Cleaning Update – Author: Lauren Kyle, Cleaning Development Manager

The current environment requires stringent management of cleaning contracts due to the heightened need for reducing overheads, both with cleaning and other FM services.

However with labour costs traditionally being accountable for up to 85 per cent of cleaning operations, maintaining standards whilst reducing costs is a challenge.

Sodexo’s cleaning offer is based on responsibility, wellbeing, innovation and flexibility and the company places great value on having a clean, well maintained building to enhance the sense of wellbeing amongst residents. Moreover, a rigorous cleaning regime can minimise the spread of common illnesses, which in turn reduces absenteeism and the associated costs to clients.

It is expected that innovations in cleaning can be clearly defined as increasing productivity rates along with improving sustainability by reducing the usage of electricity and water.

Sodexo has successfully piloted a chemical free cleaning solution at a number of client sites. The technology, which has been developed in North America, provides effective cleaning results, greatly reducing the need for chemical agents.

There are many benefits to this, including reduced exposure to chemicals, condensed packaging materials and generally, improved sanitisation.

It is essential that clients understand the greater benefit of effective, regular cleaning so that they understand its real value.

A reduction in daily cleaning can have a negative impact on hygiene, resulting in an increase in absenteeism. Irregular cleaning can also result in the deterioration of fabrics which then need to be replaced. While these costs may not directly appear on the FM budget, the resulting increased spend for businesses is well documented.