Attitudinal change towards cleaning aspect of FM

As the Facilities Management day was celebrated globally last week, I reflected on a very essential aspect of FM that is carried out routinely on a daily basis. Historically, cleaning has always been treated as the ugly duckling of the FM family but there’s no disputing the fact that cleaning is a core support service.

However, the attitude of both the client and the service provider towards cleaning staff is relegating when compared to other support services such as electrical, plumbing, gardening, etc because it is not considered a high-end specialist service. Regardless of where cleaning sits in relation to FM, it is increasingly clear that cleaning cannot be sidelined or marginalised without very real, possibly negative and costly, consequences.

As a core support service, attention should be given to cleaning in terms of skills set, remuneration, appearance, etc. Because cleaners are the first to be criticised when cleaning standards are scrutinised, outcome of this service is important. Cleaners should understand their role in facilitating a healthy life and preventing the spread of bacteria and illness. It is often necessary to go back to the basics and reinforce the essential skills regardless of how long a person has worked in an industry, because over time people develop habits which usually involve cutting corners and are difficult to break. As in other sectors, the methodology applied to cleaning needs to be continuously improved because the core strength of a business is in its people. Even during a period of economic hardship, organisations invest millions in the development of people. The outcome of such training does not only improve performance and productivity, it also increases morale, enthusiasm and self-worth.

Cleaning is essential for improving quality of life and for improving the appearance and safety of a living, treatment, work and play area and for maintaining the value of an asset. It is also essential in reducing the source of infection, health hazards and the rate of widespread cross-contamination of bacteria through the continual cycle of spreading germs and infectious micro-organisms across multiple surfaces. Colour coding of cleaning clothes, for instance, can be used such as blue for cleaning desktops and phones, and yellow cloth for cleaning lavatories to ensure proper use and bring instant improvement.

Training and development, we know, is fundamental to management and functions considered to be ‘skilled’ workforce. Only few people would be content performing the same task everyday as most have an inherent need to learn and expand their skill base. The negative image that cleaning has in the wider world of work can seem odd when we factor in the levels of skills and knowledge required in terms of health and safety alone.

The role of the cleaning staff can be as vital, if viewed to be the ‘ears and eyes’ of the facilities manager or commercial contractor to whom they report as well as the clients themselves. They are in a position to notice and alert should anything be out of place. Empowering each cleaning staff will give them the confidence to contribute ideas and be part of the improvement.

A fundamental change of attitude towards this sector is required if we are to revolutionise this area of the service industry. It is unlikely many of today’s cleaning personnel recognise their position as being central to success. The reality is that their function supports every other within the business framework.

You may have heard the story of how President John Kennedy once visited NASA. During a tour of the site, he passed a cleaner and it is claimed the president asked what role he fulfilled. The cleaner is said to have replied: “My job is to put a man on the moon.” He was right.