Office Janitorial Services and Cleaning Post COVID-19
Office janitorial services were widely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, as healthcare officials raised cleaning protocols and standards to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, which was originally believed to be spread via surfaces, countertops, tabletops, chairs and other high-touch areas commonly found in office space settings.
The need for office building cleaning was severely limited during the shutdown, as employers were encouraged to close their doors. Smaller cleaning businesses had to fight for survival. But as workspaces slowly reopened their doors and invited workers into the office for full-time and hybrid work models, demand for janitorial services increased, as did the cleaning standards.
Even though heightened cleaning standards went into effect during the pandemic, now that the COVID-19 pandemic has ended, many contractors are still expected to meet those demands to remain in business. With contract cleaning software, it may be possible to meet those demands and heightened standards that clients have come to expect.
Increased janitorial cleaning standards
During the outbreak of COVID-19, research showed that the virus could survive on surfaces for up to three days. Because of that fact, cleaning professionals had to minimise surface transmission of the coronavirus.
It has since been established that contact with an infected person is the primary mode of transmission. But during the pandemic, health officials required employers to follow applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. That included the hazard communication standards, personal protective equipment standards and other OSHA requirements, such as those established by applicable state plans.
Cleaning contractors received increased demands from clients in response to federal guidance. Outlining specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), commercial cleanser specifications, cleaning requirements and inspections were some of the more common requests.
Using cleaners and water to pre-clean surfaces before applying an EPA-registered, hospital-grade disinfectant to frequently touched surfaces or objects for appropriate contact times became the norm for office building cleaning services.
Some contractors were asked to train their janitorial cleaners on reading the registration numbers of disinfectants, as products may be marketed and sold under different brands or product names, and using the EPA registration number is the best way to accurately identify a disinfectant product.
Combating regulations and staying in compliance
COVID-19 led to heightened increases in standards. However, cleaning contractors regularly experience this issue with ever-changing regulations and remaining in compliance. Back-office staffstaffers and administrative personnel must stay ahead of changes, especially because repercussions include steep fines and citations.
However, contractors are turning to modern software tools and features to assist them with sorting through governmental red tape. Examples include legislative tax, payroll updates, state-specific requirements, filing deadlines and year-end needs. Software tools, specifically workforce management solutions, can help contractors meet compliance requirements.
For office building cleaning companies concerned with performing cleaning standards set by OSHA after the pandemic, a compliance tracking system can keep track of certifications, licences, experience and other requirements. Those compliance standards to certain jobs or tasks are available via an integrated workforce management system.
Contractors who are able to show that their employers have certifications or can handle very specific requests, such as knowledge of disinfectant safety, could also help with retaining client loyalty and winning bids over competitors.
Janitorial cleaning and service delivery
In addition to demanding services, clients are also demanding increased proof of service. Performing office janitorial services without any hard evidence is a liability risk. That is especially true if a slip and fall occurs, or some other type of hazard happens and goes unchecked.
With modern technical solutions designed for cleaning contractors, such as mobile workforce management software — quality assurance features are available to help contractors show that their distributed workers completed every task and performed those services to the required standards. Media tools available in most smartphones can capture pictures at checkpoints. These images or videos create a digital paper trail to support provable service delivery.
These types of features are also available in an integrated workforce management solution that is designed to help reinforce the work that your janitorial maintenance staff completes. Proof of service tools can be combined with business intelligence tools to offer employers key data that can also corroborate a business case in regard to performed janitorial services.
Impact of COVID-19 on the cleaning industry
The COVID-19 pandemic had a global impact that dramatically changed the way office janitorial services are performed. Some of those changes continue to impact the industry. Specifically, there are increased demands from clients. They expect the same office building cleaning standards implemented during the pandemic.
To ensure contractors are able to meet those expectations, there are technical resources. These tools are developed to aid with the implementation and tracking of office janitorial services. Modern tech can also help companies meet the added expectations and pressure.
Finding out more information about software options designed for janitorial cleaning in office settings only takes a quick meeting. Request a demo today to meet with a TEAM Software expert. Learn detailed information on how our tools can help your business.