Similar to other fields, the cleaning industry has seen a lot of changes during the past year. Recently, the ISSA released a “state of the cleaning industry” report that shared some insights about what people in the cleaning industry are experiencing right now. What are a few of the most important takeaways from the report and how can companies adjust cleaning plans and cleaning services based on these takeaways?
1. The COVID-19 Pandemic Has Led To Major Changes in Facility Cleaning
First, the coronavirus pandemic has led to major changes throughout the janitorial service industry and many of the changes are likely to be there for good. The pandemic has brought to light the importance of having a workplace that prioritizes cleanliness, no matter what industry in which someone operates.
Even though hygiene has always been incredibly important in food service and healthcare, many businesses have had to close their doors because of outbreaks, and those that focus on cleaning and hygiene can maximize their chances of staying open while protecting their employees and their customers.
2. A Shift in Customer Perceptions
Just as cleanliness is important to businesses across the board, it is also incredibly important to customers. According to information published in the ISSA report, 92 percent of customers think about the cleanliness of the business before they decide whether they want to become repeat customers of that establishment.
It should also come as no surprise that 98 percent of customers consider cleanliness before they decide whether to eat at a restaurant. Expectations of cleanliness undoubtedly expand to other areas as well, including office buildings, schools, and warehouses.
In the past, an unkempt business was simply seen as a messy place. Now, it is being viewed as unhealthy, which is why cleanliness is so much more important today than it was in the past.
3. A Shift From Appearance To Health
Because of these shifts, it should come as no surprise that the cleaning industry has seen a lot of changes as well. In the past, many businesses would focus on cleanliness purely because they needed to keep up an appearance. People feel much better when they walk into an environment that looks clean.
Now, even though cleanliness is still very important, from an appearance perspective, it is also very important from a healthcare perspective. Health is far more important than appearance, and this infection is critical. That is why the cleaning industry has been working hard to develop new disinfection protocols that can minimize the chances of someone getting sick when they go to work or visit a local business.
4. Dealing With a Major Labor Shortage
Based on the information published in the report, the industry is facing a major labor shortage. This is not unique to the cleaning industry, but it has had an impact.
During the coronavirus pandemic, a lot of businesses scaled back their janitorial services because not a lot of people were going to work in person. Now, with many people returning to the office, a lot of companies are trying to enhance their environmental services once again. This has led to an increase in demand for people who may have found jobs elsewhere. In addition, the cost of labor and benefits is increasing, which is only contributing to the labor shortage. The cleaning industry will have to adapt to meet the rising demand.
5. A Change in Cleaning Practices Due To Changing Work Models
The cleaning industry is also having to change its cleaning practices because work models are changing as well. In the past, a lot of cleaning companies knew exactly what to expect. They would show up at an office building, they would see a bunch of cubicles, and they would know exactly what to do.
Now, a lot of companies have very different work environments. Some were going to a hybrid work model. Some are going to a completely remote work model. This is changing the way office buildings are laid out, and the cleaning industry will have to adjust on the fly.
6. New Opportunities Are Available
Ultimately, all of these changes are adding up to new opportunities. There is a lot of demand for cleaning professionals right now, and all industries have realized just how important it is to keep their buildings clean if they want to keep everyone safe.
It is up to the cleaning industry to decide how they want to embrace these opportunities. Proper training and ongoing dialogue about different career paths are essential, and it is important for cleaning companies to train their employees to meet the changing demands of businesses.
Finally, it is important for companies to make sure they partner with experienced professionals who understand how to not only help them maintain a positive appearance but also how to help them protect the safety of their employees and their customers.
Download the Guide on Commercial Cleaning Services From Pegasus Today
Ultimately, these are just a few of the biggest developments that were identified in the ISSA State of the Cleaning Industry Report. If you are looking for a team that can help you keep your workspace clean, including cleanrooms, it would be our pleasure to assist you. At Pegasus, we are proud to be the gold standard in cleaning and maintenance solutions. We use the latest technology to create a healthy environment. Give us a call today to speak to a member of our team or get your instant quote now!
