Being environmentally friendly needn't cost the earth!

Office and General take environmental responsibilities very seriously and are pursuing ISO 18001 which we hope to achieve very soon. One of our partners, Supplies House, are also continually striving to improve their environmental impact as the article below demonstrates - just click on the page to view it or alternatively you can visit the original, in this months online magazine, Tomorrows Cleaning on page 48. To access it just follow the link

http://content.yudu.com/A1n5iu/TomCleanMarch2010/resources/index.htm?referrerUrl=

What’s bin going on?

Our cleaning staff are noted for their discretion but you would be surprised at what we find in the bins at offices! There have been many strange and sometimes weird finds in what should really only contain a few pieces of scrumpled paper and maybe a sandwich wrapper.

Bins often tell a story, one employee told of how he would find an empty litre bottle of whisky each morning in the bin, this continued for some months then abruptly ended . More common are evidence of intimate relationships, sometimes by what you find in the bin and occasionally by accidentally walking into an office and witnessing things that you shouldn't – it is one of the perils of working very early in the morning or very late at night!

Other strange findings include 3 pairs of apparently unworn socks, 2 dozen eggs, a mannequins head with a wig and a suit jacket.

Finding beautiful flowers or a basket of fruit complete with card often makes us wonder why – a lovers tiff perhaps? Who knows the real life stories but we can only guess and wonder as we move about our cleaning.

Keeping ahead

Going the extra mile

Whilst talking to one of our cleaning operatives during the recent snowy weather I asked her why she had trudged through the snow and made it to work when most everyone else took one look out of their windows and decided to stay in bed. What is it that creates that special quality that we would like to inspire in all of our staff? What motivates people to achieve or do that little bit more? There is a belief that the underlying drive and determination are personality traits born and developed by either genetics or upbringing which partially they are. However, my thoughts are merely how we find these people and once we have found them what we can do to ensure that we keep that enthusiasm. Cleaning by its nature is often a thankless task, never ending and if done properly will probably go unnoticed! However, taking a little time and following the steps below will ensure you have the best service at all times. I researched* with our cleaning operatives and I have compiled the top 5 reasons your cleaners will go that extra mile –

1. They are acknowledged – a simple good morning if you pass them or a smile.
   
2. They are treated with respect – imagine how it would feel if you had spent a long time ensuring the floor was spotless to have someone trudge mud across it before you had even finished!
   
3. Occasionally notice and comment when things are done well – good cleaning is not particularly noticeable, only when it is done badly or areas missed does it become apparent!
   
4. Don't belittle them or their job – Unwittingly making comments or making personal assumptions about them will always create bad feeling and affect their performance. Would you put yourself out for someone who makes you feel bad?
   
5. Treat them how you would like to be treated!
   

All of the above should take very little time and reap rewards, after all how clean and sparkling your building is will make an impression on your clients.

* for research read having a coffee and a chat with quite a few.

Daytime dilemma

Might an investment in daytime cleaning be the way forward?

Towards the end of the day if your office is cleaned in the early morning will your customers arriving at your premises late in the afternoon have the same standards and perceptions of cleanliness as those arriving first thing? The answer is most probably no.

The answer to this is to introduce daytime cleaning schedules to ensure that the clean and fresh building achieved in the morning is kept sparkling through the day.

The strategy presents challenges for the O&G team in terms of ensuring work patterns fit in with customer need and assessment of cleaning equipment. Health and Safety issues are one of the considerations if cleaning operatives are working whilst other people are in the building. But all of these issues are not a problem for our account managers who are experienced and well trained.

However, the benefits are that your customers who expect high standards have the levels they demand. There are also unexpected positive outcomes which are not so evident initially. Cleaning operatives have more contact with office staff and this provides for better communication and creates a feeling of inclusion which, in turn, creates better staff retention. It enables a 'one team' approach and ensures that our passion for training combines with your company ethos.

If you are interested in investigating the possibilities then call us now on 0208 206 6363.

Cleaners save the day

Cleaners rewarded to save a building

Office and General cleaning operatives really are worth their weight in gold – or maybe more! Whilst working at one of our prestigious buildings in the city 2 of our cleaning staff noticed what they thought was smoke coming from a cupboard and realised something wasn't quite right. Whilst many of us may have panicked and ran away leaving the building as fast as possible these two quick thinking staff didn't.

They called the fire brigade calmly and also ensured all doors were shut to stop fire spreading. They also were able to meet with fire crew to explain and answer any questions.

The client rewarded them with a gift of a Rolex watch each – worth more than its weight in gold!

What does the year ahead hold?

The year ahead and staying ahead

With the current business climate some thoughts about what the focus for service industries should be to ensure success for 2010.

Customer Service
Now is the time to focus on top customer service it is far more effective to keep the customers you have as in the current economic climate it is much harder to attain new ones. Think about the types of clients you already have and look to develop business in similar areas.

Focus
What is it that your company does supremely well? Ensure you are working as efficiently across all areas of the company and stay focused on what you are trying to achieve. Are you ensuring all of your processes, including cashflow and credit control are working as efficiently as possible.

Align with your people
Look after and reward your good staff well. 2010 should be a year for focusing even more on making sure that your people understand your corporate goals and that how they, as employees, fit within the structure.

Why are you special?
What are you good at? Make sure you know, ensure your staff know and make sure you promote it at every opportunity. Environmental developments and Corporate Social Responsibility should be included.

Use Technology
New technology offers opportunities to ensure your managers have greater visibility on individuals, which can make managing easier and provide opportunity for measurable and focused incentives.

Keep moving forward
Do not fall into the trap of believing if you just sit it out or wait till the recession ends you can survive and wait till the economy improves. Your competitors will be moving forward, developing new systems, building customer relationships so if you do nothing you risk being overtaken.