FM newsroom – facility management. Cleaning teams face challenges such as long shifts, physically draining environments, and managing heavy equipment. These factors can lead to staff turnover and health issues, affecting operational success.
Cleaning workers are often asked to work extended shift patterns, perform consistently within a physically and mentally draining working environment, and use heavy cleaning equipment. As a result, valued cleaning staff may decide to leave their jobs. For others, the consequences of workplace-related physical injuries and health issues mean they are unable to work for extended periods.
Reduced workforce availability can make matching expectations challenging, which is why tackling the underlying causes of labour disruption makes good sense. Here are five strategies Buildings Magazine claims to be effective for keeping cleaning teams healthy and productive.
1. Prioritize workforce well-being
Labour costs remain a significant expense in cleaning operations, making hiring and retaining skilled staff essential. Success in this area involves:
- understanding team members’ diverse skill levels and physical capabilities,
- scheduling them accordingly,
- equipping them with ergonomic, user-friendly cleaning tools.
2. Adopt smart cleaning technologies
Traditional cleaning equipment design has often prioritized performance over user experience. While improvements in functionality have driven machine development, the focus has historically been on the equipment rather than the operator.
However, new-generation cleaning solutions prioritize the user. These innovations incorporate intuitive, adaptable, and ergonomically designed communal cleaning machines. By addressing physical challenges and improving safety, these solutions enhance worker well-being, reduce turnover, and boost operational efficiency through faster task completion.
3. Seek personalized solutions
Modern cleaning tools must address the specific needs of cleaning staff, reducing physical strain and injury risks. These people-centered designs improve employee engagement, retention, and satisfaction. For example, digital interfaces on machines can be tailored for individual users, with PIN-protected access that simplifies setup. Features like automatic chemical and water management ensure the precise use of materials, saving resources while enabling consistent performance.
4. Eliminate workplace strain
Ergonomics plays a critical role in mitigating physical discomfort and preventing injuries in the cleaning industry. Machines designed with adjustable digital settings can align with users’ height and strength, reducing the strain associated with repetitive tasks. Ergonomically designed tools that adapt to employee needs can significantly improve the retention of skilled staff, helping them stay healthy and productive.
5. Focus on functional advantages
Cutting-edge machines with intuitive controls and quick-start functions streamline operations, allowing employees to begin tasks promptly and efficiently. By blending digital precision with ergonomic design, these tools empower cleaning teams to perform better while safeguarding their health.
Implementing a people-first approach to cleaning operations drives productivity and ensures commercial success. By investing in employee-centric cleaning solutions, businesses can cultivate a healthier, more satisfied workforce, ultimately transforming operational outcomes.
