It’s Time to Thank Your Cleaning Staff

A job as big as theirs deserves a huge ‘thank you’

Cleaning is one of the toughest jobs in any building, and it’s also one of the most important. The work performed by cleaning staff contributes to the safety of the places we live, work, eat, visit, and play. Poorly cleaned buildings can lead to illness and loss of productivity, so it’s important for us to recognize the value that cleaning staff brings to the table, day after day, and year after year. The last few years in particular have been challenging to say the least, and their vigilance and dedication to their work have played a key role in all of our safety.

Cleaning staff are required to follow strict protocols to prevent the spread of infections. They must also stay up to date on best practices in the proper disinfection of surfaces, and the handling of contaminated waste, while adhering to stringent safety guidelines to protect themselves and others from possible harm.

They often sacrifice work-life balance and time with their families, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Their shifts can be long, and being responsible for cleaning multiple rooms typically involves moving heavy equipment and performing numerous repetitive tasks.

Staffing shortages create additional challenges, as they lead to increased workloads, and added pressure to complete the tasks with limited resources while maintaining high standards.

This type of work deserves some recognition!

Every year, in the second week of September, we celebrate Environmental Services Week (EVSW)/International Housekeepers Week (IHW) – a week dedicated to acknowledging the work of cleaning staff all over the country. This event has been sponsored by IEHA since 1981 and is celebrated globally in thousands of facilities all over the world. How you choose to mark the event is up to you – all that matters is that you take the time to thank your cleaning staff for a job well done.

How will you be celebrating?