Cleaning your office regularly is critical.
But what makes the difference between a standard, plain cleaning job and the services provided by an Interactive Office Cleaning Company?
And how can these services bring added value to your business which then translates to increased revenue, boosted employee morale, and a positive brand image?
Keep reading to find out.
Features to Expect From Interactive Office Cleaning
Let’s start with the main question: What exactly is an interactive office cleaning company?
An interactive office cleaning company is usually innovative, uses electronic technology, and serves as a resource.
Many providers now embrace the idea of using an interactive office cleaning model. The term interactive is defined as a mutual activity or two-way communication. It suggests that activities are reciprocal, performed in real-time, or responsive.
Facility managers may now demand more from cleaning companies than simply free quotes, satisfaction guarantees, or have years of experience.
Business owners understand the importance of having a clean office, beyond the basic aspects of office cleaning services consist of dusting, trash removal, vacuuming, mopping, window washing, and cleaning horizontal surfaces.
How can you identify such interactive companies performing above and beyond the standard commercial cleaning services?
Here’s what you should look out for:
A Newsletter
Many service providers will interact with customers, colleagues, and others by creating a newsletter, typically released at regular intervals.
The content generally has some relevance to the industry the producer operates in. Newsletters represent an opportunity for adding some personality and may contain visuals such as photos, diagrams, or charts.
Articles
Many of those who are experts in an industry will create articles that may serve as an informational resource. They are open to sharing their knowledge and their articles can be a source of guidance to your needs.
For example, a commercial cleaning organization might create an article that explains why streaks sometimes occur in glass cleaning, and how to address the issue.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) are a resource that a prospective customer uses for a better understanding of how the operations work.
An example would be:
How are the rates for certain commercial cleaning tasks calculated?
Here, the company seeks to address the concerns that they believe are on the top of a potential customer’s mind.
Blog
While articles might be posted in news sources or industry publications, a blog is contained within a company’s site.
Many of those who subscribe to a newsletter might also subscribe to a blog when the content is valuable to them.
Articles might also be contained within blogs, however, posts to a blog tend to be shorter and reflect current issues.
The Number of Requests
Many office cleaning service providers will offer assistance for special events or other rarely occurring situations.
Whether you are hosting an event and you need assistance or are about to start a new remodeling project, a client-oriented and experienced team will always be there to support you, no matter the time of the day.
The Emergency Service
Some commercial service providers specialize in emergency services such as the restoration of property following an accident or calamity.
A business that experiences a fire, flood, or any other unforeseen situation might also consider requesting assistance from their existing cleaning company.
Below are some examples of situations that can happen and causes:
- Water Damage Restoration: Water damage may occur for a variety of reasons including a broken pipe or a severe rainstorm that flooded an area.
- Fire Damage Restoration: A fire could result from faulty electrical wiring or irresponsible behavior involving building occupants. Here, efforts may include removing soot from smoke and managing the water that was generated by the fire suppression equipment.
- Mold Remediation: Environments that have developed significant mold pose risks to the health of building occupants. Mold generally results from water damage or very high humidity. The CDC warns that mold may cause occupants to experience allergic reactions and serious problems for those with compromised immune systems.
Services Provided by the Office Cleaning Company
Many facility managers are actively seeking industrial cleaning services, office cleaners, and other providers of high-quality cleaning services.
The CDC and EPA have new recommendations regarding disinfection. Commercial cleaning companies must use compliant products for the removal of dirt, debris, stains, and grime.
High traffic or high-touch items also pose a threat and must be regularly disinfected.
Common examples include lobbies for visitors, handles for navigating stairs, and buttons for elevators.
Other areas in need of attention include counters, keyboards, shelves, sinks, filing cabinets, toilets, and restroom cleaning.
Providers offer a wide variety of professional cleaning services, beyond the basic ones listed above.
Many of these are considered specialized services and they can be of significant value for some clients.
Some examples include exterior power washing, tile and grout restoration, air duct cleaning, electrostatic disinfection, and more.
Number Of Employees
As the COVID-19 pandemic has shown, larger group settings increase the likelihood that germs will spread.
The frequency of disinfection is particularly critical in large group settings within tight spaces. Smar cleaning companies with a high number of employees know how to ensure the safety of everyone involved while delivering top results.
Improving The Morale Of Your Employees
A report from Small Business Trends outlines how a cleaning working environment can boost overall morale and productivity.
Tidy office environments without clutter have been shown to reduce worker stress and allow for better concentration.
Maintaining a clean and organized work environment translates to less time wasted searching for documents and a more positive mood.
Our Office Cleaners Worth the Rates They Charge?
Facility professionals often struggle with understanding the prices of office cleaning services providers. The first step involves obtaining a price quote or estimate in writing.
You should also keep in mind that price is merely one component used to assess the overall value.
Here’s what you should stay away from when receiving price quotes:
- Operating without insurance or with insufficient levels of coverage.
- Failing to properly screen employees or hiring poor performers that tolerate low wages.
- Using poor-quality supplies and/or equipment.
Avoid providers that “cut corners” to lower costs and enable themselves to present prospective customers with attractive pricing estimates.
Factors That Determine Costs
Commercial cleaning companies often calculate rates according to the size of the facility where janitorial services must be performed.
Many providers with base their prices on the number of square feet. Other organizations make these calculations according to the time involved.
Time-based pricing generally involves estimating the amount of time necessary for completing the work and is based on an hourly rate. Pricing fluctuations may result from having more labor-intensive or time-consuming areas needing service such as the number of bathrooms.
Other factors include:
- current local market rates;
- regional costs of living;
- the number of competitors;
- the supplies and necessary equipment.
Value of the Service
A considerable emphasis has traditionally been placed on how customers perceive value.
In this context, as a facility manager, you first assess whether the cleaning company can satisfy your facility’s needs.
The next component involves the value proposition or viewing the services being provided relative to the cost.
An experienced facility manager will make this distinction and consider pricing estimates relative to other variables. These factors might include perceptions regarding the quality of work, equipment, scheduling, and more.
Office Cleaning Terms and Definitions
As with most industries, certain terms exist in the commercial cleaning industry. They might be used in verbal communications or pricing estimates, agreements, and other written forms of communication.
Here are some of the most common ones which you will encounter:
- Disinfectant: Often used interchangeably with germicide, it refers to a chemical agent that eliminates harmful bacteria.
- Mold: Growth generated by fungi on a moist or decaying matter that often has a “wooly” texture and poses possible human health risks.
- Mildew: Fungal growth usually gray or white colored that forms on organic matter and creates degeneration, odor, and potential health risks.
- Concentrate: A solution used for cleaning purposes that are at or near full strength. Concentrates commonly will be diluted with water.
- Gloss: Often refers to the luster, brightness, or sheen of hard flooring that has been cleaned, coated, or buffed.
- Pitting: Refers to the development of small holes (pits) on a surface from using very strong cleaning agents or abrasion.
Reliable and Quality Staff
Despite the continued development and adoption of technology within the commercial cleaning industry, the quality of the staff is critical, as they are the ones who operate the machinery and are in charge of your premises.
The desirable attributes of a worker include dependability, trustability, focus, and a commitment to safety.
High Standards With Flexibility
When we talk about high standards, we’re referring to how well performance matches up to the expected quality or degree of expectations.
A flexible cleaning business can adjust to changing circumstances and is eager and able to help with unusual initiatives.
Staying up to Date With the Latest in Technology
Commercial cleaning companies can improve efficiency, communications, quality, and overall customer satisfaction by adopting new technology.
Examples include GPS tracking for supervision, electrostatic sprayers for disinfection, and software for scheduling and reporting.
The Green Office Cleaning Approach
Environmental concerns and sustainability have become increasingly important in the commercial cleaning industry, largely stemming from EPA and CDC efforts.
The industry has replaced many of the traditionally used chemical agents later proven to pose environmental problems.
Today, there is a reasonable expectation that professional cleaning firms use eco-friendly products and operate responsibly.
Waste Management and Recycling
Most of those operating in the commercial cleaning industry support the three Rs, which include reduce, recycle, and reuse.
Some strategies include having separate receptacles for recyclables, encouraging paperless operation, and responsibly disposing of electronic equipment.
Training and Certification for Employees Handling Chemicals
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a leading advocate for the proper handling of hazardous chemicals.
OSHA offers certifications and compliance accreditation for those who encounter chemicals in their workplace operations.
Discounts for Loyal Customers
Servi-Tek Facility Solutions continues to develop innovative and unique programs that support the environment and our many clients.
With office locations in Phoenix, Honolulu, San Diego, and Anaheim, our organization’s growth is attributed to total customer satisfaction.
Our Electrostatic Referral Program represents another example of a pioneering initiative that creates “win-win” relationships.
Existing clients that refer us to a prospective client now can qualify for up to $1,200 in electrostatic disinfection services.
Contact our team today to find out how you can get the discount and benefit from top services designed by experts in the field.
