processes is turning to technology for new advances and ideas. The growth of new technology over the past few decades has enabled new modes of teaching including computer-based, Internet-based and virtual classrooms, Levitt says. The drivers in the training industry today are cost per student and the cost of deliv-ery, and using technology, trainers like Levitt can deliver more training to more people at a lower cost. Electronic media also allows trainers like Levitt to capture the teaching of master teachers and make it available online to stu-dents around the globe. Equipment companies in the cleaning industry are taking advantage of electronic training offerings as well. Digital media libraries are an option for operator training videos and documents, says John Reed, director of training and sustainability with Betco Corporation. The digital training offerings are online and can be accessed and downloaded any-time, day or night, through a tablet applica-tion or through the scanning of a QR code. The graphic codes are included on the equipment, and a worker can scan the code for immediate access to the proper steps needed to prepare and operate a machine. “We’ve noticed that more and more peo -ple want to have the flexibility of utilizing the training when and where they want,” Reed states. “They can’t always be at the head -quarters with a training video.” In Griffin’s opinion, the future of training will be more interactive training options, including the utilization of specially-devel-oped video games. “The younger people that are coming into our industry, they’re used to playing games,” Griffin says. “My goal is to develop training programs that people can be so involved in and it’s so challenging and engaging and enjoyable that they don’t even realize they learned something.” Even so, these games will be developed especially to teach workers the skills and information they will need to complete a cleaning or maintenance task properly. Up to this point, these interactive, gam-ing-based training offerings have cost mil-lions of dollars to develop, and they have only been used by large corporations and the government. Griffin states his goal is to bring this train-ing option to the cleaning industry over a pe-riod of time in a more economical way. Ready For Results For the facility manager or BSC that offers training to his or her employees, what will be the verifiable advantages? It can be difficult to validate specific return on investment criteria for the cleaning in-dustry, but Griffin says training can provide improvements in: ■ Turnover rates for employees and accounts ■ Complaints ■ The cost of industrial insurance ■ Production rates ■ Quality inspections. Managers or owners who provide train-ing should be able to see a difference in the amount of time employees spend with an operation, the retention of their cleaning accounts and the amount of com-plaints they receive from their customers, Griffin states. In addition, industrial insurance and work-ers’ compensation insurance rates may de-crease due to fewer workplace accidents and injuries. “I think you can look at production rates and quality assessment inspection rates as well and put some numbers with those to validate that the training you’re doing is making a difference,” Griffin notes. This growing list of advantages should cause managers and contractors to gain a new interest in the training opportunities available to the cleaning and maintenance industry. “Most managers respect the impact of good training,” Levitt explains. “But for the most part the barrier is time to evaluate the offering and money.” Still, the comment that comes to Levitt’s mind when it comes to training is, “If you think training is expensive, try ignorance.” Griffin sees a bright future for companies and operations that offer proper, up-to-date training for their employees. “I can’t look at anything that we do … that is not in flux in some way right at this time,” Griffin concludes. “It’s a really exciting time in the cleaning industry, and I think that training plays a key role in our success.” CM GREASE WILL CEASE. Grease can accumulate in quarry tile and grout, causing slipping. In fact, slips are the No. 1 accident in the food service industry. 1 Clorox ® Professional Floor Cleaner and Degreaser Concentrate lifts out grease without harsh chemicals like butyl cellosolve and caustic — giving you a grip on the situation. Find more kitchen solutions at Cloroxprofessional.com SMART and TOUGH © 2013 Clorox Professional Products Company. 1. Busche, Linda. “Slip and Fall Claims Lead the List of Restaurant General Liability Insurance Claims.” Restaurant Insurance Corporation, December 6, 2004. NI-21495 FREE INFO: Reader Service 208 or CMMOnline.com/freeinfo www.cmmonline.com 13
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