CLEANING CLEANING UP THE ACT
As we settle into a new decade, with the health of our people and planet high on the agenda, it’s never been more important to think sustainably when procuring goods and services, says Jan-Hein Hemke, Managing Director of Facilicom UK.
Finding a new cleaning partner isn’t an easy task these days. Competition is fierce and choice is vast. Having spent the last 25 years in the cleaning and hygiene industry, I have learnt that it’s about much more than simply undercutting the competition. As clients increasingly demand quality over cost, and place sustainability high on their wish list, today’s successful contract wins go to those that can balance three intrinsically linked dimensions – people, planet and profit.
People When it comes to the cleaning industry, people really are our prime asset. We rely on them to deliver excellent service day in, day out. The reality is that without them, many facilities and operations would grind to a halt.
But to employ a truly committed and motivated team, that are able to go above and beyond the call of duty, means they need to be treated fairly by their own employer first. It’s easy to make a decision based on a proposal or budget, but consideration really should be given to the people that will deliver the role.
Look for a supplier that invests in its team. Training and development are essential to equipping people with the skills to work safely and respect their environment, so make sure that any prospective suppliers keep their learning and development (L&D) responsibilities up to date.
Where possible, operatives should be paid the Living Wage, which helps reduce in-work poverty and improve the wellbeing of employees. As one of the first national contract cleaning companies to offer the Living Wage, we have witnessed first-hand the positive impact this has on our people. We have seen low levels of absenteeism, increased staff retention and high amounts of job fulfilment. This, in turn, has led to better teamwork, service provision and greater client satisfaction.
Finally, suppliers should also acknowledge their responsibilities in relation to tackling workforce injustice, with a robust equal opportunities policy, as well as having clear commitments to complying with the provisions in the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Planet Protecting our planet has never been more important and every business has a responsibility to reduce the impact that its practices have on the environment, including the partners it chooses to work with.
‘Going green’ is particularly important for the cleaning industry as, although unseen, many of the sector’s practices and products are harmful to the environment. From using
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chemicals and natural resources, to the carbon emissions we produce through day-to-day operations.
Sustainable cleaning contractors can help reduce water and chemical use, and CO2 emissions. For example, our C2Zero programme – which means we provide carbon neutral cleaning – is provided at no additional cost to our clients and is an added-value service.
By selecting a partner that engrains sustainability at the heart of its operations, businesses can benefit from a positive eco profile, whilst doing their bit to reduce their carbon footprint.
Profit Contract pricing is where it can get competitive, but businesses shouldn’t be blinded by a race to the bottom. Remember the cheapest doesn’t always win. Long-term, valuable solutions are about so much more than the bottom line.
Of course, it’s important for the procuring business to make a profit, but margins shouldn’t be so tight that the supplier can’t do the same. If your supplier can’t afford to pay its employees and its own supply chain then the service it provides will fail. If a contract can’t be maintained then a further round of procurement will be needed, with increased financial and time implications for the procurer. A profitable supplier can invest in training and development, and has scope to introduce innovations, with improved service as the result.
www.facilicom.co.uk twitter.com/TomorrowsFM
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