The Many Reasons To Stop And Thank A Janitor

A reader writes: "You tend to make janitors look like they have real jobs that people want to do the rest of their lives. Don't you think that is a little much?"

Thanks for your candor but I believe that your perceptions are off and misplaced for many reasons. There are many of us whose first or second job was janitorial related and many of us have continued in that field. I personally worked as a janitor, lead worker, floor tech, supervisor, project manager, salesman and even business owner. It was and is honest work that serves a great purpose in today's world.

As I have stated in prior articles, would anyone miss your position if it was phased out due to cutbacks? Now ask would anyone notice if the trash was not pulled or the floors cleaned or the restrooms serviced? My recommendation to you is that instead of looking down on this very necessary trade, you should take a moment to thank a janitor.

Thank a janitor when you walk into a safe, clean building that was just serviced by a janitorial crew. Thank a janitor when you use a restroom that is clean, odor free and stocked with paper towels, soap and toilet tissue. Thank a janitor when you walk on a freshly polished floor that is attractive and slip free due to the skills of the cleaning service. Thank a janitor when you walk on fresh, odor free carpet that has been vacuumed and clean of spots and spills. Thank a janitor when your children go to a school that is cleaned and sanitized to limit the spread of pathogens. Thank a janitor when you or a loved one leaves a medical clinic or hospital that could have been a source of disease, instead of healing. Thank a janitor when your office trash is pulled, those food crumbs gone, and you make a great first impression on a customer who doesn't know how sloppy you actually are. Thank a janitor that you and millions of your associates can take for granted that someone will pick up and clean up behind you all.

Yes, someone has to do it and I suggest you thank a janitor for making your world clean, attractive and safe for not only yourself but also your loved ones.

Your comments and questions are important. I hope to hear from you soon. Until then, keep it clean...

Mickey Crowe has been involved in the industry for over 35 years. He is a trainer, speaker and consultant. You can reach Mickey at 678-314-2171 or CTCG50@comcast.net.