RETAIL & DAYTIME CLEANING
motivated in their work and it was a real privilege to see. I was extremely proud of them as they had embraced new technology and new cleaning methods and I was exceptionally proud of the job they did.”
Throughout his shift, he met and was very impressed with one very quality-driven supervisor, who with further development and training, together with English lessons, could become, as so many in the past have, a member of Principle’s senior management team. After the night shift had finished, Doug did not return home until 7.30am, some 12 hours after he left, finally getting to bed at 8.30am.
A number of lessons were learnt through Doug’s undercover mission, such as what hard work it was, that better equipment was needed as well as increased rates of pay, and improvements to restroom facilities and to the general motivation of the workforce.
During the months that followed, it was evident that changes were needed and with that in mind, Principle Cleaning increased rates of pay, reviewed and installed battery equipment and trialled daytime cleaning by convincing clients to start on just one floor. The benefits were huge to staff in that they became motivated and satisfied, turnover was reduced, which in turn provided a more ethical and sustainable workplace. As far as the client was concerned, it was a ‘win, win’ situation, with less energy used in the building, less security required and general savings made by creating a flexible workplace. After three months, client buildings were and continue now to be cleaned during the day and staff are paid the London Living Wage.
Doug continued: “I particularly noticed how much the industry has changed throughout the years since I first started in the cleaning industry. A commitment to sustainability has become an integral part of how cleaning is carried out and daytime cleaning has now been introduced. This has proved to be more productive with reduced energy bills and reduced chemical usage to minimise environmental impacts, which in
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turn have had positive effects with clients. There is also still the boredom factor to take into consideration for night cleaners, another reason for making the switch to day cleaning.
“With the more recent introduction of open planned office space, cleaners are able to be more efficient by moving around areas more quickly. Taking into account all the improved cleaning materials and technology, cleaning is still very physically intensive, and credit should be given to operatives who continue to maintain high standards and a positive attitude in their work. It is very refreshing to see the respect for cleaners from the building users and their staff, which has been further endorsed by our clients who have told us that their own staff have greater respect for their premises, knowing that cleaners are visible and working hard.”
Following Doug’s undercover mission, Principle Cleaning took a further step in innovation to launch a pioneering method, named Hybrid Cleaning. Hybrid is the Principle Cleaning system which predominately uses a full time workforce to operate flexibly with any business to develop ways of improving quality and service in a sustainable way. It has formulated this specific method to provide its clients with a host of benefits to suit individual needs and make shifts flexible, meaning that any work considered to be disruptive by the client in any part of the contract will be
done out of core hours. Other benefits include having cleaning staff available if the customer needs them during normal office hours for one offs or special cleans, as flexible shift lengths are between 6.00am and 10.00pm. It has also meant that support services has become a priority as cleaners can assist with other areas such as porterage, post room duties, reception, hostess services and grounds maintenance.
Managing Director at Principle Cleaning, Peter Smith said: “Hybrid Cleaning is a great initiative and clients found it exciting. The system demonstrates that Principle Cleaning is committed to continue to be at the leading edge of thinking, innovation and new ideas within the industry.”
www.principlecleaning.com @PrincipleClean
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