INDUSTRY LEADERS FORUM
However, as expectations increase and enhanced services are delivered, there will need to conversations on the costs associated with providing COVID-safe facilities and workplaces over the long term. The reality is that there is a big impost on facilities and business which will flow through to contract expectations – are they going to expect more for the same? Or will they have an understanding that things will have to be different? For example, there are discussions taking place now on the future of the workplace. While there are discussions around less staff in the workplace and organisations down-sizing their footprints, I think many businesses will need the same space in order for them to be COVIDsafe with their staff. The design of the facility will change internally, which will then change what we do.
What is one issue the industry should urgently address in 2021? The industry needs to establish itself as experts in conversation with government and drive the modernisation of government
guidelines regarding infectious cleaning. What we are seeing are a range of guidelines which are not in-line with the product and technology advancements that are taking place in the industry. Suppliers over the past few years have launched a range of innovations which have been suitable for the cleaning environment but conflict with government guidelines. As COVID continues around the world, we will continue to see new technologies being developed and generated and as an industry, need to be ready to adapt. Industry terminology also needs to be standardised and this also needs to be developed with government. As an industry we shouldn’t have to go back to where we were pre-COVID – why can’t we do better moving forward?
What additional advice or guidance do you have for the cleaning community?
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The industry needs to establish itself as experts in conversation with government and drive the modernisation of government guidelines regarding infectious cleaning.
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We’re now being watched by the community, government, and our clients as to how and what we deliver more than ever before, and if we are in a pandemic mode, that is going to continue. ■
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