Cleaning workers have a very labor-intensive and often thankless job. In honor of International Housekeeper’s Week (September 9-15, 2012), Cintas Corporation announced seven tips to help businesses show their housekeeping staff appreciation for helping provide a safer, cleaner and healthier indoor environment. These tips are designed to help reduce strain, boost morale and improve work conditions for cleaning staff throughout the year.

The following tips show housekeepers appreciation year round:

1) Lead by example. Housekeepers truly appreciate a manager who understands what they do. Demonstrating a solid understanding of cleaning procedures and approaching training with sleeves rolled up will go a long way with workers. Additionally, when results and performance are audited, housekeepers will know that management fully understands their job responsibilities.

2) Solicit feedback. To ensure that cleaning staff needs are fulfilled and job satisfaction remains high, ask for feedback. Listen to their thoughts on work conditions, equipment, supplies and current procedures. Enforce an open-door policy for feedback and provide a suggestion box. Make sure they understand the importance of their feedback and its influence on management.

3) Provide fully stocked carts. Ensure that housekeeping carts are consistently stocked and replenished before each shift. By providing adequate supplies, housekeepers will be better equipped to quickly clean buildings and replenish supplies, limiting unnecessary trips to storage closets. Employees will feel appreciated when they know they have the tools and supplies required for daily cleaning activities and do not have to hoard items.

4) Improve ergonomics. Reduce everyday physical strain by providing tools and equipment designed to ease housekeeping duties and limit injury. Ergonomically-designed brooms and mops can effectively reduce bodily strain and fatigue. Ensure that cleaning equipment is lightweight to increase ease of use and movability around tight corners. Place anti-fatigue matting in laundry areas or other locations where workers stand for long periods to time to minimize strain. Safety matting also effectively reduces likelihood of slip-and-fall accidents while housekeepers move quickly through the facility.

5) Keep workers safe. Provide tools and equipment that demonstrate an ongoing commitment to housekeeper safety and health. Install chemical dispensing units in storage areas to prevent workers from improperly mixing chemicals. Additionally, provide personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves to limit employee exposure to bacteria and chemicals. Ensure that housekeepers have access to fully stocked first aid kits to help combat common ailments experienced while working, such as headaches or cuts. Replenish first aid kit contents on a rotating basis to treat seasonal conditions such as allergies and the cold.

6) Partner with deep cleaning experts. Reduce intensity of housekeeper’s daily work by partnering with a service provider for more rigorous cleaning processes. Schedule regular carpet and tile deep cleanings throughout all areas to simplify daily tasks and revitalize buildings. Additionally, consider A/C coil cleanings to improve indoor air quality and boost effectiveness of daily cleanings. These services will reduce daily strain on housekeeping staff by leaving more intensive processes to service providers.

7) Remember to say "thank you." Express your appreciation for cleaning staff by constantly reminding them how their work positively impacts others. Regularly acknowledge them to create an ongoing sense of gratitude among staff and management. Make sure that cleaning staff are always invited to organization-wide events and included in planning processes. To further express appreciation, consider hosting an annual event or day specifically for cleaning staff and their families.