Facility Cleanliness: An Evolution Of Expectations

Now that perceptions of health and safety have evolved, there are higher expectations for clean shared spaces.

restroom cleaning
Photo by Adobe Stock – Alexander Raths

By Katie Parker

The past few years established a new meaning of clean. As people reemerge after facing stay-at-home orders and strict facility safety protocols, most businesses now must adapt to “pre-pandemic” foot traffic. However, the public has new perceptions of health and safety when it comes to being in shared spaces.

It’s more important than ever to ensure the well-being of occupants from the moment they step through the door. As facility cleanliness expectations have evolved, exceeding those expectations is crucial for businesses to remain successful.

A New Meaning Of Clean

An EY survey found that 7 in 10 consumers are more aware of hygiene and sanitation in public spaces than they were prior to the pandemic. It is therefore important to prioritize facility cleaning—and to show building visitors that your facility is being cleaned regularly. Furthermore, 95% of consumers want to see more cleaning practices in businesses regularly.

Former travel restrictions and temporary business closures led to an eagerness for people to get back out into the world. While most consumers have gained confidence in venturing into businesses again, they want to feel safe and comfortable.

Restrooms Are Under The Spotlight

Understanding that customers expect exceptional cleaning is the first step. The next is knowing which highly visited areas of your facility the public is paying extra attention to, and how to ensure your cleaning team is meeting the new standards of clean. Consider the following:

  • Stay stocked. Maintaining the cleanliness of a facility’s restrooms is necessary to give a good impression and help keep visitors safe. Nearly three-quarters of consumers say dirty restrooms cause them to have a negative perception of a business. Keeping restroom products stocked at all times is important to help ensure proper hygiene for guests and employees.
  • Reduce clogs. Malodor is a common issue in restrooms which can be caused by clogged toilets. Over 8 in 10 consumers say a clogged toilet negatively impacts their perception of a business. One way to minimize clogs is to stock restrooms with toilet paper that removes bacteria in pipes when it dissolves.
  • Encourage hand hygiene. Given that its cold and flu season, it’s time to implement a robust hand hygiene program for restroom guests. Encouraging good hand hygiene habits for both guests and employees is important to minimize the spread of germs and increase positive perceptions of your business. This could include having the proper tools and products in your restrooms like paper towels, soap, hand sanitizer, and touchless dispensers and faucets.

The Future Of Clean

Creating a clean, sanitized, and safe space for guests and employees should be a top priority for any business. As the public’s concern for their health evolves, so should the industry’s perception of what clean means. Knowing where, what, and how to clean public spaces can help give your facilities’ occupants a positive experience—and a lasting positive impression of your business.

Parker is the Director of Sales, National Accounts AFH at Sofidel America. She has been with Sofidel since December 2019 and began as a Regional Sales Manager for Florida.

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