I am Sodexo

Yalcin Çelik is team leader of Sodexo’s janitorial team at UWV Utrecht. Together with his team, he ensures clean workplaces, waste separation and a good work environment.

‘The most enjoyable part of my job is interacting with the UWV employees. I know so many people and everyone knows me. ‘Hey Yalcin, good morning!’ they'll shout through the corridors. We start cleaning pantries and toilets at 6:30 in the morning. Then we vacuum the rooms and corridors and clean tables and chairs. If anyone needs anything, the UWV department managers report it to me directly, so that we can take care of it immediately. I believe in open communication; being honest is better. The client must be satisfied with our work, that’s the most important thing. We often get compliments, which really motivates us. As did the award we received for achieving the highest cleaning score every year within UWV. Then we got to go on an outing with the team.

The UWV has a circular office and all waste is separated. Each floor has waste bins for coffee cups, organic waste, plastic, residual waste and paper. There are clear symbols on the bins, but sometimes people are a bit lazy or unsure where to put their paper or coffee cup. We then explain to them how it works and why we do this. That this way the office stays tidy and we reduce residual waste. Walking to the bins is also good for your body and brain! Actually, we always get nice reactions. And waste separation is also better for my team’s health, since the rubbish bags are less heavy on our shoulders.

We also work with certified cleaning agents that are chemical-free for the most part. For me, doing the work in a less stressful way is part of sustainable working. If you can enjoy your work, the client will see that too. This is good for the company’s image because, after all, as cleaners, we are Sodexo’s ambassadors.’