Facility Managers Use Data To Support Cleaning Initiatives

Do you know someone who is an over-sharer? They are blunt and say exactly what they are thinking, good or bad. Sound familiar?

In my experience, there can be pros and cons to people like this. If the news is good and they're sharing praise, these individuals are our best friends. But if the news is bad, they are being critical or pointing out errors, we'd prefer if they just kept quiet.

Although that is true, in my experience, knowledge is power and the truth will set you free. I'd rather know about mistakes so I can learn from them (and never make them again). I also want to be armed with facts to support a claim or decision — good or bad — so I can confidently argue my point.

These facts are overwhelmingly the main request I receive from my readers, too. Facility cleaning managers are at an interesting crossroads where the economy is recovering, but budgets and staffing… aren't. Meanwhile, demands to improve infection control, reduce slips and falls, protect from foodborne illnesses, etc. are increasing by the day. The demands on departments are peaking and managers are struggling to advocate for more staff, new equipment and bigger budgets.

In our cover story, "Cracking The Code," we hope to provide the ammunition managers need to properly argue their case. By outlining the ramifications of reduced cleaning frequencies, improper staffing and lax protocols, managers should be able to advocate for what they need.

Use this data to support the importance of cleaning. Be an over-sharer, be blunt and showcase the good and bad that can come from your department. For example, obviously there is a cost to a proper floor care program. It requires staff time, equipment, chemicals and training. These are investments for departments. But, does that cost outweigh the expense of litigation resulting from just one slip-and-fall accident?

What about the departmental funding for infection prevention in a healthcare setting? What is the cost of maintaining a clean environment when compared to fees associated with just one hospital-acquired infection?

I encourage you to use this data to advocate for cleaning and grow your department. The goal is always fewer situations where you are learning from mistakes and more where you are sharing successes.

If you're looking for even more data to fight your cause, take a look at our "Cleaning Costs and Frequencies Report" available here.