As a property manager, this may already be one of your top concerns. According to Buildings.com, wellness has become a major focus in facility management. In a 2017 survey, 80% of respondents “consider employee wellness to be an important factor in recruitment and retention, and more than 50% reported that they plan to seek external expertise to incorporate wellness into their buildings.”
Why is this? Although we all would like to think it’s a basic concern for our fellow humans, there is also the bottom line – illness leads to monetary losses for a business, and by extension, a property.
Why should cleaning of surfaces be a routine service on your property?
Clean and Disinfect Regularly
According to the Center for Disease Control, 80% of illness-causing germs are spread through touch, so cleaning and disinfecting surfaces regularly are the best way limit outbreaks of in an environment. Effective strategies also require a thorough approach that targets germs on both hard and soft surfaces.
Pay Attention to “High Touch” Surfaces
These tend to be the main sources of spreading bacteria and viruses, especially when located in communal areas. What high touch surfaces are your janitorial team covering on regular basis? Remember – viruses that cause the common cold and flu can survive on these surfaces for hours.
The following need to be disinfected daily:
- Phones
- Desks / Countertops
- Computer Keyboards
- Cash Register Keyboards/Screens
- Sink Faucets
- Elevator Buttons
- Door Handles
“Soft Surfaces” Need Disinfecting Too
Carpets, curtains, upholstery, and other soft surfaces can be germ reservoirs. The flu virus can survive 12 hours on these types of surfaces!
On the one hand, carpet acts as a filter by trapping allergens and keeping them out of the breathing zone. On the other hand, this “filter” needs to be cleaned, and not just when the dirt is visible.
Are these soft surfaces also being disinfected as a part of your ongoing facility service program?
Use Products Effectively
An experienced facility service provider that doesn’t cut corners will be using the right products in an efficient and effective manner. Their team members should be properly trained to clean thoroughly, and the facility service provider should be able to estimate the realistic amount of time necessary to do the job right. And it can’t be emphasized enough – make sure your service is regularly scheduled!
Reminders to Keep Clean
Although they should know better, people may need reminders to wash their hands after certain actions. Increasing awareness during flu season can help limit the spread of sickness. Thoughtfully placed signage can be useful here.
Remind people to wash hands after:
- Emptying wastebaskets
- Touching used tissues
- Coughing or sneezing
- Using the restroom
TWS Facility Services has decades of experience cleaning and maintaining the exteriors and interiors of properties. You can trust us to take a thorough and effective approach to combatting germs as a part of our janitorial service. By creating a regular service schedule, you can easily promote wellness in your facility and contribute to the health and wealth of all involved!
Need to improve your service plan? Contact us for a no-obligation chat about your concerns and learn about the options available: 888-883-1915