Listen: COVID increasing our recognition and appreciation of Britain’s cleaners

Cleaners are often referred to as the ‘invisible workforce’. Cleaning public spaces has traditionally been kept well away from the public, often late at night, or during less busy hours. Many of us will admit turning up to work, or rushing to an airport, without any comprehension of who emptied the bins or washed the floors. Now however, physically seeing cleaning happening, is proving to be the key factor in gaining back public confidence.

Independent research commissioned by ABM UK, the UK’s leading provider of integrated facility maintenance, has shown that the mere sight of disinfection happening in public spaces, goes a very long way indeed. 61% of those surveyed said that seeing cleaners in public spaces made them feel safer and nearly half (48%) agreed it reminds them to stay alert. Crucially, 45% of respondents said that the visibility of cleaning in progress would encourage them to return to a public space, whether that’s an office space, shopping centre or airport.

COVID-19 has been a real turning point for the facilities services industry. It has now gained national awareness and represents a gateway for business to reopen and stay open. As the UK continually adapts to changing restrictions and we navigate through the winter season, it seems that businesses who want to instil confidence in their customers, must bring their cleaning and disinfection practices out for the public to see. When it comes to cleaning in 2020, seeing is believing.

Aston spoke to Adam Baker, director at ABM UK to discuss the important role of cleaners and how businesses are adapting their cleaning procedures to keep the public safe.

Photo by Oliver Hale on Unsplash