cover story Final factors Variables to consider when looking to implement a cleaning strategy or shift working hours include the building’s size, its layout and any extraordinary needs, such as special events. “It all starts with determining cleanable square feet and drilling down to best meth-ods — labor, tools, schedules, [etc.] — that will optimize cleaning,” adds Allen Rathey, president of InstructionLink/JanTrain Inc. “[Remember,] small changes in scheduling can make a big difference. Identify the crit-ical from non-critical cleaning areas and frequencies; skip the non-critical and focus on the critical.” To increase productivity, Rathey also asks cleaners to look in the mirror with an open mind. “During a shift analysis, make sure workers get started working right away and make them accountable. Often, 15 minutes per worker is lost just getting started at the beginning of the shift,” says Rathey. Regardless of the cleaning strategy or the worker’s habits, without standardiza-tion and accountability, warns Harris, cleaning workers cannot validate true pro-ductivity rates. “The industry discussion of productivity is becoming meaningless and grossly mis-understood,” says Harris. However, adds Harris, when looking to improve morale and keep workers focused, select a system based on the fol-lowing factors: • System drives the work • Incorporates effective equipment, which requires fewer units • Has inspection built into the system. Every manager and owner is looking to save a buck today. Take notice of employ-ees’ work habits and explore different clean-ing strategies based of your facility’s needs. How fast can you see results in produc-tivity by switching to a strict cleaning strat-egy? “Literally, immediately,” concludes CM Greig. Photo courtesy of Rubbermaid Commercial Products Cleaning strategy specialists must be properly trained in order to maintain an effective system. In addition to performance and reduced noise, today’s cleaning equipment is con-sidered greener, which can also help pro-ductivity rates. And, an indirect benefit of a facility’s green initiative, customers are open to new ideas, such as unnecessarily removing trash from cubicles and offices every day of the work week — another productivity builder. Circle Product Information no. 202 on page 34 www.cmmonline.com 21
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