FCM Summer 2023

BEATING THE HEAT TO KEEP OUTDOOR WORKERS SAFE

FROM BROOMS TO BOTS: THE RISE OF AUTONOMOUS EQUIPMENT

CREATING A TWO-STEP SYSTEM THAT PRIORITIZES CLEANING OVER DISINFECTION

HALLMARK HOUSEKEEPING

Leading the industry with positivity and purpose

INFECTION PREVENTION

20 A responsible approach to infection prevention

Create a two-step system that prioritizes cleaning over disinfection by Jim Flieler

HEALTH AND SAFETY

9 Beating the heat

Taking the necessary steps to keep outdoor workers protected by Jessica Brill

BEST PRACTICES

23 From brooms to bots Why cleaning services need autonomous equipment to attract younger talent by David L. Smith

“At the end of the day, cleaners should be approaching customers with a focus on value.”

FORGING AHEAD INTO A BRIGHTER FUTURE

As the cleaning and maintenance landscape continues to improve and evolve, what does it look like these days? The pandemic leaves its mark with labour shortages and flex hours, but the industry is moving forward with the help of technology, flexibility, and creative thinking to thrive into a successful future.

Our summer issue is seasonally focused, addressing common challenges from this time of year. We take a look at landscaping tips and tricks to minimize your outdoor maintenance, and we delve into mitigating the risks to outdoor workers and keeping them safe during the hot summer months.

With health and safety at the forefront, we explore the relationship between cleaning and disinfection, as infection prevention stays top of mind. As well, we offer some insight into autonomous cleaners and the ways that technology is helping to address labour shortages and boost efficiency.

In our cover story, we put the spotlight on Hallmark Housekeeping Services, a company that’s overcoming industry challenges by putting people first and leading with heart, focusing on data-driven change and employee retention for this year and beyond.

For our expert Q&A, we share our interview with Randy Burke, CEO of DCS Global, diving into the post-pandemic reality for commercial cleaners and the challenges they are facing today. We focus on lower building occupancy and how transparency and adaptability are crucial for cleaners as they navigate their way through a long-term (or even permanent) shift in the industry.

We recognize ISSA’s 2023 Environmental Stewardship Award winners, honouring companies that are helping the environment, reducing their carbon footprint, and protecting the health of their workers and building occupants. ISSA also showcases the newest products from its members, and our Clean Matters section features some of the companies recently attracting attention with their innovation.

This issue highlights how far we’ve come, gives a broad view of commercial cleaning and maintenance today, and offers a look at where we’re headed as we approach the fall.

Can’t wait for you to read this issue!

JESSICA BRILL jessicab@mediaedge.ca

Editor Jessica Brill jessicab@mediaedge.ca

Art Director Annette Carlucci

Graphic Designer Thuy Huynh

Production Ines Louis Coordinator Inesl@mediaedge.ca

Sales Sean Foley seanf@mediaedge.ca

Contributing Writers Jim Flieler Tanja Nowotny David L. Smith Circulation circulation@mediaedge.ca

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NEW PRODUCTS FROM ISSA CANADA MEMBERS

Honouring Bouygues Energies & Services and Charlotte Products Ltd.

by Tanja Nowotny

ISSA Canada, a division of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, is pleased to announce the 2023 winners of the ISSA Canada Environmental Stewardship Award. The 2023 recipients include Bouygues Energies & Services – RCMP ‘E’ Division Headquarters in Surrey, BC; and Charlotte Products Ltd. in Peterborough, ON.

“ISSA Canada is committed to recognizing the outstanding initiatives that Canadian businesses and facilities have made to help the environment, reduce their carbon footprint, and protect the health of workers and building occupants,” said ISSA Canada Executive Director, Mike Nosko. “This year’s recipients are once again a great reflection of how our industry has stepped up and taken action not only on behalf of our planet but perhaps our most important asset – the health of our frontline teams.”

ISSA Canada’s Environmental Stewardship Award honours organizations committed to environmental management and to the value of cleanliness. Each year, ISSA Canada presents up to six awards (one in each Canadian region), where nominations have been submitted by current ISSA Canada member companies. Winners are selected by the association’s executive staff based on meeting four of the six award criteria.

Mounted Police (RCMP) saw 26 separate locations from the Vancouver area combined into a three-building, 76,000 m², highly secure campus situated on a 35-acre site. It is now home to over 2700 RCMP detachments and support staff.

The site includes specialized, high-security office accommodation, a post-disaster building to withstand earthquakes, a dedicated data centre, a gym, and a staff cafeteria. The facility has enhanced the RCMP’s ability to provide integrated, intelligence-based policing, improving overall communication and response times.

Another aspect of importance was a commitment to sustainability and the environment, which is where Bouygues Energies & Services applied its expertise.

“During the operating phase, we were contractually obligated to have the building certified to BOMA Best Level 3 (equivalent to Gold today),” said Elaine Gomez, P3 Services Manager at Bouygues Energies & Services. “We succeeded in achieving this certification and, in 2017, the team accepted the challenge of obtaining the BOMA Best Platinum certification, over and above our contract requirements.”

The Bouygues team worked for six months to ensure that all aspects of the award could be achieved. With complete stakeholder engagement, the Bouygues team set out to achieve a host of ‘green’ objectives, including a waste management and waste reduction plan, creation of an environmental policy (including a water conservation policy), and the implementation of a green cleaning program.

CHARLOTTE PRODUCTS LTD.

Established in 1986, Charlotte Products Ltd. leads the industry in innovation, recognized as a pioneer in green-certified cleaning products with the introduction of Enviro-Solutions® in 1994.

The Enviro-Solutions product line was one of the first greencertified commercial and institutional cleaning programs, remaining a leading, green-certified line globally. The raw materials used in the manufacturing process are chosen and upgraded regularly to ensure products remain at the forefront of green cleaning with the least environmental impact.

BOUYGUES ENERGIES & SERVICES RCMP ‘E’ DIVISION HEADQUARTERS

The RCMP ‘E’ Division Headquarters was the first Federal Design Build Finance and Maintain (DBFM) project in western Canada. This partnership between Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) and the Royal Canadian

Creating safe, healthy spaces is a passion of Charlotte Products over and above certification was the next natural step. Charlotte Products recently created ALLORGANIC® USDA Certified organic hand soap for the commercial space. Proven safer for human health and the environment, ALLORGANIC® hand soap is the highest quality soap, formulated in accordance with the USDA National Organic Program.

Reduction of its carbon footprint has always been a priority at Charlotte Products and participating in programs such as Green Economy Peterborough and Green Economy Canada

has allowed the company to streamline its manufacturing and sourcing processes. To that end, they have created a blow moulding company within 500 metres of Charlotte’s Peterborough manufacturing plant, supplying the company with all bottle requirements, rather than sourcing them from the United States or beyond. Additionally, with the recent development of the Health Canada-regulated Hazmat Room to safely manufacture alcohol-based hand sanitizer, Charlotte sources the ethanol for these products within 20 kilometres of its site, as opposed to thousands of kilometres away.

“Charlotte Products leads the industry movement towards cleaning for health and safety, as well as environmental sustainability in North America,” said company CEO Matt Strano. “Creating safe, healthy spaces is a passion of ours and we take every step to further our environmental goals and initiatives. Being awarded the ISSA Canada Environmental Stewardship Award confirms that our hard work and dedication are valued and recognized,” Strano added. “We are truly honoured to receive this prestigious award.”

For more information on the ISSA Canada Environmental Stewardship Award and its past recipients, please visit this link.

Construction Talent Services the following industries: Construction, Architecture, Real Estate, Property Management and Engineering

BEATING THE HEAT

Taking the necessary steps to keep outdoor workers protected

by Jessica Brill

As the hot summer weather continues into the fall there are many maintenance workers who need to spend their days in the hot sun to do their jobs. When does the heat become a concern? According to Environment Canada, the optimal temperature range for comfort should be 23 to 26°C with 50 per cent relative humidity in the summers, so you need to have a plan for workers when the temperatures heat up.

Last year, after months of gathering input from experts and industry personnel on how to monitor and combat extreme heat in the workplace, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) launched its National Emphasis Program (NEP) to help protect workers from the threat they face when exposed to extreme heat. The program offers support and resources, including an on-site consulting plan and conducting industry-wide inspections to increase safety for outdoor staff.

As temperatures rise, and workers spend more time outside, it is to keep them safe and productive as they complete their daily tasks. There are many steps you can take to provide protection for your employees so they can stay safe and get the job done.

• Make sure to schedule regular breaks so staff can stay hydrated and get out of the sun.

• Encourage hydration breaks every 15 to 20 minutes, even when workers aren’t thirsty, making sure to avoid things like coffee which can increase dehydration and worsen the effects of the sun and the heat.

• Acclimatization is important. Ease workers into a longer schedule by starting with shorter periods of time spent in the heat and increasing shifts over time to give workers time to adjust to the rising temperatures.

• According to Health Canada, the sun’s rays are most dangerous from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., so schedule the most labourintensive tasks as early as possible to avoid increased exertion during the most dangerous times of the day.

• Move work to a shady area wherever possible so workers avoid direct contact with the sun, helping keep their body temperatures down and avoiding getting burned.

• Reduce the work hours or labour intensity to help get more work done efficiently and consistently, as workers avoid overheating. Consider a rotating shift where workers can spend some time outdoors for brief periods of time while the work is getting completed and then take shifts inside to limit their exposure to the outdoors.

• If you have equipment that gives off heat, use shields or other protection to

try and limit exposure and keep workers cool. Also, provide sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 with a re-application schedule to protect from direct exposure.

• Supply your staff with personal protection equipment (PPE) like cooling vests, cool compressed air sources, fans, and sunglasses where available.

• Wh ile outdoor workers are most affected by the heat, of course, don’t forget team members who are working in un-airconditioned warehouses, bays, or other areas that tend to heat up. Installing fans in these areas can help cut down on humidity and poor ventilation, making the work environment safer and more appealing for your staff.

POOR AIR QUALITY

Along with the threat of extreme heat and sun exposure, poor outdoor air quality is also a major concern for outdoor workers. Many areas are currently experiencing significant outdoor air pollution caused by forest fires, which can pose a serious threat to outdoor workers. Often these forest fires occur when the summer is the hottest, so you may be dealing with extreme heat combined with the threat of air pollution.

Wildfires contain a complex mixture of gases, including sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, volatile or -

ga nic compounds, fine particle matter, and ozone. Inhaling such small particles can cause damage to the lungs, heart, and kidneys, and can cause heat stress, along with eye and respiratory irritation. Even if there aren’t any fires in your direct vicinity, smoke can travel and have an adverse effect on your outdoor employees.

Acc ording to Health Canada, air pollution is linked to 15,300 deaths, 2.7 million asthma days, and 35 million acute respiratory days in Canada each year. This could significantly affect your workforce, so making these conditions a priority will help keep your team safe and your work in progress.

HOW DO YOU PREPARE YOUR TEAM AND PROTECT THEM FROM THESE CONDITIONS?

According to OSHA, there are several steps you can take to keep your staff safe when they are exposed to poor air quality.

• As smoke is often combined with extreme heat, practice heat protection

protocols at the same time with water breaks, avoiding direct exposure wherever possible, and limiting exertion.

• Monitor frequently for a change in air quality. In Canada, an Air Quality Health Index (AHQI) of level 10+ presents a very high health risk.

• Prepare for what happens if conditions worsen, including higher protection and evacuation, if needed.

• Relocate or pause work in progress until the smoke clears and conditions improve.

• Ensure workers are taking breaks in smoke-free areas.

• Decide whether additional PPE is required for your employees to remain safe and continue to work outside. This may include respirators, gas masks, and other equipment that clean particles out of the air to make breathing easier.

• Protect your indoor workers, too. Poor outdoor air quality can compromise your indoor air quality, so be sure that your doors are windows remain closed and sealed whenever possible, upgrade

your HVAC system, if necessary, add high-efficiency air filters, and install and maintain working carbon monoxide detectors throughout your facility.

TRAIN YOUR TEAM

People who are not accustomed to spending so much time outdoors or performing certain stressful tasks are at a higher risk for heat stress. So, be sure to let any new employees know about your standard operating procedures (SOPs), prioritizing breaks, and wearing appropriate attire to spend long periods of time in the heat. Provide annual refresher training for long term employees to reinforce your company’s protocols to keep them safe and protected, so everyone remains on the same page.

Making staff aware of your heat management procedures also means creating an emergency plan in case someone exhibits signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion, like dizziness, heavy sweating, nausea, and more.

Training your teams to be able to recognize symptoms means they will be ready to follow your assigned protocol. Typical mild symptoms of smoke exposure include headaches, cough, and sore and watery eyes. As symptoms develop, exposure could cause dizziness, chest pains, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations.

Teach your staff to assess the risk and to take the proper action if someone develops alarming symptoms while they are on the job. Your team needs to be on the lookout for these signs so they can help protect each other while on the job, can recognize when it might be time to evacuate an area and can implement the protocols you have put in place.

PUT YOUR WORKERS FIRST

Studies suggest that up to 20,000 deaths a year in North America can be linked to working in the heat, so keep your employees safe as they do their jobs in increasingly hot conditions throughout the summer into the fall. Protecting your employees properly is critical for your business. Working outside through the summer can be a challenge, but keeping your employees safe, comfortable, and informed will help ensure that the work is completed safely and efficiently. /

We are pleased to announce that now monitors 50 plus hospitals Ontario region.

We are pleased to announce that now monitors 100 plus hospitals Ontario region.

Labour Canada has fully “acknowledged” the scope of work provided in the semiannual inspection program. In addition, the written documentation contributes greatly to the hospital accreditation programs.

Labour Canada has “acknowledged” the scope work provided in the semiannual inspection program. In addition, the written documentation contributes greatly to the hospital accreditation programs.

Further we are always pooling the knowledge resources of Infection Control and Engineering Groups like CHES, the ventilation inspection program is in a evolution to meet future healthcare needs for patients and staff.

Further we are always pooling the knowledge resources Infection Control and Engineering Groups like CHES, the v inspection program is in evolution to meet future healthcare patients and staff.

HE A LT H C A R E VE N T I L AT I O N SYSTEMS

HE A LT H C A R E

VE N T I L AT I O N SYSTEMS

What’s really in your s ?

What’s really in your s ?

and inspection of the hospital

ventilation fire dampers may be part of

h l ti and inspection of the hospital building audit this year. Some of u have already taken advantage f our new software program which in conjunction with our patented robotics, allows us to minimize ceiling access requirements.

building audit this year. Some of u have already taken advantage f our new software program which in conjunction with our patented robotics, allows us to minimize ceiling access requirements

To da t e , o f t h e t h o us a n d s o f fi r e d o o r s i n spec t e d a p p r o x im a t e l y 3 0 % a r e n o t h u m a n l y acces s i b l e f r o m tr a d i t i o n a l ce i l i n g acces s p o i n t s O u r p a t en t e d r o b o t ove r co m e s i s o b s t acl e , a l l ow i n g m p l e t e d o c u m e n t a t i o n o f a l l o o r s w i t h i n t h e ve n t il a t i o n F u r t h e r, o f t h e t o t a l , 7 % h ave b ee n f o u n d de f ec t ive , b l o c ke d w i t h wo o d , w i r e d u p , o r si m p l y c l o s e d s h u t t i n g o ff a i r f l ow.

To da t e , o f t h e t h o us a n d s of fire dampers inspected a p p r o x im a t e l y 3 0 % a r e n o t h u m a n l y acces s i b l e f r o m tr a d i t i o n a l ce i l i n g acces s p o i n t s . O u r p a t en t e d r o b o t ove r co m e s i s o b s t acl e , a l l ow i n g m p l e t e d o c u m e n t a t i o n o f a l l fire dampers within the ventilation em. Fu rt h er , of th e t ot a l , 15 % f o u n d de f ec t ive , b l o c ke d r e d u p , o r si m p l y c l o s e d w

“Setting the Standard for Commercial Ventilation Care”

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CLEANING MODELS FOR THE POST-PANDEMIC REALITY

Commercial cleaners need to lean on communication and transparency as low building occupancy continues

by Jessica Brill

Post-pandemic workplaces have changed. With shifting schedules, flex hours, and smaller teams, commercial cleaners are once again pivoti ng to accommodate lower occupancy, while managing labour and maintaining their margins. Supply chain delays, staffing shortages, and rising inflation are all issues the industry is facing from both sides of the equation, so cleaners and facility managers need to work together to find a solution to suit everyone’s needs.

Remote work continues to be a common practice and 78 per cent of companies expect work-from-home policies to remain long-term or even permanent. Reports predict that 73 per cent of all teams will have remote workers by 2028.

FC&M spoke to Randy Burke, CEO of Toronto-based DCS Global, about the ongoing challenges that commercial cleaners are facing as they struggle to optimize their labour and excel at service, while lower building occupancy seems to be a lasting trend.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

FC&M: HOW HAS REDUCED OCCUPANCY AFFECTED COMMERCIAL CLEANERS?

BURKE: Lower building occupancy is affecting commercial cleaners on two fronts: seemingly arbitrary cost reductions from building owners and managers, and a more complicated process for contract negotiation. With a smaller staff and often smaller workloads, many building operators are looking for cleaners to reduce their pricing – and often that’s happening without any analysis or data. Many times, managers take a situation that looks like there is less work for cleaners and determine that their services should therefore cost less than before. However, there’s not always such a direct correlation. Now, with occupancy down to 20 per cent in some areas, there may well be some validity to those requests, but arbitrarily cutting costs is a problem. These decisions need to be data-based to make sense all around.

The second issue is that many cleaners are operating on old contracts and that means that they are being held to systems, specs, and tools that were negotiated before the pandemic even happened. In these cases, there may, in fact, be an efficiency issue where buildings are actually being over-cleaned. This brings to light the need for cleaners and operators to work together to find solutions that get the job done and maximize productivity.

FC&M: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE STRATEGIES CLEANERS CAN EMPLOY TO ADDRESS THESE CONCERNS?

BURKE: Getting proactive, inviting open communication, and talking to customers are the best ways for cleaners to handle these issues. Explaining why cuts may not make sense, suggesting realistic, relevant adjustments to contracts and practices, showing the math, and getting ahead of the problem as much as possible will help. Recommending changes that make sense as a way for operators to save money, gives cleaners some control over the process and the ability to plan for those changes, rather than the adjustments thrust upon them. Win-wins are possible by working together!

Cutting profit level is not the answer, it’s about finding a solution that is not going to hurt the overhead, the equipment, or the supervision. Keeping those key pillars at the forefront can simplify working together to agree on fair reductions and processes.

AS THIS SITUATION CHANGES OVER THE COMING YEARS, WHAT SKILLS OR APPROACHES WILL CLEANERS NEED

FC&M:

TO EMPLOY TO CONTINUE TO THRIVE?

BURKE: These last few years have really highlighted how important it is for cleaning companies to be adaptable and ready for any situation. Building occupancy is something that is still changing and shifting, and cleaners need to be able to adjust to address these changes going forward.

For example, some companies are looking for ways to cut costs with company-wide cleaning programs, wherein cleaners schedule visits for maximum ease and efficiency. Because these occupancy levels are regularly shifting, a monthly approach is best, where the schedule is adjusted and confirmed a month ahead based on predicted occupancy.

From a practical standpoint, there are simple office tools or visual cues that can be used to simplify cleaners’ jobs and maximize time spent on site, as building occupancy continues to fluctuate. Getting creative with things like tenant tent cards that say whether the space has been used and needs to be cleaned will help refine processes from both sides.

At the end of the day, cleaners should be approaching customers with a focus on value. Looking at communicating to companies that the low bid isn’t necessarily the answer, even in today’s economic climate. The bottom line doesn’t speak to value. The simple truth is that price is what you pay, but value is what you get. Communicating your value means agreeing on something that makes the most sense for everyone.

FC&M: WHAT CAN BUILDING OPERATORS DO TO HELP ADDRESS THESE CLEANING CHALLENGES?

BURKE: As cleaners need to work on optimizing their labour and lowering their topline costs, building operators need to collaborate with cleaners to increase transparency, work on better communication, and create solutions that are advantageous for both sides. Cleaners and operators need to assess and renegotiate what the new reality looks like, determine the best course of action, and decide on what’s required by both parties to simplify the process and reach success.

It’s often a good idea to hire a third party to conduct productivity studies to get help doing the math and get both sides to reach a place where everyone is happy with the end result. This type of cleaning assessment can help determine and clarify the best approach to cleaning the building, create a realistic scope, identify opportunities, and provide data for a better overall end result.

No one likes surprises, so communication is truly key as things like building occupancy are in continual fluctuation.

FC&M: ARE THERE ANY POSITIVE TAKEAWAYS FROM THE CURRENT COMMERCIAL CLEANING LANDSCAPE?

BURKE: Yes, this situation has shone a light on out-of-date business

models and has paved some of the way for innovation adoption like sensors, robotics, and automated systems. These tools have emerged as ways to help address some of these challenges, helping people to get smart about flexible and scalable working models. There’s a real opportunity for cleaners to look closely at their businesses and improve overall operations for better productivity and service into the future. /

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LABOUR

OF LOVE

Hallmark Housekeeping Services is moving ahead through challenging times with positivity and purpose

by Jessica Brill

These days, most commercial cleaning companies are striving to put the challenges of the past few years behind them. But even as they find creative solutions to supply chain delays, adapt to evershifting building occupancy, and struggle to find sufficient labour, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. The industry is still growing, with experts predicting that the industry will expand at a rate of 5.4 per cent per year until 2025 and jobs for janitorial and cleaning staff will rise four per cent annually until 2029.

As the labour crisis continues, great employees are a valuable commodity, which makes attracting and retaining top talent crucial for a company’s success. Chris King, senior vice president at Hallmark Housekeeping Services Inc., uses his background in human resources to focus on their teams and what’s needed so they can perform at their best and happiest.

As one of Canada’s largest janitorial providers, Hallmark Housekeeping Services has embraced a culture of putting people first. “This is a labour business,” says King.

“Coming from HR isn’t necessarily traditional, but it makes sense; understanding people from a human standpoint is very important.”

THE POST-PANDEMIC REALITY

The pandemic brought both challenges and positive change to the commercial cleaning industry, creating opportunities for companies to once again shift their focus to the matters of the day.

North America has the largest commercial cleaning market in the world, and we’ve seen many changes to the industry since 2020. On a positive note, the last few years have shone a light on the commercial cleaning industry, spotlighting the crucial role cleaners play. With sanitation and disinfection on everyone’s minds, cleaning became an essential service, drawing attention to an often-invisible workforce and what they need to excel in their roles. Not only has the attention highlighted the trials and needs of the industry but it has also forced many cleaning com -

panies to assess their business models to better manage labour and the everchanging landscape.

King talks about industry challenges resulting from the pandemic, citing a change to dynamic cleaning models. This has signaled a shift from a traditional fixed schedule and business model where the scope of the task and the location of your labour is crystal clear. With fluctuating building occupancy and flexible office hours, pivoting is now a constant for commercial cleaners. Not only is there uncertainty around how many people will be coming in each day, but where those employees will travel throughout the building is also largely unknown. This can make consistent cleaning practices and efficient labour management nearly impossible, as they struggle to send staff to the right locations at the right times.

Furthermore, quoting on jobs has also become more difficult; without knowing exactly how many labour hours will be needed with a fluctuating building occupancy - and trying to predict what that will look like in a month or in six months – it can be a tough task. According to King, Hallmark has adopted a more fluid nature, calling it “a challenge, but also an opportunity, allowing us to embrace a new way of thinking about cleaning and how labour is scheduled and deployed, as we shift to new, innovative cleaning models.”

But the real test commercial cleaners are facing is the staffing shortage and dwindling employee retention. With a continually shrinking labour pool, attracting and retaining talent are top priorities for cleaning companies. They now need to focus on giving people a reason to join and stay with an organization, as they compete for a smaller group of talented candidates.

DATA-DRIVEN CHANGE

Also emerging out of the pandemic was a surge in innovation and a demand for data-driven decisions and results. Initially created to address issues like heightened hygiene and sanitation, tools like smart sensors emerged to provide insight for many companies to refine their processes, provide improved service, and better manage their staffing levels.

From measuring traffic and activity of staff to managing supplies, real-time data is now helping cleaning companies improve their businesses. Some tools are even sophisticated enough to monitor paper and soap dispensers, so cleaners and building operators know the optimal times to replace paper or soap without waste, running out, or having tenants or patrons complain. Adopting practices to address these issues before they become

problems allows companies to save money, cut back on supplies, and provide better service.

Traffic data has become a vital part of the process, allowing cleaners to know where people are in the building and to deploy cleaning resources accordingly as things are still evolving and changing. These tech improvements – and more –have allowed companies like Hallmark to provide better service and connect with customers looking for more sustainability. Nearly every company has now begun using sustainable cleaning products, but technology makes room for more effective sustainability practices, as part of the industry’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives.

With the greater emphasis on innovation and technology, there is a need for tools to support more dynamic and ondemand cleaning models, hybrid occupant patterns, and the ways that people are working and using commercial office space. “The pressure is really on to fig-

ure out how technology can support these new cleaning models,” says King. “Companies need to stay competitive and put their best foot forward to optimize cleaning efficiency and the way that labour is deployed.”

A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR THE INDUSTRY

As cleaning companies try to attract and retain their staff, they need to remember what matters to candidates. Employees are looking for companies that align with their values. So, focusing on innovation and sustainability will help cleaners attract the kind of talent looking to contribute to the world in a similar way, with values and priorities that are aligned. And it’s not just about staffing, really. King stresses the importance of “putting your money where your mouth is.”

“We are trying to do the right things because we want to do the right things, rather than because there is a feeling that we have to…” he explains. “And that’s what will lead us on a path to success.

We’d rather know that we’ve done something positive besides just driving our revenues and profits. Those will come if you’re acting on your guiding principles.”

Companies that get it right will be rewarded with a loyal, long-lasting workforce. Wages are always important, but employees need to feel good about where they work, so focusing on training allows employees to feel proficient and confident, making them happier in their jobs. Not to mention that without proper training, turnover is likely. This type of work can be stressful and overwhelming, so practicing open communication, valuing performance, and providing opportunities for employees will see commercial cleaning companies succeed.

THE HEART OF THE MATTER

At the end of the day, companies like Hallmark Housekeeping are leading with heart and passion, putting people first to build a strong, lasting team. “It’s so important that we are the best we can be and that we give people a reason to join and stay with Hallmark, and that means doing things like enhancing our social and recognition programs, improving our organizational culture, and strengthening our economic packages.” It’s not just dollars and cents, Hallmark has created a referral bonus program, is focusing on employee engagement and appreciation, and has launched an e-learning program to help smooth the way for seamless onboarding. Hallmark has always been an innovative company, prioritizing new ways to improve employee programs from an economic incentive and recognition standpoint.

It’s initiatives like these that will help cleaning companies outshine the competition, showing their commitment to providing a positive staff experience where values are a match, and their efforts are recognized.

Leading with the desire to “make people feel warm and valued and appreciated,” is the way of the future. Companies like Hallmark will continue to thrive well beyond these challenging times, as they continue to recognize the fundamental part their people play in the success of their business. /

A RESPONSIBLE APPROACH TO INFECTION PREVENTION

by Jim Flieler

Lately, cleaners have been fielding a lot of questions about our disinfecting products. It is always good news to have end users taking a close look at cleaning chemistry and asking for products that will make their infection prevention programs more robust. However, we don’t want to over-emphasize disinfection to the detriment of cleaning. Cleaning continues to be the cornerstone of any facility’s cleaning plan and should be the primary focus.

But don’t take my word for it! Industry best practices and health organizations like Health Canada and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control include cleaning as the important first step in the removal of soils including the coronavirus. Cleaning is the first step in removing soils and debris, allowing for a disinfectant to be effective when applied to the surface afterward.

Now is the time for cleaning companies and departments to focus on tweaking their regular cleaning processes and products, managing frequencies and efficiencies where possible. It is not necessarily the time to over-disinfect or invest in fancy new technology being marketed toward the recent pandemic – and it is never the time to stop regular cleaning with a solid, environmentally friendly general-purpose cleaner.

CLEANING VS. DISINFECTING

Let’s review the difference between cleaning and disinfecting:

Cleaning physically removes germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces or objects by using a combination of soap (or detergent) and water. Disinfecting, on the other hand, works by using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces or objects.

The disinfection process should be considered to require two steps, starting with clean-

Create a two-step system that prioritizes cleaning over disinfection

ing the surface or object. Next, that surface or object should be disinfected. In order for disinfecting to occur, a surface must be cleaned of all dirt and impurities so that the disinfectant can effectively kill those germs.

THE DANGERS OF TOO MUCH DISINFECTING

When facilities start to use disinfectants only and skip the cleaning part of the equation, there can be real dangers to human health, effects on the environment, and a compromising of the building’s infection control measures.

Why is the two-step process necessary?

First, disinfectants contain active ingredients that can be harsher than the ingredients in certain cleaners, so cannot be used in place of cleaners. These disinfectants should only be applied sparingly and when needed as part of your infection prevention plan on high-touch surfaces. The harsher active ingredients in these products can have adverse health effects on end users and building occupants when used too much or on their own. It is always recommended that disinfectants are sprayed in well-ventilated areas and that applicators wear the proper per-

sonal protective equipment (PPE) to keep cleaners safe.

Second, there is a financial element to the equation; the indiscriminate application of a disinfectant for cleaning purposes wastes money. Disinfectants are more concentrated and often more costly, so they are not a feasible financial replacement for cleaning products. Furthermore, soil, particles, and dust on a surface prevent the chemical reaction necessary to inactivate pathogens, including coronavirus. This becomes a waste of time and money, something no contractor or cleaning department can afford these days.

Follow the five steps to disinfecting protocol

Once you are ready to use a disinfectant on your high touch points, it is absolutely imperative to follow this five steps to disinfecting protocol.

1. Use a registered product, and thoroughly read and understand the label and safety data sheets.

2. Dilute it properly (regardless of your type of delivery method) and use a parts per million (PPM) litmus paper to test your dilution frequently to accommodate the type of facility and protocol.

3. Always pre-clean the surface using a high-quality all-purpose cleaner.

4. Respect and ensure that the dwell time is met.

5. Include a potable water rinse according to each label, especially on food contact surfaces.

BE WARY OF FALSE CLAIMS

It is no surprise that companies are creating and marketing all sorts of new formulas in the last few years as a defense against COVID-19. Claims from new antimicrobial surfaces to new types of virus-killing coatings that continue to work for seven days post-application. In times of heightened attention to public health, new companies have certainly made it into the market with spurious claims, trying to capitalize on the increased public demand for heightened hygiene.

In reality, if your facility had been paying attention to its infection prevention program before the pandemic, including regular and frequent cleaning, strong product choices, and following the five steps to disinfection protocol listed above, there should be no need to make any big changes when the risk of infection increases.

If you are over-disinfecting, or being lured by false marketing claims, you could get into dangerous territory for your company and your clients. Rely on the experts like your distributors, and local and federal health agencies to provide you with the resources, information, and tools to make healthy decisions for your commercial cleaning programs. /

James Flieler is the VP of Sales North America for Charlotte Products Ltd., with over 40 years of expertise in all areas of sanitation. He is a renowned speaker and trainer for local businesses, key regional players, and national corporations across North America, and has conducted hundreds of hands-on presentations and training sessions.

“... If your facility had been paying attention to its infection prevention program before the pandemic, there should be no need to make any big changes when the risk of infection increases.”

FROM BROOMS TO BOTS

Why cleaning services need autonomous equipment to attract younger talent

by David L. Smith

The cleaning industry continues to face high rates of employee turnover and an ongoing labour shortage. In fact, Canada’s cleaning industry saw an almost 145 per cent increase in job vacancies by the end of 2021. Today, prospective employees are searching for companies that value their skills and offer more fulfilling work. For cleaning companies, using innovative solutions to stay ahead of these challenges and encourage employee loyalty has never been more important – and one way to do this is by incorporating autonomous equipment into facility cleaning programs.

By embracing today’s technology, companies establish themselves as industry leaders, attract more specialized and dedicated cleaning professionals, and demonstrate their commitment to employee well-being.

PIONEERING IN THE CLEANING INDUSTRY

Outdated technology and equipment are costing businesses their budget, productivity, and perception.

The maintenance and upkeep of outdated equipment such as manual floor cleaners can take up a significant portion of the cleaning budget through frequent repairs and excessive consumption of cleaning products and chemistries - not

to mention the time and labour that any maintenance requires.

Outdated equipment can also impede cleaning staff efficiency. Tasks like sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming, which can all be automated and made more efficient with modern technology, take time away from more technical and essential cleaning duties.

Investing in autonomous cleaning equipment not only improves productivity but appeals to potential customers and employees who value convenience, efficiency, and a comfortable work environment. For example, would you want to work with a company that still relied on floppy disks? Just as technology has found more efficient solutions to floppy disks, cleaning processes have also significantly advanced and improved, increasing productivity and efficiency. Embracing new technology to improve both the employee and customer experience positions a cleaning business as a true industry leader.

ATTRACTING CLEANING PROFESSIONALS

In today’s competitive job market, skilled and dedicated cleaning professionals are in high demand. More and more, prospective employees are aligning themselves with companies that value their

expertise, care about their health and well-being, and provide them with the tools to succeed and grow.

Highly skilled cleaning professionals understand the benefits that equipment innovation can bring to their work. Equipment like autonomous floor scrubbers can significantly reduce the physical strain often associated with manual cleaning. Mundane and physically demanding cleaning tasks that don’t require expert oversight can be handed off to the autonomous equipment while cleaning professionals can apply their skills and expertise in more effective ways. That translates to a more efficient and satisfying work experience, also making your company more attractive to skilled candidates.

Autonomous floor care equipment can also reduce the margin of error and increase the effectiveness of cleaning tasks, providing an overall better experience for your customers. These machines are designed to consistently deliver high-quality results, appealing to cleaning professionals who take pride in their work and strive for quality.

INVESTING IN EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING

The use of autonomous equipment not only demonstrates the company’s commitment to effective innovation but

also to the health, safety, and overall well-being of current and prospective employees. Investing in these types of innovation shows current and prospective employees a willingness to invest in the betterment of the workforce and the processes they follow.

One of the most significant contributors to workplace dissatisfaction is stress. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety lists workload, pace,

alleviate these, autonomous floor cleaning equipment is designed to significantly reduce the workload associated with manual cleaning tasks, such as floor care. Autonomous equipment also allows cleaning professionals to focus on more technical and specialized work, leading to a healthier working environment, increased loyalty, and reduced employee burnout and turnover.

As the cleaning industry continues to experience high rates of employee churn, it’s crucial to embrace innovation. Au-

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tonomous cleaning equipment provides the opportunity to position yourself as an innovative industry leader, focusing on better quality on behalf of both customers and employees. That in turn positions an employer to better attract specialized and dedicated cleaning professionals and retain them for longer periods of time.

Not familiar with what’s available in autonomous cleaning innovation? For more information on autonomous cleaning equipment options and the best ways to integrate this new technology into existing cleaning programs, it’s important to speak with a technical professional. Choose a company that has a background in facility cleaning so that they can assist in selecting the right equipment solution for your scope and facility cleaning requirements. In addition, look for onsite training and support to help effectively integrate new technology into your clean-

With today’s labour shortage, cleaning companies need to employ innovative solutions to stand out in the market, attract new talent, and retain the talent they’ve already acquired. Using autonomous cleaning equipment to embrace innovation, focus on efficiency, and prioritize loyalty will help cleaning companies continue to thrive through these persistent challenges. /

David L. Smith is the Cleaning,

Hygiene

&

Sanitation

Director at Bunzl

Cleaning

& Hygiene, Canada’s largest specialist distributor of

cleaning and hygiene

products and equipment. For more information or to book a comprehensive Facility Assessment please contact david.smith@bunzlch.ca.

“As the cleaning industry continues to experience high rates of employee churn, it’s crucial to embrace innovation.”

NEW PRODUCTS FROM ISSA MEMBERS

The commercial cleaning industry continues to evolve, with new products and practices regularly emerging to raise performance standards, increase sustainability, and improve efficiency. Staying on top of these innovations allows contractors and building operators to boost cleaning results, maintain environmental goals, and stay ahead of the competition.

As part of ISSA efforts to support its members, the organization shines a light on member companies creating new products or services to help raise the bar on commercial cleaning. Here are some of the companies recently attracting attention with their innovations:

1. Mobile Mopping System

The JAWS® Professional Mopping System from Canberra Corp. is the first bucket-less, mobile dilution mop for quick and easy clean-up. Built around a patented range of powerful cleaning solutions, it offers a safer, closed-loop cartridge system that eliminates dilution errors while delivering industrial-strength cleaning in a simplistic, portable system. For more information, visit www.jawsmoppingsystem.com.

2. KLORESE kills C. auris and Biofilm UMF Corp.’s Klorese® disinfectant is now U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered for reduced contact time against more than 20 pathogens, including the rapidly spreading Candida auris (C. auris) fungus. As a small, effervescent tablet that is added to water on-site, Klorese significantly reduces the storage footprint and cost when compared to ready-to-use disinfectants. For more information, visit www.perfectclean.com.

3. Can’t Miss Mist SteraMist revolutionizes disinfection with cutting-edge EPAregistered technology that delivers uncompromising versatility and speed in endless job sites. Eliminate hidden mould spores, deodorize smoke, restore crime scenes, decontaminate hazardous agents, and more, with natural ionized Hydrogen Peroxide (iHP) disinfection. For more information, visit steramist.com.

4. Long-Lasting Battery Life Trojan Battery Co.’s new AES Battery for access, material handling, rental, and floorcare equipment offers three times the cycle life of a standard AGM battery. Available in six-, eight-, or 12-volt models, the premium VRLA battery delivers consistent, unrivaled high output, making it ideal for extreme deep cycle, partial charging, or challenging environments. For more information, visit www.trojanbattery.com.

For a complete list of ISSA Canada’s members, consult ISSA’s 2023 exclusive Canadian Membership digital directory at www.issa-canada.com.

Note: Product information is supplied by the manufacturers. The above listings do not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by ISSA. /

Staying up to date on the industry’s newest innovations will help companies stand out