National Cleaning Week is right around the corner, just in time for spring cleaning. Launched by the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) to raise public awareness of the importance of a clean work environment and as a chance to honor frontline cleaning staff, National Cleaning Week takes place March 26-April 1.
Several cities and states across the country have made official proclamations to celebrate National Cleaning Week and mandate participation from facilities. Meanwhile, ISSA is aiming to garner further support for the initiative in commemoration of its 100th anniversary.
National Cleaning Week is an opportunity for leaders in the facilities maintenance industry to highlight their efforts to achieve cleanliness and sanitation in everything they do.
National Cleaning Week’s Impact on Facilities Maintenance
The pandemic brought much-needed attention to the importance of maintaining a clean work environment as well as new relevance to National Cleaning Week.
New cleaning technologies are helping facility managers automate the cleaning process and continuously maintain a clean and safe environment.
There are a multitude of benefits to proper cleaning, which include:
- Making environments safer for employees and guests
- Reducing the chance of employee illness
- Preventing the spread of harmful bacteria or germs
- Increasing chances of repeat customers
- Helping retain employees
- Promoting a safe and healthy workspace
Getting Involved
National Cleaning Week is a time for facility managers to show support and appreciation for their frontline cleaning professionals. A major role facility managers play in this industry is ensuring that their staff follow all cleaning protocols and maintain a high standard of operations. Facility managers can use this event as a chance to collaborate with cleaning professionals, provide feedback on daily operations, and develop optimized strategies.
Facility managers can improve their current operations by:
- Implementing extensive employee training
- Conducting frequent training “refreshers” to maintain high standards
- Providing easily accessible and detailed cleaning instructions in the form of posters, flyers, emails, etc.
- Encouraging open communication among all staff to enhance current strategies
About 40% of employees globally worry about becoming ill due to poor hygiene. And for good reason – Some spaces seem clean at a glance, but lingering germs and bacteria can be found in hard-to-reach areas. Cleaning with a purpose rather than cleaning for appearances helps reduce the transfer of bacteria.
As cleaning technology continues to improve, cleaning strategies will need to be adjusted. Utilize National Cleaning Week to reevaluate your current approach to sanitation and ensure the use of EPA-approved chemicals.
Looking Beyond National Cleaning Week
Everyone can benefit from this annual initiative, not just the facilities maintenance industry. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to emphasize the importance of routine cleaning and disinfecting to protect public health.
Take full advantage of National Cleaning Week and honor your frontline cleaning staff by acknowledging their tireless efforts. This event may last just one week, but cleanliness, disinfecting, and a safe work environment should always be a top priority.
At DENS, we are committed to maintaining the highest standard of cleanliness at the laboratories and facilities we serve. We offer specialized cleaning services such as equipment decontamination, in addition to lab support and facilities maintenance. For more information about DENS’ services, email one of our experts here.
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