https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/sites/default/files/the_invisible_workforce_full_report_08-08-14.pdf
Highlighting the invisible workforce
Jangro CEO, Joanne Gilliard, explains how companies can champion cleaning operatives – ‘the invisible workforce’ – and can benefit from doing so.
Although many workers in the cleaning industry are treated well, enjoy their job and have their employment rights upheld, many do not. This was the underlying theme in the recent TV drama ‘Cleaning Up’, which highlighted the perception of professional cleaning operatives as an undervalued workforce. It also raised important issues, such as working conditions, minimum wage salaries, and ‘zero hours’ contracts.
Unfortunately, all too often professional cleaning operatives are held in low regard, despite the vital role they play in keeping places spotless, healthy and hygienic. In fact, one could argue that they are an integral part of a business’ success.
First impressions count, and unclean facilities or buildings can damage the image and perception of an organisation. It may also lead to a loss of revenue from existing and potential new customers – especially in today’s age of social media where people can easily share their dissatisfaction.
It is therefore important that, as an industry, we take measures to help professional cleaning operatives realise their worth, and show our appreciation. Put simply, we need to invest in them. This may seem at odds with generating a healthy profit – after all, we all know that keeping costs to a minimum is an effective way to add to the bottom line.
However, in this case, the opposite is true. Showing your workforce that they are valued has clear commercial benefits. Not only will a business be repaid with higher loyalty and greater productivity, but it will also benefit from a reduced staff turnover, which in turn saves both time and money in recruitment.
The real cost of living
Paying a wage that is enough to live on is good for business, for the individual and for society. That’s why at Jangro, we are proud to be an accredited Living Wage Employer. We believe that rewarding employees fairly for their hard work and the value they bring to the business is vital to maintain a strong, motivated team.
We positively encourage others in the cleaning industry to follow suit and make this pledge, to raise standards for the often unsung cleaning heroes working up and down the country to keep our hospitals, offices, homes and much more clean and hygienic. We also believe it is important for businesses to implement contracts with guaranteed hours,
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thereby demonstrating its commitment to, and appreciation of its employees.
Training
Well-trained employees work efficiently, cost-effectively and to a high standard, so not only will your business achieve great end results, but by investing in their training you are placing value on the work undertaken. In an industry where cleaning operatives are often held in low regard, with little long-term loyalty, this can help boost both morale and productivity.
Furthermore, it no longer needs to be time intensive or expensive. Thanks to the digital revolution, the days of taking time out of working hours to learn, classroom-style in a training centre from an instructor are over.
At Jangro we offer a free e-learning system, called the Learning Management Solution (LMS), which is accessible to all of our customers and their employees. It covers a wide range of topics, with varying course lengths, and users are able to train remotely at times that suit them. This allows cleaning operatives to dip in and out of short or longer sessions, making learning highly flexible and accessible.
Paying a fair wage and investing in quality training are just two ways in which businesses can demonstrate that their cleaning operatives are valued and appreciated. This not only improves their wellbeing, but also enhances the morale of the entire workforce, leading to a more positive atmosphere in the workplace, as well as increased productivity.
www.jangro.net
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