Category: GSF News

During the COVID-19 pandemic, facility managers have had to determine how best to disinfect the buildings they oversee. Some facilities remained open to the public and required frequent cleaning and disinfecting to address pathogens and instill confidence among the public. While many buildings closed temporarily, like office buildings, sports stadiums and convention centers, facility managers must have a plan for disinfecting as these facilities reopen for returning workers and scheduled events. Our considerations for disinfecting help facility managers identify solutions that meet their employees’ and visitors’ needs and enable more effective and efficient disinfection.  

Disinfecting’s Role in Health and Safety 

Cleaning is a necessary step for maintaining appearance in buildings because it helps remove soils from surfaces. Meanwhile, disinfecting is a method for maintaining health and safety. Disinfecting takes place after cleaning is complete. The process kills bacteria and fungi and inactivates viruses that can be transferred to people and make them ill. Some pathogens can live for hours or even days on surfaces like desks, phones, shopping carts, elevator buttons and more.  

Regular disinfecting plays an essential role in upholding public health during a pandemic and even under normal conditions. In fact, disinfecting is frequently key to minimizing the scope and severity of outbreaks. The proper application significantly reduces the spread of germs that can cause SARS-CoV-2, influenza, norovirus, MRSA and other conditions. There are many different disinfecting solutions on the market, and different ways to apply these products. This can make facility managers’ roles even more complex.   

Key Questions around Disinfecting Your Building

There are certain disinfecting considerations that every facility manager should review to maintain the safest buildings possible, including: 

• Is your disinfectant safe?  There’s a reason this consideration is listed first. It’s the most important because many new products and application methods have emerged and gained popularity during the pandemic. Your disinfectant must be safe for your employees, your surfaces, your environment and your facility’s visitors.  Look for a solution that will not irritate eyes and skin, especially since employees will regularly use this disinfectant. The chances are that if the disinfectant is safe for cleaning professionals, it will be safe for those entering your building. The best disinfectants don’t leave residues behind that can damage surfaces or fragrances and fumes in the air that aggravate conditions like asthma and allergies. Safe disinfectants support good indoor air quality (IAQ) and public health. Those made from water, salt and electricity, referred to as electrochemically-activated solutions (ECAS), are not only safe for people, they are safe for the planet.  

• Do employees know how to apply your disinfectant properly? Having the right products is critical, but so is using them correctly. When selecting a disinfectant and any non-traditional application equipment, like electrostatic sprayers rather than spray bottles, make sure that it will be easy to train employees to use these solutions. Employees will need to follow the manufacturer’s dwell time, or the time that the surface remains wet with the solution. Employees may also need to wipe the surface after the disinfectant is applied. In some cases, disinfectant will need to be applied more than once to keep the surface wet for the required dwell time. Adhering to these best practices ensures that the disinfectant can achieve its kill claims.  

• What is the expiration date of your disinfectant?  Products work best if they are used ahead of their expiration date. This will vary depending on the type of solution you are using. For example, ECAS are most potent in the first thirty days. For this reason, building service contractors typically install an on-site generator in the facility to create disinfectant on demand. While it’s likely that your employees will be regularly disinfecting and won’t be keeping products on the shelf for too long, some facilities have stockpiled disinfectants to avoid shortages that occurred early on in the pandemic. Always use a disinfectant that is closest to expiration before using newly purchased solutions. Consider organizing spray bottles in your janitorial closet so the products nearest to expiration are at the front and easily accessible.    

• What is the anticipated frequency of disinfecting in your facility?  The frequency of disinfecting is likely to fluctuate over time, given that cases of COVID-19 are declining in many areas, and winter typically brings an increased number of cases of cold and flu. Create a schedule based on factors like building occupancy figures, the number of days per week people will have access to the facility and the likelihood of illness transmission. This is typically higher in places like schools and healthcare facilities. Notify staff of their responsibilities and roles related to disinfecting and make them aware of changes in disinfecting frequency as soon as possible.  

The Do’s and Don’ts of Disinfecting Your Building

When it comes to disinfecting, following best practices can lead to better results for your facility, cleaning staff and guests. Providing employees with safe, sustainable solutions is of the utmost importance. Equally crucial is training these cleaning professionals to correctly apply disinfectants, as products are the most effective when employees follow the manufacturer’s instructions. While different buildings will take different approaches to disinfecting based on foot traffic, cleaning schedules and other factors, it is necessary that facility managers have a clear plan in place for cleaning and disinfecting over the long term. 

Don’t leave disinfecting to those who aren’t skilled to do it properly. At GSF USA, we have decades of experience cleaning and disinfecting. Contact us to learn more, and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook for the latest company news. 

The Challenge 

Saint Clement School is a private Catholic institution in Chicago serving approximately 300 students from pre-school through eighth grade. As the COVID-19 outbreak intensified, Saint Clement began using higher volumes of cleaning and disinfecting solutions to ensure they were creating a safe and healthy environment for students. The school also deployed electrostatic sprayers to disinfect classrooms each evening, stretching its supply of cleaner and disinfectant to the limit.  

To meet new cleaning demands and take the best possible care of its students, Saint Clement needed a different approach that allowed for more frequent cleaning and disinfecting without threatening supply. The school also wanted to be sure it could clearly communicate the reasons for and the benefits of the new cleaning program to parents and faculty. 

To address these challenges, Saint Clement turned to its trusted building service contractor, GSF USA, to recommend meaningful changes to the school’s cleaning program.  

Solution 

GSF recommended Saint Clement use electrochemically-activated cleaning and disinfecting solutions, also known as ECAS. These innovative solutions are generated on campus and harness the power of simple chemistry to clean surfaces and combat pathogens. GSF trusted PathoSans®, a leader in ECAS, to install and maintain their on-site generation (OSG) system, which creates one multi-purpose cleaner, PathoClean®, and one sanitizer/disinfectant, PathoCide®. 

The PathoSans ECAS are an ideal fit for Saint Clement for the following reasons: 

Consistent supply.

ECAS remedied the issue of unreliable supply because GSF’s employees can generate the solutions on demand and increase the volume to clean more frequently. In addition to increased concerns around health related to the pandemic, large spaces like cafeterias and gymnasiums require access to a steady supply of cleaning solutions. Fortunately, the OSG system can create enough solution to clean any facility, no matter the size. 

Effective against pathogens.

The PathoSans ECAS are extremely effective on a wide variety of surfaces, especially when used in a simple two-step cleaning process. First, PathoClean removes soils from high-touch surfaces such as desks, windows, floors, doors and gym equipment. Then, PathoCide targets exposed pathogens, inactivating viruses and killing bacteria and fungi. PathoCide is proven effective against SARS-CoV-2 in one minute on a pre-cleaned surface. In addition, it is effective against Influenza A virus, Norovirus, E. Coli and numerous other pathogens of concern. Preventing the spread of disease with effective cleaning and disinfection is critical for keeping students, staff and visitors safe and healthy. 

A responsible choice.

The ECAS are non-irritating to eyes and skin and contain no added fragrance, thereby avoiding allergy triggers. Their effectiveness helps protect students and staff by thoroughly removing and inactivating pathogens without the added hazards many conventional chemicals create. For instance, with ECA solutions, the school’s physical education teacher can disinfect gym equipment without bleach, eliminating the strong odor and health risks associated with the chemical. 

GSF and PathoSans helped educate Saint Clement’s parents and staff to give them confidence in ECAS, delivering clear communication about the steps cleaning professionals were taking and why. The more that parents and teachers learned, the more they appreciated this shift to more sustainable and responsible cleaning. 

“We knew the goal was to keep students as consistently safe and healthy as possible by harnessing the power of cleaning and disinfection,” said Magda Hernandez, GSF’s facility manager for Saint Clement School. “The PathoSans system improves our ability to protect the well-being of students without interruption, during the pandemic and beyond.” 

The Results 

Saint Clement and GSF USA successfully transformed the school’s cleaning program using the PathoSans on-site generation system and ECAS. GSF can now clean and disinfect more frequently during the day and use electrostatic sprayers at night, without worrying about running low on solutions or releasing caustic ingredients into the air. 

In addition, parents can trust the school’s new cleaning and disinfecting program to better protect the health and safety of their children. They can have peace of mind knowing the school is investing in an effective, consistent and responsible cleaning program tailored to meet its specific needs. 

“Parents send their children to Saint Clement for our commitment to care deeply for our students,” said Fran Kucich, assistant principal, Saint Clement School. “GSF and the PathoSans system have allowed us to elevate that standard of care to meet today’s concerns and expectations. We are thrilled to have discovered our long-term solution for cleaning our campus and protecting our entire community.” 

Download the PDF here: Saint Clement School Case Study

 

Opportunity: Taking Clean to the Next Level

Hickory Creek Middle School in Frankfort, Illinois, sees nearly 900 students, grades 6-8, come through its doors every day during a typical school year. Part of the school district’s mission is to provide students with a “quality learning environment.” Keeping a clean environment is one way to help students and staff focus on what is important – high academic standards and levels of excellence. In other words, “we care about clean,” says Grant Mackall, Branch Manager at GSF USA, building service contractor for Hickory Creek Middle School.

In order to maintain the highest standards of clean and to match their academic standards, GSF USA partnered with ICE Robotics, a global leader in the cleaning industry. Together they decided to add Whiz, an autonomous vacuum sweeper, to the cleaning team to allow janitorial staff to focus on more detailed, deep cleaning.

Part of the challenge for the GSF staff at Hickory Creek Middle School was being able to free up people to focus on more detailed tasks. Two of the seven hours a day were spent vacuuming, not giving the staff enough time to focus on other pertinent tasks. “We want to improve the availability of our people to focus on other high-level activities. We don’t want to replace people, we want to take the clean to the next level,” said Grant. By adding Whiz, GSF has been able to help the janitorial staff reallocate labor for a higher quality clean.

Solution: Addition to the Staff

ICE Robotics worked on site with the GSF and Hickory Creek teams to show them how to set up Whiz and teach cleaning routes. Hilda Arredondo, Account Manager of the cleaning staff at the school said, “Whiz is really simple to set up and easy to use.”

Hilda deploys Whiz in five minutes and runs routes every day in the entryways, hallways and open areas, as opposed to the old riding cleaner that requires two hours per day. GSF’s staff has noticed a difference in the cleanliness of carpets based on the amount of dust and dirt Whiz picks up – it captures much of what goes “unseen.”

Results: A Cleaner Environment for Students

Hilda says, “Whiz has given me and my staff a lot of extra time to accomplish our work.” By deploying Whiz, the GSF staff has freed up an additional two hours of time each day to focus on other high priority jobs. The time back has allowed them to focus on sanitizing, dusting and deeper cleaning in the bathrooms.

Overall, adding Whiz has freed up 10 hours of work a week. By the end of the year, the staff will save 520 hours, giving the cleaning staff 520 hours of production time back to focus on higher priority cleaning. This new level of clean allows students and faculty to focus on what is important: achieving academic excellence!

Download the case study here: GSF USA and Whiz at Hickory Creek Middle School_Case Study

 

As summer ends, students, faculty and staff return to educational facilities for the new school year – some for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began. While the percentage of people vaccinated continues to rise, schools will need to prepare for the forgotten viruses – norovirus and influenza. The 2020/2021 flu season was mild thanks to social distancing and other protective measures, but as schools return to their traditional learning environments, following proper cleaning protocols to prevent the spread of germs and harmful pathogens will be critical. 

Facility managers should approach cleaning holistically and sustainably to support a safe and healthy environment when preparing to reopen. From disinfecting high-touch surfaces to promoting good indoor air quality (IAQ), consider the following best practices for a successful start to the new school year.  

Increase cleaning frequency for high-touch surfaces. 

Surfaces such as door handles, light switches, desks and chairs are breeding grounds for germs and harmful pathogens in schools. They pose a risk of spreading germs if not cleaned properly and regularly. Wipe down high-touch surfaces multiple times a day, even if most students, faculty and staff are vaccinated. Remember, schools must be prepared for other contagious illnesses such as norovirus, which can live on surfaces for up to two weeks, and influenza, which can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours.  

Annually, teacher absences cost schools more than $25 billion, with substitute teachers costing schools nearly $4 billion. Student absences can hinder engagement and learning. Sanitized and disinfected surfaces make it less likely for students or teachers to become sick.  

Use sustainable chemicals.

It’s critical to consider the safety of building occupants and cleaning staff when developing and executing a cleaning program. Products created with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) negatively affect the environment and indoor air quality. Using safe and sustainable cleaners and disinfectants that meet efficacy standards can help schools avoid causing harm to students and staff.  

For instance, electrochemically activated solutions (ECAS) are cleaners and disinfectants created using salt, water and electricity and an on-site generator. With solutions made from three safe and easily accessible ingredients, schools can avoid aggravating health conditions such as asthma in students and staff while reducing their environmental footprint. If you’re unsure of which products to use, look for solutions or cleaning programs that are certified by reputable organizations such as Green Seal. These certifications confirm that the product or program has undergone rigorous testing to evaluate its effectiveness and safety.  

Invest in high-tech equipment.

High-tech equipment, such as on-site generation (OSG) and robotic floor care equipment, can help schools provide a cleaner learning environment by increasing the productivity of cleaning professionals. For example, robotic floorcare equipment allows cleaning staff to revitalize floors, which experience the most wear and tear in educational facilities, and focus on other high-priority needs.  

On-site generation enhances a school’s readiness to clean by creating a cleaner/degreaser and a disinfectant/sanitizer in a school’s custodial closet. Custodians can easily dispense these solutions into spray bottles, mop buckets and floor care equipment tanks. During the pandemic, many schools struggled to find cleaning chemicals because of the disruption in the supply chain. OSG offers a reliable supply of cleaning solutions and ensures consistency in cleaning results.  

Improve IAQ.

Poor IAQ can cause a plethora of issues for students and staff, who spend about 1,000 hours in classrooms each school year. Symptoms of indoor air pollution include fatigue, shortness of breath, hypersensitivity and allergies, sinus congestions, headache, coughing, sneezing and dizziness. If you notice these issues, it may be time to make improvements to your IAQ strategy.  

First, assess the school’s current IAQ levels to get an understanding of the baseline. An essential factor that promotes good IAQ is following a regular cleaning schedule. Daily cleaning helps remove particles in the air, on the surface, and carpet and flooring. For greater assurance that your cleaning is not contributing to poor IAQ, adopt green cleaning methods like using safe and sustainable solutions and high-tech equipment that thoroughly removes allergens and pollutants like dust, pollen and dander. Additionally, prioritize proper air filtration by performing regular ventilation checks.  

Clean Schools are Safe Schools 

Now more than ever, it’s important to follow cleaning protocols closely to prevent the spread of germs throughout schools. By following these best practices or partnering with a building service contractor to take on the higher cost of high-tech equipment and time-consuming cleaning tasks, school facility managers can maintain a healthy school environment.  

Keeping students, faculty and staff safe is key to avoiding absences and school closures. Contact us to learn how we can support your school’s cleaning needs and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook for updates.  

 

Challenge

Founded in 1897, Alliance Francaise de Chicago is part of an international network of over 1,100 Alliances and affiliated cultural centers worldwide and the second oldest Alliance Francaise in the United States. From preschool programs to kids and teens classes to workshops to summer camps, there are many activities and events that take place within the institution’s historic buildings in the heart of downtown Chicago.

With such a rich history and robust educational offerings, Alliance Francaise de Chicago prides itself on continuing its long tradition of celebrating the French language and culture for its nearly 2,000 members. Creating a welcoming environment for all ages and levels of French is key. Cleanliness plays an important role in making members feel comfortable.

“When you are part of a community, you have a responsibility to help support that community,” said Mary Ellen Connellan, Executive Director, Alliance Francaise de Chicago. “We want to give our students, teachers, administrators, parents and others peace of mind that our facility is clean and safe so they can focus on cultural enrichment.”

Solution

Over the course of the pandemic, Alliance Francaise de Chicago implemented a hybrid approach to learning and engagement. The availability of online classes and on-site classes, private lessons and events have enabled members to take full advantage of the cultural center’s offerings, even during the most challenging times. To ensure the safety of both children and adults, a strategic approach to cleaning and disinfection was paramount.

To improve the facility’s readiness to clean during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, Alliance Francaise de Chicago’s trusted cleaning service provider, GSF USA, installed an on-site generator from PathoSans® in September 2020. Using water, salt and electricity, the system creates two electrochemically-activated cleaning and disinfecting solutions (ECAS).

The first solution, PathoClean®, is a multi-purpose cleaner that removes harmful collections of microorganisms called biofilms and prepares surfaces for disinfection. The other solution, PathoCide®, is a sanitizer/disinfectant that can kill 99.999% of bacteria in seconds and is effective against a range of viruses including SARS-CoV-2, the pathogen that causes COVID-19.

“Parents are rightfully concerned with their children, which is why we are dedicated to communicating the safety measures we have in place,” added Connellan. “PathoSans is a big part of our approach to safety. We know the solutions will not harm the environment and more importantly, they will not harm our students and staff.”

Results

Alliance Francaise de Chicago has benefitted from this enhanced approach to cleaning and disinfecting in several ways, including:

Improved cleanliness.

The on-site generator ensures cleaner and disinfectant are always available for GSF’s team. The PathoSans solutions effectively tackle visible soils and underlying pathogens, thereby improving the look and feel of surfaces. Additionally, the products do not leave behind chemical residue that can make surfaces appear dull or become dirty more quickly. The solutions have also been used to promptly clean up spilled liquids to avoid stains.

Noticeable drop in cases of illness.

Connellan notes that students are getting sick less frequently, including during flu season. Hand hygiene, social distancing and face coverings play a part in this positive trend, along with the fact that the school is regularly cleaning and disinfecting to reduce the spread of harmful pathogens that can survive on surfaces.

Greater assurance in student, staff and visitor safety and wellbeing.

“No one is breathing in harmful products,” says Connellan. This is because, unlike many conventional cleaning chemicals, the PathoSans solutions do not contain toxic ingredients, fragrances or dyes that can aggravate health conditions. They are just as effective at eradicating viruses, bacteria and fungi. This gives the school and its members confidence that pathogens of concern are being properly managed.

“Being transparent about the protocols we have is key,” added Connellan. “The extra measures our school has taken to clean and disinfect have made everyone feel very secure. PathoSans and GSF are a big part of our commitment to safety.”

Download the PDF here: Alliance Francaise de Chicago Case Study

It’s no surprise that flooring is one asset that regularly requires maintenance. Soft flooring like carpet is susceptible to frequent soiling and staining, especially in high-traffic settings like retail stores, airports, libraries and convention centers. Every day, your building’s occupants and visitors track loose dirt and wet contaminants like water and mud into the facility. Keeping these soils from impacting the look of carpet is crucial. Read on to learn best practices for prolonging the life of your flooring and upholding your brand image.  

The Case for Clean Carpet 

Clean carpet is aesthetically pleasing and sets the tone for every customer’s visit. Research shows that dirty carpet can lead to reputational damage and other problematic outcomes for organizations. According to a 2020 survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of carpet care system manufacturer Whittaker, 93% of Americans say dirty carpet would negatively impact their perception of a business. Thus, organizations risk upsetting and losing the majority of their customer base if they do not have a dedicated approach to carpet care in place.  

The survey revealed exactly how facility visitors would respond upon seeing dirty carpet. More than half of U.S. adults (58%) would assume the facility is not clean. In the wake of the pandemic, customers must believe in your facility’s commitment to maintaining clean environments. Additionally, 56% would look for an alternative facility to visit, leading to lost business that may be difficult to recoup. Half would spend less time in the facility. In places where goods and services are sold, like retail stores, hotels and convention centers, less time in the facility often translates to fewer sales. 

Tips for Five-star Flooring 

Keep carpet clean and extend its lifespan by implementing the following best practices: 

Install matting.

Matting is carpet’s first line of defense against soils because it removes the majority of contaminants from guests’ shoes before they reach carpeted flooring. It is much easier and cost-effective to remove and clean matting than it is to clean carpet constantly. Install matting at entrances, allowing for several feet to give visitors ample space to wipe and scrape the soles of their shoes. Matting is a year-round essential, though it is most crucial during wet seasons like winter when moisture from snow and ice melting products become stuck in shoe treads.  

Vacuum regularly.

It is easier to conduct more thorough carpet cleaning if you vacuum regularly to remove embedded soils from carpet fibers. While your vacuuming schedule will vary depending on foot traffic and typical weather patterns, it is recommended to do so consistently. This could mean daily or every other day.  

Thanks to improvements in technology, vacuuming is more efficient than ever. Consider implementing an autonomous vacuum sweeper that not only delivers a high-quality clean but proof of performance. At GSF USA, we rely on Whiz from SoftBank Robotics, powered by BrainOS, an operating system from robotics industry leader Brain Corp. Robotic vacuuming allows employees to focus on other high-priority tasks while floor care is completed. 

Address stains as soon as possible.

Spills are inevitable, but stains don’t have to be. Train custodial professionals to be on the lookout for spills throughout their shifts so these can be cleaned up promptly. To effectively remove stains and keep them from impacting the overall look of carpet, have a range of different stain removal solutions on hand. Some stains will be food- and beverage-based, while bodily fluids like blood and vomit may cause others. Employees should understand how to identify the stain type and apply the solution to maintain a like-new appearance.   

Keeping Carpet in Great Shape 

Every facility manager wants to impress their guests through cleanliness. Since flooring is often the first thing customers encounter upon entering a building, it must always look its best. By following the recommendations outlined above or working with a building service contractor to outsource carpet care, facility managers can ensure that carpet remains clean and lasts for years to come. This will result in improved guest satisfaction and translate to positive word-of-mouth, longer visits, increased sales and a stronger bottom line. Plus, less frequent replacement results in less landfill waste. With all of these benefits tied to floor care, it’s a must-have on your list of maintenance priorities.  

Carpeted flooring can last for many years if it is properly cared for regularly. Contact us to learn how we can support your carpet care needs, and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook for updates. 

 

As more facilities welcome employees and building occupants back at increased or full capacity, facility managers must remember that the public’s heightened awareness around cleanliness is here to stay. Knowing the role cleaning plays in helping to reduce the spread of illness, it is imperative that facility managers enhance their cleaning protocols to promote a culture of cleanliness. Moving forward, cleanliness protocols will likely impact employee retention, satisfaction and productivity as employees want to be reassured that their facility is keeping them as safe as possible.

Cleaning Up Old Habits: Instilling a Culture of Cleanliness

Many facilities will need to rethink their approach to cleaning as cleanliness continues to stay top of mind. A few considerations facility managers must take include:

Scheduling daytime cleaning.

A recent national survey found that nearly 90% of Americans want proof workplaces are being cleaned and sanitized regularly even after they have been vaccinated. Scheduling daytime cleaning reassures employees that
high-traffic areas and high-touch surfaces are being cleaned regularly. Making cleaning more visible stresses a facility’s commitment to cleanliness and builds trust with employees.

Additionally, a daytime cleaning schedule also supports the happiness and wellbeing of cleaning staff. This can improve productivity, cleaning performance and reduce turnover rates. Hence, shifting to a daytime schedule supports the bottom line and helps to foster a culture of cleanliness.

Cleaning for health and appearance.

Cleaning for appearance remains critical but facility managers must make cleaning for health a priority. It’s vital to implement cleaning solutions and equipment that can eliminate pathogens of concern, but are also sustainable. Sustainable cleaning products promote good indoor air quality (IAQ) and reduces cleaning’s impact on the environment, which further supports public health. In fact, a recent Harris Poll found that 1 in 2 U.S. adults believe buildings should follow sustainable cleaning practices.

One way to clean for health and appearance is to implement an on-site generation (OSG) system. OSG systems produce two electrochemically-activated solutions (ECAS) with just salt, water and electricity. ECAS are as effective as other cleaning products, but don’t use harsh ingredients or volatile organic compound (VOC) emitting chemicals. Similarly, verify if your service provider’s cleaning protocols are Green Seal® certified. Cleaning programs are required to go through a rigorous process to confirm whether they incorporate effective, sustainable cleaning and disinfecting procedures and equipment

Promoting good hand hygiene.

Proper hand washing is a pillar of cleanliness and infection prevention. In addition to cleaning protocols, it’s pivotal for facilities to promote proper hand washing techniques. Consider installing signs in restrooms that serve as a reminder to building occupants of the facility’s standards and commitment to cleanliness. Be sure that there’s an adequate supply of sanitizer and hand soap regularly.

Prioritizing training.

Training supports cleaning performance, safety and the continued success of cleaning professionals. It not only allows employees to feel more comfortable with the products and equipment they’re using, but also teaches them how to reduce waste and be more sustainable. Training improves cleaning consistency, which takes away from having to reclean or use more resources needed. It should be ongoing, starting with the onboarding process and continuing throughout their tenure.

Long-term Change for Long-term Results

The public’s perceptions of clean have been forever altered as a result of the pandemic, and facilities will need to adapt. As we grow closer towards a post-pandemic world, trust will be hard to earn and even easier to burn. Facility manager that are mindful of employees’ concerns and willing to work towards a culture of cleanliness will be better prepared for the future.

Do you need help bringing a culture of cleanliness to your facility? Contact us here to learn more about our offerings, and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook for updates.

In the latest edition of our quarterly spotlight, “Celebrating the People who Care about Clean,” we recognize the hardworking individuals who bring their best to GSF USA every day. One of the key differentiators at GSF is the way we treat our people. We focus on leading and developing our staff through ongoing training, education and support. By empowering employees to continually learn and improve, we enhance the level of clean in our customers’ facilities and build stronger teams.  

Thank you to our team for your dedication to delivering cleanliness for our customers and their customers. We couldn’t have done it without your efforts! 

30th Anniversary 

• Jerry B., General Manager, GSF Indiana: Jerry is integral to the success of GSF USA. For 30 years, he has held various sales and managerial roles and has served as General Manager of the Indianapolis market for 20 years. He is a go-to resource and mentor for our employees and has extensive experience and certifications around floor care. In his current role, Jerry oversees Human Resources, Customer Service, Sales and daily operations of all GSF Indiana sites, including The Overlook at Riverdale, Indiana Spine Hospital and BMO Plaza.  

 25th Anniversaries  

Our latest silver anniversaries include:  

• Daniel L., GSF Indiana 
• Abraham A., GSF Illinois 
• Jasel A., GSF Illinois
• Lisa C., GSF USA
• Mary M., GSF Indiana 

 20th Anniversaries 

For two decades, these team members have served GSF and their customers: 

• Sandra H., GSF Illinois 
• Armando M., GSF Illinois  
• Arlin T., GSF Indiana  

 15th Anniversary  

• Charles B., GSF Indiana  

 10th Anniversaries 

• Israel L., GSF Indiana  
• Libia F., GSF Illinois  

 5th Anniversaries  

• Alexis T., GSF Indiana 
• Olga P., GSF Indiana 
• Santos A., GSF Indiana
• Mauricio P., GSF Indiana 
• Gudelia R., GSF Indiana  
• Rafael G., GSF Indiana  
• Alberto L., GSF Ohio 
• Ramon A., GSF Ohio 
• Margarita E., GSF Indiana 
• Daniel R., GSF Indiana 
• Edgar L., GSF Illinois 
• Wioletta M., GSF Illinois 
• Francisco M., GSF Illinois 
• Suzanne D., GSF Illinois 
• David D., GSF Illinois 
• Maricela V., GSF Indiana 

 Would you like to join the GSF USA team? Visit our online careers page and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook for the latest hiring updates.  

With cleaning procedures, equipment and products continually evolving, ongoing training should be a point of emphasis for facility managers. Training supports cleaning performance, employee and building occupant health and safety, and professional development. While there are different ways to train staff, there are several universal do’s and don’ts that facility managers should consider to ensure their cleaning teams know how best to clean. 

The Need for Ongoing Training 

Training is the backbone of every successful cleaning program because it enhances safety and cleaning performance. Education makes employees more comfortable working with various chemicals, equipment and machines. This is especially important because innovative technology, products and practices are regularly being developed and new viruses can emerge. Cleaning programs looking to stay ahead need to continuously adapt their operations and keep experienced and new staff members aware of how to effectively clean. 

Additionally, ongoing training promotes employee development, making them feel valued and vital to the company. For instance, the 2019 LinkedIn Workforce Learning Report showed that 94% of employees are willing to stay at a company longer if it invests in helping them learn. Periodic training keeps employees engaged with their work and can also reduce the high turnover rate for custodial workers.  

Do’s and Don’ts for Better Employee Training

Behind every successful cleaning program is an effective training program that must consider several universal do’s and don’ts, including: 

• DO offer training in multiple formats to appeal to numerous types of learners, including hands-on training, classroom training, online training and written handouts with visual icons and graphics. Offer training in multiple languages to adequately educate those whose first language is not English. 
• DON’T introduce new chemicals, tools or equipment without first explaining their purpose and how to use them properly. This yields poor cleaning performance, risks damage to equipment and creates health risks for employees and building occupants.  
• DO stress reviewing labels, safety data sheets (SDS) and individualized literature for each chemical before using products and equipment. This enhances cleaning performance by ensuring products get applied correctly and to the right surfaces.
• DON’T implement products that could be harmful to employees, especially those with conditions such as asthma or allergies. The best way to avoid this altogether is by using green cleaning products that don’t contain volatile organic compounds, fragrances or dyes. 
• DO provide onsite training when staff begin working at new sites. When employees have to assess areas as they go, they are more likely to make mistakes and may need more time to complete tasks due to a lack of familiarity. The more information employees have about an environment, the more efficiently they can clean. 
• DON’T let staff operate equipment before demonstrating how to maintain and store it. Depending on equipment type, make, and model, there will be different requirements for keeping it in peak operating condition. Giving employees protocols specific to equipment at each site ensures consistent results and reduces replacement and repair costs.  
• DO create opportunities for feedback during training. Directly addressing areas needing improvement ensures cleaning is consistent and correct. Regularly give employees words of encouragement and praise. 
• DON’T expect newer staff to operate without any guidance or supervision. Turnover is often high in cleaning roles. While some employees may have previous cleaning experience, others may be new to the industry and it’s still important to train both equally. Have new employees shadow seasoned workers to reduce the learning curve and create less room for error. 
• DO indicate growth and leadership opportunities. Studies show that 74% of workers feel they aren’t achieving their full potential at work due to a lack of development opportunities. Letting employees know that you want to invest in them makes them feel valued and understand that their hard work won’t go unnoticed. 
• DON’T allow seasoned employees to fall behind. The longer employees follow the same habits, the more difficult it can be to introduce new products and practices. Designate time regularly to review company-wide cleaning standards as well as leadership habits.  

Cleaning Employee Training Yields Success

A cleaning program’s success is dependent on the professionals who complete daily cleaning tasks. Investing in regular and thorough training is key, as it leads to better, more consistent cleaning and employee retention and growth. Following the above best practices can help facility managers nurture a culture of learning and development. 

At GSF USA, we prioritize training because we care about people as much as we do clean. For more information, contact our offices here and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook for more information. 

Over the course of the last year, cleaning professionals have been more visible than ever by completing much of their work during the day. From using electrostatic sprayers in schools and on transportation systems like buses and trains to disinfecting in retail stores and airports, they are working to make these spaces safer. What will happen once concerns around COVID-19 dwindle? Read on as we explore the importance of daytime cleaning, now and in the future.  

Shining a Light on Daytime Cleaning Advantages 

There are numerous benefits related to daytime cleaning, including: 

Greater peace of mind for building occupants and guests.  

The pandemic caused a dramatic shift in expectations about cleanliness in public settings like retail stores, schools, commercial offices, and restaurants. Many facilities increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting so they could curb the spread of infections such as COVID-19. This also had another effect: building occupants and visitors could see these processes in action and feel safer knowing cleanliness was a priority.  

Day cleaning brings the cleaning process front and center, thereby demonstrating a facility’s commitment to protecting employees, guests and customers. As we progress towards a post-pandemic world, it will be important for organizations to remain committed to cleaning regularly when customers, employees and other building occupants are present.  

Better cleaning results.  

An advantage to daytime cleaning is that it typically leads to enhanced cleaning performance. There are several reasons why this occurs. Cleaning with natural light helps many cleaning professionals better address issues like carpet stains and the buildup of dust on surfaces. Additionally, other building occupants can interact with cleaning staff and have cleanliness concerns addressed more quickly than if employees were cleaning after hours.  

Environmental savings.  

Conducting cleaning during daytime and early evening hours can help facilities reduce reliance on HVAC systems and electricity. This can lead to lower energy bills, and can have a significant long-term impact on the bottom line, especially for larger buildings like convention centers, schools and commercial offices. Many facilities are looking for ways to limit their environmental impact. Daytime cleaning is a simple change that organizations can implement to cut energy consumption and realize other benefits as well.  

Enhanced employee morale.  

Cleaning professionals often have limited opportunities for flexibility in their roles. Many are accustomed to working nighttime hours. Transitioning employees to morning hours puts them back on a traditional work schedule, giving them time at home in the evenings. These schedules are preferred by employees. Offering morning hours can improve their job satisfaction and help them feel valued by their employer. Focusing on employee morale helps reduce turnover rates, which further improves the quality and consistency of cleaning results.  

Best Practices for Shifting your Cleaning Hours 

Facilities that wish to transition to daytime cleaning can consider the following recommendations to ensure success. 

Determine your employees’ preferences.  

It’s possible that not every employee will want to alter their schedule. Perhaps they already work a daytime shift for another employer and don’t have the flexibility to transition to daytime cleaning. Discuss options with your employees so that you can provide them with a schedule that works for their specific needs.  

Conduct interpersonal training. 

Employees may be approached by building guests while they are cleaning. Provide training on the types of inquiries they might receive so that they are comfortable interacting with others. For example, people may want to know more about the cleaning chemicals being used, cleaning frequency or whether a custodian can address a specific area of the building. If employees are confident, they’ll be more successful having discussions related to their roles.  

Select the right equipment.  

Noisy equipment will disrupt building occupants, especially in settings like offices, schools and libraries. Be sure to review the decibel level of machines like vacuums, carpet care systems and autoscrubbers to confirm they operate quietly while others are present. Keeping tasks as quiet as possible can avoid complaints and is one way to work harmoniously alongside facility guests.  

Making your Commitment to Cleanliness Clear 

There are many reasons to adopt daytime cleaning. From enhancing trust among building occupants and visitors to improving the consistency of cleaning results, facilities can realize the many benefits simply by shifting cleaning schedules forward slightly. Before making this change, it’s important to consider best practices so that daytime cleaning runs smoothly. By following the aforementioned strategies, organizations can transform their approach to cleaning and their workplace culture. 

Looking to implement a successful day cleaning program? Contact GSF USA here and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook for the latest updates.