Contributed by Acey Ignacio, franchise business coach, Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Services

So much has changed since March 2020 that sometimes it’s hard to remember how life was before lockdowns, masks and meetings on Zoom became the norm. Before COVID, the American workforce thought very little about whether their desk had been sanitized or whether a cashier should be protected behind a Plexiglas shield. And, they never saw the janitors who cleaned their offices overnight.

One of the positive changes to come out of the pandemic has been a true appreciation of the essential workers who clean our offices, stores and other places of business. Because of the heightened awareness of the importance of cleaning and disinfecting, employees and customers now welcome the sight of cleaners working during the day.

Visible Cleaners Bring Peace of Mind

Not very long ago, companies requested that cleaners stay behind the scenes, cleaning at night or on weekends so as not to disrupt normal work activities. Now, some companies request daytime cleaning because it gives employees and customers peace of mind to see professional cleaning crews at work. It makes people feel safe and shows that companies care about their people. 

The Cleaning Coalition of America (CCA) surveyed 1,600 U.S. workers late last year and found that almost half were still worried about working in the office because of high infection rates and low vaccination rates.

The study also found:

• 62 percent said seeing cleaning professionals at their workplace made them feel safer.
• 89.9 percent said workplace cleaning protocols are very or somewhat important.
• 38.8 percent said improper cleaning at their workplace might lead them to change jobs.

The possibility that workers might quit over what they perceive as inadequate cleaning must be especially concerning to employers who already are struggling to fill open positions.

To Your Health

In addition to providing peace of mind, daytime cleaning can actually be good for your health. Since 2020, the cleaning industry has been held to higher standards and a broader purpose. In addition to helping prevent the spread of COVID-19, a regular cleaning and disinfection program can also help prevent the spread of other illnesses and lower risk for employees who suffer from allergies and asthma by reducing the amount of dust and other environmental hazards in the workplace.

Although in most situations, the risk of infection from viruses on a surface is relatively low, it still exists. Crowded offices, busy retail or public buildings may require more frequent cleanings, such as an evening clean and a midday wipe-down of high-touch areas such as doorknobs, elevators, phones and bathrooms. Professional commercial cleaning companies can advise their customers on the most efficient schedule to meet their unique needs while staying within their budgets.

Still, employers can’t skimp on cleaning services. It’s hard to put a price on the value of retaining employees and customers and helping them feel safe.

Cleaners have moved into the daylight as the importance of cleaning has taken the spotlight.