protective equipment and scheduling regular health check-ups.
6. Offer Career Development: Create pathways for advancement within the organisation, allowing cleaners to grow professionally and take on leadership roles.
The reality is that whilst technology such as Robotic cleaners and AI-powered scheduling systems can enhance efficiency, the human touch in cleaning is irreplaceable. “I believe that recognising cleaners’ value improves their work satisfaction and enhances overall workplace hygiene,” he adds. “So, the next time you enter a spotless office or hotel room, take a moment to appreciate the person behind that cleanliness. A simple ‘thank you’ can brighten their entire day – just as they brighten ours with their work.”
Unilever Professional offers a range of solutions designed to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, contributing to a healthier, more productive work environment for all. For more information about Unilever Professional and their range of cleaning solutions, visit: https://www.