Cleaning in a post COVID-19 world

Clenetix • Feb 02, 2021
A post COVID-19 world is an attractive thought during our third UK lockdown, perhaps it’s even a tempting reality with the vaccine roll out going full belt. But COVID-19 isn’t going to disappear. It’s here to stay for the foreseeable future so it is critical to think about what cleaning services need to look like in the workplace going forward. I get a sense right now that within the cleaning sector there is a focus on ‘cherry on the top’ technology and reactive responses accompanied by PPE clad colleagues resembling extras from a disaster movie, rather than a robust approach to what the new ‘business as usual’ cleaning operation needs to look like when the return to the workplace and normal activity takes shape. 

This mode of being wowed by technology goes back to a trend in the cleaning industry where it seems the sector is afraid to talk about the fundamental importance of what we do. It is far more comfortable dangling the latest shiny gadget in front of people to try and create an air of kudos that convinces the world of the significance of cleaning. Going forward, I think the industry needs to be brave enough to create a significant voice that is confident enough to put robust basic hygiene practices at the front and centre of the cleaning pitch, and the reality of operations. Moving beyond ‘did the cleaner turn up and work their hours?’, we need to be able to demonstrate that suitably trained and equipped colleagues are carrying out duties day-by-day, hour-by-the-hour that ensure the workplace is a safe and healthy place to be.
How much does the average client of a cleaning company know about what their cleaners do day-to-day? And is this acceptable to the workplace stakeholders who are now going to operate in a higher risk environment? An accountable cleaning service must be part of what is required to maintain sufficient hygiene standards in the workplace going forward. No longer the hidden service, but one that is centre stage and plays a key role in colleague welfare.

Furthermore, I suggest that organisations also need to proactively measure workplace environments to verify whether cleaning inputs are driving the required hygiene and environmental standards. None of this is a one-size-fits-all approach. The cleaning industry needs to be smarter about delivering services that address the prevailing needs of a specific environment, not delivering to a specification that has no direct connection to it. Assessing the quality of cleaning needs to move beyond the subjective and become something that is measurable to a defined scientific standard. This is not tick- box auditing, it is a methodology that puts measuring outcomes and constant learning and optimising at the heart of driving reliable, robust on-going services. 

Given the tragedy COVID-19 has brought, it’s wrong to describe this crisis as an opportunity for the cleaning industry, but the sector’s role is definitely going to be key in a safe and hygienic workplace. This has forced cleaning into the spotlight and being, far more visible, there will be a need for enhanced levels of professionalism and accountability.

In essence, cleaning teams need to be able to demonstrate that the fundamentals are done robustly to deliver outcomes that create hygienic and healthy environments. I would love to see the industry coming out of the shadows, leading this critical agenda with confidence and pride and reinforcing the importance of our vital cleaning sector.
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Cleaning software specialist Clenetix will soon be releasing its New mobile application on iPhone and then on Android. Prepare to be amazed by a sleek, user-friendly interface that makes it easy to document your cleaning activities and more.
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These two contract wins are a testament to Clenetix's commitment to providing innovative and effective cleaning technology solutions that help businesses of all sizes operate more efficiently and deliver exceptional service. We look forward to continuing to work with these businesses into and beyond 2024. If you need an innovative cleaning software provider, please reach out to Clenetix.
21 Jun, 2023
Cleaning software specialist Clenetix has introduced two new features for its modular software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution. The Alerts feature has been introduced to give automated, proactive insight into day-to-day cleaning operations, and QR codes offer additional deployment options to customers.
by Clenetix 26 May, 2022
A forward thinking FM company in the middle east has appointed cleaning software specialist, Clenetix, to provide a full complement of services including task and quality, indoor air quality (IAQ) and footfall monitoring. Clenetix’s services have been deployed at one of the biggest infrastructure projects currently underway in the region on a rolling contract. Following a successful deployment at two initial sites the specialist software is expected to be rolled out across other sites over coming months and years. Clenetix was appointed because the cleaning management software was cost effective and simple to deploy without the need for the Clenetix team to visit the sites. Clenetix clearly demonstrates cleaning is delivered to quality standards whilst eliminating time consuming reporting. The software as a service from Clenetix also identify trends in usage of these remote sites, increasing productivity buy targeting cleaning schedules when most needed. Peter Stock, co-founder and director at Clenetix says: “We are thrilled to be working in the middle east providing added value to the service provided by our customer for a major client. The end client embraces smart city technologies which at the heart of the Clenetix service. Data driven services leads to saving time and making cleaning processes more efficient with complete transparency is what our software is all about. Clenetix will help achieve significant efficiencies and improve service delivery.” -ends- About Clenetix Clenetix is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution designed especially for the cleaning industry. Delivered via mobile application, the modular solution enables time & attendance monitoring, activity tracking, task list management, quality audit management and footfall tracking. Clenetix Last Cleaned gives users up to date information about when a location was last cleaned. www.clenetix.com
by Peter Stock 30 Jun, 2021
The workplace has been changing for many years and the pandemic has only increased the focus on the “future of the office”. Technology has always been a key indicator of that change and a survey from McKinsey found COVID-19 has sped up the adoption of digital technologies by several years. While not surprising, it will be interesting to see which of those technologies are here to stay. With so many organisations investing in digitisation and embracing a hybrid approach to work, it can be tempting to jump on the bandwagon of the newest, shiniest solutions. This will be exacerbated by the change in outlook that the pandemic has brought. After more than a year of being so health-conscious, employees will want to return to workplaces that are obviously clean and well-maintained. Having expensive technology on-show is an easy way for employers to demonstrate that they care about their workplace. But it isn’t always a worthwhile investment. What to look for in great technology As we move out of the pandemic, organisations must take a step back to reflect on what they are trying to achieve. Building managers should understand how their offices will be used and tailor the technology accordingly. In sites that are primarily hosting clients, for example, active visitor management systems will be important, of course, but managers must think beyond this. From the moment a potential client enters a building, they will build an impression of the organisation. The finest details – from the tidiness and presentation of reception to the way they are greeted at the door – make a difference. Interconnected technology should be used to cross operational silos. Meeting rooms might need to be cleaned, tidied, and checked between each use so cleaning staff need to be aware of site schedules. Management systems may be used to remind staff to turn the heating or air conditioning on in a room in advance – or automate the process - to ensure the client is comfortable. The key, when looking to invest in technology, is to ensure it serves your business. Centralised systems Client sites must become more proactive in response to the pandemic. Cleaning services, for example, should be designed to cater to changing workplace occupancy levels throughout the week. This can easily be done by connecting cleaning workflow technology to workstation booking systems or occupancy sensors and collecting relevant data on usage. Cleaning workflows can also be tracked and centralised to improve transparency and accountability. In a time when health and safety is at the forefront of everyone’s minds, such systems are more important than ever. While the return to the office is unlikely to be as sudden as the exodus from it, numerous changes are being implemented, and employers should be aware of their responsibilities and the concerns of their staff. There are numerous technologies which can help alleviate those fears and keep staff safe. People have to be central to decisions around which technologies to implement and how solutions are deployed.
by Clenetix 19 May, 2021
Q3 Services Group Ltd (Q3) has appointed cleaning software specialist, Clenetix, to provide ‘check in/out’ time and attendance monitoring for a national logistics company client. Clenetix’s time and attendance monitoring has been deployed at one of the logistics giant’s distribution centres on a rolling contract with Q3. The specialist software is expected to be rolled out across other sites over coming months. Clenetix was appointed because the cleaning management software was cost effective and simple to deploy, and clearly demonstrates cleaning hours delivered whilst eliminating time consuming admin. The software as a service from Clenetix also eliminates bottlenecks in the distribution centre as cleaning staff arrive at entry points making it a much more Covid-secure process. Cleaning operatives can immediately start their shift without clocking in/out, increasing productivity. Q3’s deployment of Clenetix at this national logistics company follows implementation across a number of other accounts in the retail and legal services sectors. Q3 Services Group Ltd is a boutique FM company delivering quality cleaning, maintenance and engineering, waste and environmental, onboarding, catering, security, technology and landscaping services. Mark Hazelwood, co-founder and director at Clenetix says: “We are thrilled to be working with Q3 Facilities Management providing added value to the cleaning service for their logistics client. Distribution centres are so data centric and process driven. Fact really matters and every second counts. Clenetix complements this. Saving time and making Q3’s cleaning processes more efficient with complete transparency is what our software is all about. Clenetix will help Q3 achieve significant efficiencies and improve service delivery.” Alex Gavrilovic, Solutions Director from Q3 adds: “In a period of great transformation and transition FM needs to work smarter. We’re all about redefining the FM experience and Clenetix supports us in that mission. Deploying Clenetix with our national logistics client has quickly streamlined our attendance processes, increased productivity and saved time. Technology is part of our organisation’s continuous improvement and we are pleased to be working in partnership with Clenetix to elevate our FM model.” -ends- About Clenetix Clenetix is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution designed especially for the cleaning industry. Delivered via mobile application, the modular solution enables time & attendance monitoring, activity tracking, task list management, quality audit management and footfall tracking. Clenetix Last Cleaned gives users up to date information about when a location was last cleaned. www.clenetix.com Media contact Sabrina Stubbs Magenta Associates Office: +44 (0)1273 934295 Mobile: +44 (0) 7743056320 Email: sabrina@magentaassociates.co About Q3 Services Group Ltd Q3 Services is a boutique FM company, with offices in the UK and Channel Islands that is changing the way clients benefit from outsourced services. We work with our partners to deliver quality cleaning, maintenance and engineering, waste and environmental, onboarding, catering, security, technology and landscaping services. We employ quality people and engage with quality clients. Entrepreneurial in spirit, Q3 has three main objectives: to boost productivity through healthier workplaces, to be open and transparent with all stakeholders and to transform the working environment for our own employees. Q3 Services Group Limited 1650 Waterside Drive, Arlington Business Park, Theale, Berkshire, RG7 4SA Website: www.q3services.co.uk Follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter Q3 Services Group Limited Registered Office: 7/8 Innovation Place, Douglas Drive, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 1JX Company Number. 11143750
by Clenetix 06 Apr, 2021
A look at technology in FM and how it has evolved and can help elevate the cleaning industry. Cleaning is about keeping us safe, well, and happy. To do that, we need the technology to clean effectively, efficiently, and transparently. Clenetix provides this capability day one!
by Clenetix 25 Feb, 2021
Cleaning software specialist, Clenetix, launches cutting-edge software that provides ‘track and trace’ cleaning and air quality monitoring. The plug-and-play software supports Covid-secure cleaning operations and air quality ensuring they are fit for the needs of the location and footfall. The modular platform provides time and attendance monitoring, activity tracking, task list management, quality audit management and footfall tracking - this enables demand-based cleaning so cleaners can focus on the areas with highest traffic and increased risk of Covid transmission. The Clenetix app is deployed on cleaners’ smartphones and is configured to deliver specific cleaning instructions tailored to the location, whether that’s a hotel, bar, restaurant or event space, ensuring nothing is missed and the highest level of hygiene standards are maintained. The entire process is recorded so venue owners and managers can see a comprehensive record of exactly what was cleaned, and when. Clenetix’s ‘Last Cleaned’ functionality gives customers up to date information about when a location was last serviced by scanning a QR code on their smartphone. This level of transparency allows venues to demonstrate their commitment to cleanliness and increase confidence among its users. In partnership with Airthings for Business, the software’s air quality monitoring solution allows users to see live data about when there is virus risk in the air. The air quality monitoring module also gives owners and managers access to live air quality data about CO2, temperature, humidity, airborne chemicals, radon, light, occupancy, mould risk and air pressure levels. By understanding what is in the air, venue operators can make more intelligent decisions about improving ventilation and building maintenance to create a safer and healthier environment for staff and customers. The Insights Portal delivers valuable tips about how to reduce indoor air hazards, and floorplans can be uploaded for a visual overview of the air in buildings. Clenetix is a plug-and-play solution and sensors, that ‘talk’ to the mobile app, can be set up as part of a simple installation, without the need for any cabling or invasive installation. No disruption is caused to busy hospitality and leisure locations. As hospitality businesses open their doors over the coming months, Clenetix’s ability to track cleaning and monitor air quality will transform hygiene operations and elevate safety standards. The Clenetix Insights Portal provides transparent real-time data so hospitality and leisure venues can continue to operate with total assurance and peace of mind. Mark Hazelwood, director and co-founder, Clenetix said: “Many hospitality and leisure venues have been closed for so long and as much as there’s huge appetite to open, this also comes with increased risk and pressures of maintaining strict hygiene standards. The industry continues to face more tumult in the coming months. “Customers now have a heightened awareness of hygiene that is here to stay. Just because an area is free from dirt and grime, it does not mean it is sanitised and safe. Customers will be looking for evidence of cleaning measures and venues will need to be confident they can provide a safe environment and be able to demonstrate this. With hospitality and leisure venues receiving a high footfall, data-driven cleaning procedures and robust, Covid-secure measures have to be at the forefront as the sector relaunches itself.” --ends- About Clenetix Clenetix is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution designed especially for the cleaning industry. Delivered via mobile application, the modular solution enables time & attendance monitoring, activity tracking, task list management, quality audit management and footfall tracking. Clenetix Last Cleaned gives users up to date information about when a location was last cleaned. www.clenetix.com Media contact Sabrina Stubbs Magenta Associates Office: +44 (0)1273 934295 Mobile: +44 (0) 7743056320 Email: sabrina@magentaassociates.co
by Clenetix 02 Feb, 2021
A post COVID-19 world is an attractive thought during our third UK lockdown, perhaps it’s even a tempting reality with the vaccine roll out going full belt. But COVID-19 isn’t going to disappear.
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