Everyone in the professional cleaning industry is discussing how much the industry will change after COVID fades.
However, that may take longer than we think. Until we start developing immunities to the virus or a vaccine is developed, COVID will be a concern for months to come.
“This is why ‘trust’ is going to become [such] a major issue in a post-COVID world,” says Gary Price, vice president of National Accounts for Kaivac, developers of professional cleaning solutions and equipment engineered to help stop the spread of disease. “Our end-customers will want to know what steps cleaning professionals are taking, and continuing to take, to ensure their facilities are safe and healthy.”
Although end-customers will still want their facilities looking their best, using products that have minimal impacts on the environment, “trust, that their facilities are as infection-free as possible, will be their top concern.”
To help contractors develop this trust, Price suggests the following
Change Janitorial Proposals: Ensure that infection prevention programs are clearly outlined in your janitorial proposals.
Evaluate Tools and Equipment: In the past, building managers were not that concerned about the tools and equipment used in cleaning. Now, they should question how cleaning equipment will keep their properties healthy.
Professional Appearance: This is a good time for custodial workers to start wearing uniforms. “Uniforms make workers look professional, and professionalism builds trust,” Price says. “We can’t wear street clothes and baseball caps when cleaning facilities any longer.”
Transparency: Contractors must be transparent with their clients. “If a mistake was made or a problem uncovered, being transparent with the customer again fosters trust,” Price states.
Communication: Large cleaning contractors schedule regular meetings with their clients to discuss cleaning-related issues. Now all contractors, big and small, must meet regularly with their clients, reviewing cleaning protocols. “It’s hard to trust someone if you never see them. Those days are over,” Price asserts.
Re-branding: Contractors must now re-brand and reposition themselves as infection-prevention experts. “When we think about it, we’re no longer in the cleaning business,” Price says. “Now, we are in the infection prevention business.”