Quashing misconceptions
Michelle Marshall, Editor of ECJ and European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards founder, reveals why it’s time to focus on pushing the boundaries and changing the sector’s reputation.
For years the cleaning and hygiene industry has been viewed in a negative way. It has a poor reputation for being low skilled and low paid, as well as short-termist, with high staff turnover rates.
People from outside the industry often don’t understand, or hear about, the fantastic work being done to support issues such as diversity, sustainability and innovation. So many people, quite simply, don’t challenge the stereotypes.
Sadly, this has been the case for a very long time. I’ve worked in the cleaning and hygiene industry for over 26 years and despite meeting and working with some of the most forward-thinking businesses and organisations, the hard work and success stories don’t seem to change public opinion. This is one of the main reasons that we set up the European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards four years ago: to tell the world that our industry means business and isn’t prepared to be undervalued any longer.
Each year, we hear from brilliant companies that are pushing the boundaries to quash the misconceptions surrounding the cleaning and hygiene sector. From training programmes and diversity schemes, to sustainable research and development, and educational campaigns, the judges are always blown away by the tenacity and strength of our industry.
Last year, we received over 100 entries from some truly inspirational businesses that are driving up standards and making major advancements in employee policy, client relationships, sustainability, and innovation.
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Take Ilunion Facility Services for example, winner of the 2018 Commitment to Diversity Award. The business is committed to creating quality jobs for those at risk of social exclusion and runs a programme that facilitates the integration of new employees with disabilities through its multidisciplinary team of social specialists. Having established agreements with various public and private organisations, Ilunion now has a highly impressive range of initiatives for many of society’s disadvantaged groups.
Then there’s the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc), who wowed us with their #creatingacareerincleaning initiative. Working at ground roots level, BICSc runs a programme of accredited training courses, roadshows, sector days and an annual awards scheme to raise the quality of education in the industry and promote professional cleaning as an attractive career option.
These are just two shining examples of those going above and beyond to make real, and long-lasting changes for the good of our industry. With our 2019 awards now open for entry, it’s fantastic to see new names and companies flooding in, as we build up momentum ahead of our awards event in London this October. As we move forward, and continue to shape public perception, we are confident that it won’t be long before the cleaning and hygiene sector gets the credit it deserves.
www.echawards.com
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