Changes Managers Can Expect For Their Departments

What are the biggest industry changes you’ve seen in the last 12 months?

Ada Baldwin, M.R.E.H., Director for University Housekeeping, North Carolina State University
Staffing is an issue. Recruitment for entry-level positions and supervisors is becoming more difficult. And senior staff members are not able to maintain the increasing workloads.
We’ve also seen a lot of technological improvements regarding ergonomic equipment and labor saving devices, which are assisting in meeting cleaning standards while also improving health of staff and building occupants.

Babette Beene, Manager, Environmental Services, Building Care and Operations, Patient Care and Prevention Facilities, University of Texas, MD Anderson
In terms of staffing, it’s important to ask more relatable questions during the interview process. New employees need to know what to expect from the job and managers need to know what they can expect from a new recruit.
There has also been a push for productivity. We are trying to improve the efficiency of our staff by creating a more standard cleaning procedure that will work in most instances. Whether it’s the process or the equipment, we’ve been conducting time studies to determine what improvements can be made.

Gene Woodard, R.E.H., Director of Building Services, University of Washington
Improvements have been made to the reliability of battery-operated backpack vacuums, as well as to the harnesses. This eliminates cord management, cords getting jammed under chairs, and it prevents custodians from bending over to plug and unplug the machines. 
In Seattle, the $15 per hour movement prompted us to give raises to our team members who were below $15. Wages for entry-level workers are not keeping up with the rising cost of living in Seattle but this was a move in the right direction. We were also able to negotiate salary increases over the next two years for our team members.

Sandra Harshman, Custodial Superintendent, McCarran International Airport
Progress has been made in product and equipment technology. Many equipment manufacturers are providing asset management software on their equipment that tracks usage, location and maintenance issues. Paper manufacturers are introducing smart restroom software that tracks when paper and soap need to be refilled, as well as the number of guests that use the facility. And many companies use a text messaging system to notify staff when the restroom needs attention.

What industry changes do you expect to see in the next 12 months?

Ada Baldwin, M.R.E.H., Director for University Housekeeping, North Carolina State University
I expect that a large number of staff members will continue to retire from the industry. This change in the workforce will change the roles of leaders. Management styles will evolve as new leaders emerge. In order to prepare for this transition, succession planning, training, and recruitment of qualified staff members is crucial.

Babette Beene, Manager, Environmental Services, Building Care and Operations, Patient Care and Prevention Facilities, University of Texas, MD Anderson
Technology will change leaders. Using tablets and smart phones, we can eliminate concerns quicker, as opposed to writing everything down.

How should managers keep track of changes within the industry?

Ada Baldwin, M.R.E.H., Director for University Housekeeping, North Carolina State University
Managers can learn a lot from magazine articles, industry websites, social media, educational workshops, webinars, vendors, conferences and peers. Attending conversations with staff members is also important. This helps me understand their needs while searching for improved cleaning methods/equipment and supplies to assist with resolutions. Additionally, discussions with all generations within the workplace assists in understanding their views of the industry's future while building upon the past.

Babette Beene, Manager, Environmental Services, Building Care and Operations, Patient Care and Prevention Facilities, University of Texas, MD Anderson
I read industry publications and I’ve learned a lot from being involved in monthly meetings of my IEHA chapter. I also attend industry conferences whenever possible.

Doreen Bessert, C.E.H., Worksite Placement Coordinator, Custodial Supervisor and Central Purchasing Agent, Manitowoc County DPW
I try to stay informed of changes within the industry by reading the periodicals I receive, belonging to associations such as IEHA and ISSA, and networking with other facility managers. I also relying on the vendors I deal with — they have a wealth of information.

Gene Woodard, R.E.H., Director of Building Services, University of Washington
I in addition to reading cleaning industry publications, I stay current through books on leadership and process improvement. I also attend pertinent webinars and conferences.  I also network and attempt to share our experiences by serving on advisory boards and councils, and being an active IEHA member.

Michael Jones, Director of Custodial Services, Columbia Public Schools
Industry cleaning magazines and their websites provide valuable information of upcoming changes. I also rely on my key vendors to provide information of new products and technologies. I will also visit manufacturers and association websites looking for new items or information they may post.

Sandra Harshman, Custodial Superintendent, McCarran International Airport
There are many different ways to keep up with changes in the industry. To name a few: trade magazines, industry associations, and industry trade blogs. But some of the most valuable information resources we have are our local distributors and manufacturers. Our sales reps know what chemicals, equipment and processes we use daily and always keep us up to date on industry changes that would improve our processes and productivity.