An array of new cleaning technologies and digital tools are available and ready to use. These technological advancements can effectively tackle staff shortage and the increased demand for cleaning quality caused by Covid-19. But fully embracing digitalisation and technology can be challenging as they disrupt the working routines. Both you and employees often have concerns about implementation time and job displacement. But behold! There are effective strategies to solve these issues through step-by-steps and change management. Let’s delve into these issues and explore potential solutions. Addressing Employee Concerns and Misconceptions about Technology and Digitalisation The quickest way to failure when implementing new technology is to sideline your employees. If you’re aiming for failure, simply enforce changes without involving those who will be directly affected, and watch the project go down the drain. But you want the opposite, of course, so you should do the opposite. To successfully counter employee concerns regarding technology and digitalisation, the first crucial first steps are fostering understanding and communication. Listening to employee concerns and misconceptions provides an overview for constructive action. You can benefit from listening to your employees in their day-to-day work and discussing potential improvements. This will give employees co-influence. For example, conduct […]

Technological advancement moves swiftly, which offers companies innovative business opportunities. Yet, following this rapid pace and integrating new technology proves challenging. The cleaning industry is no exception. The cleaning landscape has shifted since Covid-19. There is heightened demand for quality and documentation amid the continued staff shortage. Embracing technology, digitalisation, and innovation may be the solution. Let’s explore the definitions of these terms and weigh their pros and cons for your cleaning business. We use technology and digital tools every day in our digital age, including in the cleaning industry. Yet, comprehending every aspect of new technological solutions can be difficult. However, starting with understanding the relevant terms and their functions is a crucial first step. As you continue reading, you’ll find explanations of the three main components: Technology, digitalisation and innovation, along with examples of use in the cleaning industry. Technology and Its Benefits in the Cleaning Industry Technology is the use of scientific knowledge to solve real-life problems. It makes life easier both in professional and domestic settings. Everything that was ever invented by humans is a form of technology.  In the cleaning industry, technological advancements have introduced machinery and robots into cleaning. The technology has come a […]

One major challenge facing cleaning companies today is attracting and retaining the young generation. To stay relevant in modern times, the industry should embrace environmental- and social sustainability. They also need to address the less favourable aspects of cleaning jobs, while also promoting the positive impacts cleaning has that people tend to forget. Why the Cleaning Industry has to Change The cleaning industry is in a labour shortage, particularly with younger workers. Data from the British Cleaning Council reveals that the percentage of cleaning staff under 25 is significantly lower than in other sectors across the UK. Additionally, there is a much higher percentage of people over 55 in the cleaning industry. The difference may stem from the negative perception of cleaning work as low-skilled, low paid, with little career opportunity and workplace well-being.  To attract younger employees, the industry must shift its narrative. This requires reflection and action. Cleaning companies need to reflect and determine the most important issues and act on it. Otherwise, companies will increase the labour shortage when their employees start to retire and no young workers want to replace them. This requires knowledge of what younger generations seek in a job. They value sustainability, opportunity […]

The cleaning industry has a huge shortage of qualified workers and needs new ways to attract staff. This is one of the reasons why cleaning companies need to consider social sustainability. Both employees and clients are demanding a stronger focus on social responsibility, because the future regards the wellbeing of everyone. But how can your cleaning business implement social sustainability, and what are the benefits? Understanding Social Sustainability: The S in ESG ESG stands for Environmental, Social and Governance. These three parts serve as benchmarks for assessing a company’s environmental impact, social contributions, and governance practices. ESG reports are published annually to report results and to motivate the company to improve the numbers during the next year. It also demonstrates achievement to key stakeholders such as clients, employees, and investors. Now, let’s go back to the topic of social sustainability, which prioritises principles and policies of people. Companies are encouraged to contribute positively and focus on the wellbeing of individuals. Social sustainability covers several areas, including health and safety, diversity, wages, equality, and education.  Every company in the world affects society through its approach to diversity and equality in the workforce. Positive impacts are seen when companies e.g. hire minorities […]

In the cleaning service world, there is a fine line between appraisals and complaints, and it all comes down to documentation. This blog delves into how vital quality control and documentation are for client satisfaction. A perfect job can quickly be ruined by a dirty pair of shoes, so documentation not only validates the cleanliness achieved by your staff but also solidifies client trust, offering a competitive edge in the industry. Why Quality Control and Documentation are Important for Your Cleaning Company Your employee cleans the last spot on the floor, leaving a shiny, and spotless floor. But just after the cleaning staff has left, one of the client’s employees steps in with their dirty boots. They had forgotten their keys. Now the floor is dirty, and who gets the blame? You and your cleaning team, unfortunately.  This could all be prevented with some solid documentation. The practice of documenting is a safety net, both for you and your staff. Evidence for if anything is wrong, or for claims against accusations. It goes hand in hand with quality control.   Engaging in quality control means actively ensuring that your cleaning company maintains the standards agreed upon by you and the client. […]

This blog takes you further into environmental sustainability and GHG account, by giving you ideas for goals and sustainable initiatives your cleaning company could take to meet your sustainable goals. Furthermore, we give you an overview of important factors of the GHG account and how to formulate a report on GHG. What to Know Before Creating the GHG Account: Scopes and KPI The global, standardised measurement is called the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG), where every company reports their collected climate footprint. The creation of an annual GHG account is time-consuming, but the first time is the most difficult because the CO₂ data needs to be sought from scratch. Next year, you have a starting point. There might be changes in method, results, and goals, but then you have your template from last year. Here is a guide on what to report and which goals could be realistic and useful for a cleaning company: What to Report: Scopes The three scopes are a categorisation of a company’s different types of emissions and wider value-chain. They are used in the GHG protocol and account for the total CO₂ emissions of a given company. The 3 scopes according to the Office for National […]

Environmental sustainability benefits your cleaning company and helps you stay competitive. Many companies report a GHG account annually, explaining their environmental impact and sustainable measures. It is not only becoming a requirement, but it also gives a significant advantage when attracting clients and investors. But what are the rules for reporting your company’s emissions, and what is an ESG report?  Understanding the Importance of GHG Account and Environmental Sustainability Embracing environmental sustainability positions your business favourably in the eyes of investors, clients, and other stakeholders who increasingly value eco-conscious operations. It is not only valued, but is becoming a requirement with the so-called ESG reports. Environmental sustainability is the practice of using sustainable and renewable sources to counter climate changes. The point is to sustain and protect the environment, and not overheat the planet with fossil fuels. Focusing on environmental sustainability means having a GHG account, to show how your company minimises the CO₂ emissions.  All companies directly or indirectly emit CO₂, because they buy or sell products, or provide services. Companies need to account for this, which is done as a GHG account. GHG stands for greenhouse gas, and is a system and protocol for recalculating everything into CO₂ […]

The European Union is implementing new rules for Working Time Regulations. However, with Brexit, the UK are implementing their own legislations. What are the rules now, and how does it affect the cleaning business? In this article, we explain the current rules on WTR in the UK. We also have a look at the effects, with the pros and cons for your cleaning business. Moving Away from the European Union: Working Time Regulations in the UK The UK Government is planning to remove the EU Ruling, a ruling which states that employers must register their daily working hours each day, through an accurate and reliable system. The UK Government wants to give the companies an opportunity for less administrative work. The EU arguments that daily work hour registration, will help avoid uncompensated over-time and support a healthy work-life balance. Therefore, the UK and the EU see WTR differently, but what does it mean for your cleaning business? UK Current Working Time Regulations: What You and Your Cleaning Business Need to Know  The UK Government want companies to follow the existing Working Time Regulations, which means more liberal choices when it comes to time registration. However, there are still some registering […]

Setting the right cleaning price for a client can be a daunting task. What if they choose a cheaper competitor, or I underbid myself? The reality is that inflation, a rise in wage, and unforeseen expenses may force you, at some point, to raise your service price. In this article, we guide you on how to have a successful conversation about price increases with your client, and how improvements in your cleaning business can be arguments for said price raise. Why Raising Rates are Critical for Your Business’ Survival: A Deep Dive into the UK Economic Landscape Many events have affected the UK economy during the past few years, with increases in various expenses. As a consequence, every cleaning business needs to reevaluate and set the right cleaning price to continue earning a sustainable profit. The Political Influence on the Cleaning Industry’s Economy An immediate reason for raising and setting the right cleaning service price now is the increase in the National Living Wage, effective April 2024. The UK Government has increased the national living wage by almost 10%, in pounds, from £10.42 to £11.44. Even if you paid your staff more than this, the general rise creates pressure to […]