The International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA), a non-profit organization providing education and resources to individuals who manage professional cleaning operations, announced the availability of a new complimentary guide to help cleaning professionals plan and promote activities during International Housekeepers Week (IHW) held Sept. 11-17, 2016.

“Cleaning is often a thankless job, so IEHA developed IHW to celebrate the millions of hard working people who help clean and maintain buildings throughout the globe,” said Michael Patterson, President, IEHA. “Our 2016 IHW Event Guide is designed to help anyone create a memorable week of activities--from a recognition breakfast to a Housekeeping Olympics--so that their staff can feel appreciated.”

IEHA’s 2016 IHW Event Guide includes a brief overview of the history of IHW, ideas for celebration events and activities, a full listing of Housekeeping Olympic events and time suggestions, suggested housekeeping staff awards, a full public relations and marketing guide including tips for spreading the word on social media, and the 2016 IHW Proclamation.

For the past 35 years, cleaning professionals across the globe have celebrated IHW to promote their department. The inaugural event took place in 1981 with the theme “Have You Hugged Your Housekeeper Today?” IHW is held the second full week of September every year, and is celebrated in a wide variety of institutions, including hotels, hospitals, government buildings and schools. The theme of this year’s IHW is “Thank a Cleaner.”

In addition to the 2016 IHW Event Guide, IEHA members will receive exclusive access to a variety of downloadable templates and promotional materials to help make their event a success. This includes a poster file, social media images, the official 2016 IHW logo, press releases and media advisories.

“In addition to helping cleaning workers feel appreciated, IHW is also a great way to promote the importance of cleaning in keeping a building safe and occupants healthy,” added Patterson. “The more awareness we create for this critical aspect of our businesses and building operations, the cleaner our buildings will be.”

To download IEHA’s 2016 IHW Event Guide, please go to: www.ieha.org/ihw.