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Environmental Services (EVS) in Health Care: What You Need to Know

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What are Environmental Services in Health Care

Environmental services (EVS) health care personnel are tasked with helping to stop healthcare-associated infections from spreading. They work with colleagues to prioritize areas that pose immediate health risks, following the appropriate guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting along the way. Environmental service personnel, including many of the individuals who work for and with Corvus Janitorial Systems, have an important role to play in the prevention and minimization of healthcare-associated infections. They help keep medical professionals like doctors, nurses, and assistants safe. And they help protect patients, loved ones, and other visitors, as well.

Where Environmental Services are Prioritized

EVS is important in any setting where infections may linger and spread. Among others, this includes:

· Hospitals
· Outpatient clinics
· Surgical centers
· Walk-in treatment centers
· Primary care doctors’ offices
· Senior centers
· Obstetricians’ offices

These are the places where infections collect, and with near-constant traffic, it can be difficult to keep them properly cleaned and sanitized without professional help. Focused on sanitation, EVS team members clean the patients’ rooms, waiting areas, procedural rooms, surgical suites, and other areas where germs may linger and easily spread. Environmental service positions are the primary defense against serious infections that tend to linger on high-touch surfaces throughout different medical facilities.

Other Locations and Areas Where Environmental Services are Useful

Environmental services are particularly useful in health care and medical settings, especially when the world is battling a deadly pandemic. But these incredibly valuable services have been around long before we faced our first shutdown. And they’ve been used successfully in other areas, too. A few other uses for environmental services:

· The hospitality industry
· Schools and daycares
· Office buildings
· Production factories
· Food manufacturers
· Community cleanup
· Disposal services

A career in environmental services offers many different meaningful pathways. But one that focuses on healthcare and improves the lives of medical professionals, first responders, and vulnerable patients may be the most rewarding. And the availability of environmental service hospital jobs is projected to continue increasing for the foreseeable future.

Environmental Services Tasks

Each visit might be different depending on the type of facility and their needs. But many healthcare facilities need the same thing: regular deep cleanings and high-level sanitation. Because many infections spread easily and quickly, healthcare facilities require a higher level of care and greater attention to detail. Some of the most common environmental services tasks in healthcare settings might include:

· Regularly mopping, vacuuming, and sweeping all of the floors
· Washing the windows and dusting the furniture
· Washing and replacing bed linens
· Properly disposing of waste and other hazardous materials
· Emptying trash cans and restocking supplies
· Disinfecting the rooms, equipment, and supplies with high-level sanitizers

During COVID, these services might be more intensive or scheduled more regularly. They might also set limitations that didn’t exist before, like requiring that you come to clean and sanitize the facility at night while patients are sleeping, on the weekends, or on a holiday. Health care doesn’t take days off. While a job in health care environmental services can be challenging, it is also incredibly and uniquely rewarding.

Electrostatic Spraying in Health Care Settings

One high-level sanitation method that is particularly useful in health care environments is electrostatic spraying. This powerful disinfecting technique is often used to promote health and safety in sensitive or high-traffic spaces, like hospitals and airports. Electrostatic spraying works by applying a positive electric charge to a liquid disinfectant. The resulting spray reaches its target almost instantly and sticks to it. This type of treatment is highly useful in risky and highly populated settings because it offers a deeper and more efficient and effective clean.

And because it is a fine spray instead of a concentrated wipe or a cloth, it makes it easier to target hard-to-reach or otherwise difficult spaces, like the tiles tucked in the back corners of bathrooms, high supply closet shelves, and various other surfaces. An environmental services provider with electrostatic spraying equipment can achieve 360-degree coverage of any area they need to treat. So not only are the high-touch surfaces better targeted and disinfected, but the corners, nooks, and hard-to-reach crannies won’t be missed either.

Requirements for EVS Personnel in Health Care Settings

During and after COVID, the operators of health care facilities might be stricter with their guidelines for how environmental services are performed. For example, they might require that anyone in the building wear sanitary clothing or disposable isolation gowns, masks, goggles, or face shields, gloves, and other protective gear. EVS is, essentially, the first defense against infection control. As such, they’ll have stricter guidelines to adhere to than janitorial service providers in other settings might.

As a general rule, environmental service providers in health care facilities might also be required to sanitize their hands both when they enter and leave exam rooms. When patients are discharged or moved to different rooms, EVS health care providers will clean and sanitize each surface to prepare for the next patient. As the patients are moved around, there might be some overlap, and EVS providers should remember to respect the patients’ privacy. It is an EVS provider’s job to help patients feel safe when they are at their most vulnerable. Be compassionate, respectful, and kind if you do interact with any of the patients during your work.

Corvus Janitorial Systems

If you are a professional looking to start your career in environmental services or you’re an owner or operator of a health care facility, reach out today to see how we can help. For our franchisees, we offer training, support, and numerous other business-building advantages. For our clients, we provide high-level and reliable cleaning and sanitizing services. We offer peace of mind where and when you need it most.

Our high-quality services, proven systems, and dedicated teams are all here to ensure that we contribute positively to the lives of our clients, their employees, patients, and loved ones, and the community at large. Contact us today to request a free quote.

How to Win Commercial Cleaning Contracts: 5 Factors to Consider

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Eager entrepreneurs everywhere are reaping the benefits of opening a commercial cleaning business. Once you are open for business, it is time to start selling contracts. Here are five factors to consider when acquiring commercial cleaning contracts and customers: 

1. Facility Selection

Deciding what type of facility you are going to target is a critical step to acquiring commercial cleaning contracts. Facility types vary amongst industries, so it is important to consider these differences and make your decision accordingly. For example, a standard office workspace likely requires less detailed cleaning and disinfecting services than a hospital would. 

All facilities come with unique needs that you, as the cleaner, must be able to meet in order to retain customer satisfaction. Appealing to every industry type may sound like a good approach, however, it can lead to accepting a contract that you are unequipped to handle. Instead, try honing in on facility types that you are best qualified for. Think about your skills, strengths, and weaknesses. 

Determining what suits your skill set best will help you identify your ideal customers, which, ultimately, will likely lead to strong customer relationships and long-term success for your business. Keep in mind that not all companies want or need recurring janitorial services. They may, however, require special event cleaning or “one-time work” services. As with recurring commercial cleaning contracts, special event clean-up contracts will have a wide variety of needs that the business owner must consider when deciding which opportunities to pursue. 

2. Location, Location, Location

Establishing a service area is an important aspect of your business. Targeting customers everywhere may sound strategic, however, travel time and logistics are major expenses that must not be overlooked. Calculating the costs and risks associated with commuting to and from customer accounts will benefit your business greatly. Circumstances like heavy traffic and inclement weather might be out of your control, but they will cause you to be tardy and miss cleans. By clustering your cleaning accounts close together you are greatly reducing the chance of these undesirable occurrences from happening in the first place. 

3. Pricing Your Services

Creating a menu or list of services your cleaning company offers can serve as a valuable asset when pricing and selling your cleaning contracts. This allows you to be transparent to your potential clients about what you are willing and able to offer. Additionally, a menu allows you to clearly state your availability. The level of cleaning you intend to provide on a nightly, weekly, or monthly basis should be advertised similar to how a store displays its hours of operation on its window or website. 

A major benefit of being your own boss is having a great deal of control over your work schedule. You might plan to clean Monday through Friday, during regular business hours. Or maybe you intend to clean on the weekends when no one is in the office. Whatever the case, this method is an effective and efficient way to attract your ideal clients straight away. You soon will notice that your level of service, as well as frequency, has a significant impact on pricing. 

Take electrostatic spraying, for example. Does your cleaning company intend on disinfecting the facility once a week, or nightly? If the answer is nightly, you will be spending more time and resources and, therefore, you should charge accordingly. Frequency and level of service are the determining factors for how to price a cleaning contract. The kitchen area of a restaurant requires a much more extensive cleaning than the dining area does, and these elevated expectations should be reflected in the contract. 

Ultimately, you should take a consultative approach to understand client expectations, customizing cleaning schedules, determining the frequency and scope of work to suit the facility’s needs and client’s desires, generating a cleaning contract with terms, and outlining conditions and pricing to match the client’s desires.

4. Marketing Your Cleaning Business

Fortunately, cleaning companies provide an essential service that every industry type needs. Unfortunately, it is likely that there are several other cleaning companies that provide the same services target the same customers. That is why marketing can be a powerful strategy to differentiate yourself from your competitors.

Cold-calling potential customers is a traditional and common way to acquire commercial cleaning contracts. Over time, it has proven to be an efficient and cost-effective way to target businesses in your areas. This remains true, especially if you already have an established network with local business owners and office managers. Tapping into these networks is a great way to generate word-of-mouth referrals as well. Satisfied customers are oftentimes willing to recommend you to other businesses in their building, network, or industry. 

Cold calling, networking, and customer referrals have proven to work, however, there are several other approaches available to business owners. In fact, additional marketing efforts are necessary if you hope to establish a large client base. Fliers and pamphlets are a time-tested and relatively inexpensive advertising method. Building relationships with real estate agents and property managers can generate word-of-mouth referrals for customer contracts, which is especially beneficial for those who do not already have established networks and connections. 

In today’s day and age, a digital marketing strategy is critical to successfully compete in the commercial cleaning industry. Creating a simple website, and/or social media page (like Instagram or Facebook) is an effective way to showcase your services and provide contact information. 

5. Consistency is Key

Getting cleaning contracts- and retaining them- is no simple task. Determining your service offerings, location, target customer, and marketing tactics is only the beginning. Having systems in place is crucial to building, growing, and maintaining a profitable business, but you will soon learn that there is no way of knowing how much and how often you are able to sell. In the end, consistency is the foundation of running a successful business. The steps listed above will help you acquire commercial cleaning contracts so long as you are committed to putting in the work day in and day out. 

About Corvus Janitorial Systems

Founded in 2004 to make people’s lives better, Corvus Janitorial Systems is a full-service commercial cleaning franchisor that offers cleaning services through reputable local Franchisees. Corvus has been guided by its mission to transform people and transform places by consistently delivering independence, security, and freedom to Franchisees who deliver high-quality cleaning to offices, educational buildings, medical buildings/offices, recreational centers, industrial parks, and other spaces. Visit our website for more information regarding Corvus and the franchise opportunities we offer nationwide.

Franchisee Spotlight – Maribel Cruz, Corvus of Northwest Arkansas

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February’s Franchisee Spotlight is awarded to Mrs. Maribel Cruz of Corvus of Northwest Arkansas. Read on to learn more about the standout Franchisee who goes above and beyond to Make Lives Better!

To keep up with the Franchisee Spotlight Series and all things Corvus, follow us on Instagram! @corvus_janitorial_franchising

Corvus of Northwest Arkansas sure got lucky when Mrs. Maribel Cruz opened the doors to her franchise in 2015. Her dedication and determination were clear from the start, and she continuously proves herself to be a valuable member of the Corvus community.

Corvus of Northwest Arkansas Franchisee Maribel Cruz
Corvus of Northwest Arkansas Franchisee Maribel Cruz

While we have been lucky enough to call Mrs. Cruz a partner for over five years, she has been in the janitorial business since 2008, and her experience shows. Mrs. Cruz recognizes that customers are paying to outsource their cleaning and, therefore, expect high-quality work.

Providing the best possible cleaning service is Mrs. Cruz’s top priority. She holds her business to a very high standard and spends countless hours perfecting her craft. When interacting with customer accounts, Mrs. Cruz acts with the utmost professionalism.

“She understands that the janitorial business is a marathon, not a sprint,” says Corvus of Northwest Arkansas Regional Director Mr. Justin Simmering. This mindset, in addition to a strong work ethic, has enabled Mrs. Cruz to turn her Corvus Franchise into a scalable, full-time business.

To date, she has twelve employees whom she manages daily. Mrs. Cruz holds herself, as a leader, to the same high standards she holds her business to. While she believes each employee represents her entire body of work, Mrs. Cruz acknowledges that they are only as good as the training they receive.

When Mrs. Cruz is not running a successful cleaning business, you will likely find her spending time with family, cooking delicious meals, or attending church. Thank you, Mrs. Cruz, for all that you do. Kind, smart, and hardworking Franchisees like yourself are what makes Corvus the company it is today.

7 Reasons You Should Start a Cleaning Franchise Instead of Job Seeking

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Whether you are an experienced cleaning professional seeking work or just simply interested in learning more about what being a janitor entails, we recommend that you consider opening a commercial cleaning business instead. Read on to learn more about the several advantages of starting a commercial cleaning company.

1. Now more than ever, cleaning matters

Throughout the past year, businesses nationwide have had to adjust their normal, day-to-day operations in response to COVID-19. Many companies implemented measures like working from home, enforcing proper social distancing protocol in facilities, and routinely checking employees’ vitals following the initial outbreak.

Businesses, workplaces, and schools are seeking excellent cleaning services for their facilities as they begin to reopen and operate through COVID-19. A clean facility is essential to maintaining a safe and healthy workspace. Therefore, the cleaning services you provide are an essential business. Here at Corvus, we suggest that you seize the opportunity to become an essential business owner rather than simply filling the role of a janitor.

2. Help meet your financial goals

As the owner of an office cleaning company, you will reap many of the benefits that come with business ownership, like the chance to make money and become financially independent, for example. While owning a cleaning business does not guarantee automatic financial success, it has the potential to become incredibly lucrative over time.

Oftentimes, those who start a cleaning business do so as a way to supplement their pre-existing incomes. He or she likely has a full-time occupation and plans to clean a few customer accounts on a part-time basis. While you might start out by cleaning just a few customer accounts, there is certainly the opportunity to grow your business into a full-time job by which you completely support yourself. Whether you eventually hope to build a large, full-time business or are just hoping to make some extra money on the side, a commercial cleaning business can be tailored to meet your financial goals.

3. Stable market

Potential business owners and entrepreneurs are especially attracted to the cleaning industry’s low overhead model, recurring and reliable revenue streams, lower capital requirements in terms of launching, and the industry’s overarching stability. A commercial cleaning business requires relatively low startup capital and minimal ongoing overhead requirements. Since most people do not have the finances needed to start a business readily available, it is oftentimes hard and discouraging to start a business. The reduced financial barrier to entry associated with starting a commercial cleaning company makes it possible for people from all sorts of financial backgrounds to embrace their inner entrepreneur and begin operating their own business.

Despite what the state of the economy may be, businesses and other public spaces will need to keep their facilities clean, and thus, there will always be a need for cleaning services. We are seeing this consistent demand for quality cleaning and disinfecting services as we live through a global health pandemic. While many industries are concerned by how they will persevere, an earlier study predicted that the cleaning industry will earn over $46 billion dollars in 2020, and grow 10% by 2026. Commercial cleaning is a segment of the cleaning industry that offers a stable market with consistent demand.

4. You get to be your own boss

An especially attractive part of owning a cleaning company is that you get to be your own boss. As a janitor, you will be bound to what many consider to be burdens of the traditional workplace (having to report to a long chain of command, inflexible hours, a set schedule, etc.). As the owner of a commercial cleaning business, you are in control of making the right decisions for your business. Any financial, personal, and professional success that comes is even more rewarding knowing that you did it all on your own.

5. Expertise from your franchised business partner

While the idea of being an entrepreneur is very enticing, there is a lot of work that goes into starting your own business that oftentimes goes unrecognized. Becoming a business owner through an office cleaning franchise system is an excellent way to pursue your dream while avoiding many of the time-consuming and challenging tasks most startup companies endure. A cleaning franchise provides their Franchisees with marketing, sales, financing and other ongoing support that enables them to focus on delivering quality cleaning services to their customers. So, when you buy a franchise from Corvus, you are not only becoming an owner of a janitorial business, you are joining a community of experienced professionals that will provide you with resources that are difficult to obtain alone.

6. Automatic brand recognition

One of the most difficult aspects of the cleaning industry is building a clientele. While you may be a hard worker who provides excellent cleaning services on a consistent basis, businesses will often choose a cleaning company whose brand they recognize and trust. Opening a commercial cleaning business through an established franchise company is a great option. The brand of a franchisor has already been established over many years, and by representing that brand, customers will trust that you can offer the same quality service. Corvus helps folks start their own business using the nationally recognized Corvus brand and proprietary systems. The public is likely to already know the services you offer, and by representing the Corvus brand name, customers can trust that you will match the level of quality that Corvus provides.

7. The opportunity to Make Lives Better

While Corvus is a cleaning company, we are also a people company. Since our founding in 2004, our mission has first and foremost been to Make Lives Better. Everyday we pursue our mission by providing clean, healthy, and safe workplaces to our customers. The ways by which our Franchisees are able to make lives better is especially noticeable amidst the COVID-19 outbreak. Providing quality cleaning and disinfecting services allows for businesses to reopen their doors, employees to return to work and students to go back to school. A commercial cleaning company and the services they provide truly impact the members of your community.

Conclusion

The need for quality cleaning services is absolutely essential – now more than ever. Starting your own commercial cleaning business offers you stability, flexibility, and support while you are working hard to make your customer’s workplace as clean and safe as possible.

About Corvus Janitorial Systems

Founded in 2004 to make people’s lives better, Corvus is a full-service commercial cleaning franchisor that offers cleaning services through reputable local Franchisees. Corvus has been guided by its mission to transform people and transform places by consistently delivering independence, security, and freedom to Franchisees who deliver high-quality cleaning to offices, educational buildings, medical buildings/offices, recreational centers, industrial parks, and other spaces. Visit our website for more information regarding Corvus and the franchise opportunities we offer nationwide.

Franchisee Spotlight – Marcia Byrd, Corvus of Chicago

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In this month’s Franchisee Spotlight Series, we are featuring Corvus of Chicago Franchise Owner Ms. Marcia Byrd. Read on to learn more about the standout Franchisee who goes above and beyond to Make Lives Better!

To keep up with the Franchisee Spotlight Series and all things Corvus, follow us on Instagram! @corvus_janitorial_franchising

Ms. Marcia Byrd, a Corvus Franchisee in Chicago, had quite the start to her business. She opened her franchise in April 2020 and by July 2020, she had already received the “Franchisee of the Month” award. Corvus of Chicago Regional Director, Dave Ronning, attributes Ms. Byrd’s quick success to her positive attitude and reliability.

Corvus franchise owner Marcia Byrd in front of Corvus sign
Corvus Franchise Owner Marcia Byrd, Corvus of Chicago

Ms. Byrd started off motivated and determined to begin servicing customers – and growing her business – right away. A large part of Ms. Byrd’s achievements come from being a true team player. She realizes that a reliable and hard-working crew will help her Franchise flourish. A few of her family members have joined her business, and with their support, she now services four customer accounts – an impressive accomplishment given the short amount of time.

Not only does Ms. Byrd consistently provide high-quality services, but she also focuses on building long-lasting relationships with her customers. Ms. Byrds’ communication and networking skills have empowered her to create a solid foundation for her business.

Ms. Byrd has spread the word about Corvus’ franchise opportunities to several members in her community. Since beginning her business, Ms. Byrd has referred three additional Franchise Owners to Corvus. (P.S. – referring other Franchisees is a great way to add a bonus to your income!) Her enthusiasm and excitement show, and because of it, she has paved the way for others to succeed.

The Corvus Team would not and could not exist without hardworking and passionate Franchisees like Ms. Byrd. Thank you, Ms. Byrd, for all that you do! The Corvus community is grateful for your partnership and looks forward to growing together.

Corvus Janitorial Systems Commercial Cleaning Customer Reviews

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Reviews from Corvus Janitorial Customers:

Corvus of Charlotte:

“We started working with Corvus in July 2015 and to date, have had a great experience with them. They had some local management changes a couple of years ago and that went well with no change in service (which can happen!). When we ask for something, the response is quick and efficient. We had a COVID-19 potential exposure in our office and they were able to come out the next day and do a thorough sanitizing of our office suite. All of their folks have been great but Jodean climbs to the top of the list – she is there for us! We thank you, Corvus!”

Corvus of Chicago:

“Corvus has been servicing our Elk Grove facility for over a year and we are pleased with the quality of service and their communication. Regular visits from a local Manager are a welcome addition and provide a platform for us to submit specific feedback regarding the scheduled service, special requests and explore additional services that we may require.”

Corvus of Cincinnati:

“Very detail oriented. I requested specific things. The first time the crew came they missed something. I made a phone call to Christine one time and they went above and beyond my expectations. Fantastic crew!!!”

Corvus of Columbus:

“It takes the hard work out of finding good help. Great communication, excellent value and good people to work with.”

Corvus of Denver:

“This company has been great to work with. They went above and beyond when we needed them the most during COVID. Michael and his team are very responsive and accommodating. I highly recommend them for your cleaning and sanitizing needs.”

Corvus of Indianapolis:

“Corvus has been a phenomenal resource for my business! The team is responsive, timely and professional. Their team of professionals check in consistently to make sure that the work performed is up to standard. Highly recommended!”

Corvus of Jacksonville:

“I have worked in child care for years, never satisfied with any of our janitorial companies until now. Charles is amazing at what he does and very responsive. They provide a log book for daily communication and quarterly evaluations, asking us what they can improve on. Spencer, the supervisor, is very easy to speak with and always checking in. Not only do they provide great cleaning services, they are now offering electrostatic disinfecting – which we did today in our classrooms. I am very satisfied with Corvus services and would recommend them to anyone!”

Corvus of Lexington:

“The company I work for has used Corvus for a number of years and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. From the team on the ground to management, we were taken care of on every aspect. If there was ever a question or an extra request, the team was always accommodating.”

Corvus of Little Rock:

“Top notch service. Shayna and Jennifer are great. You can count on them to always follow up to ensure that you are pleased with the service. Had a couple of “emergency” cleans come up over the last couple of years and they have always gone out of their way to cover my poor planning and made me come out looking like a star when visitors arrived.. Would recommend to anyone. A+++”

Corvus of Louisville:

“So glad to know David Villafana and Corvus! They use green products, well trained employees, and methodical cleaning.”

Corvus of Nashville:

“Switched over to Corvus at our site several months ago. Their service and attention to detail has been great. 10/10 would recommend.”

Corvus of New Orleans:

“Corvus has provided us excellent services in day to day general cleaning and floor care for nearly 10 years. Any issues are addressed immediately and handled with urgency and customer satisfaction in mind.”

Corvus of Northwest Arkansas:

“Corvus Janitorial provides excellent service! It is hard to find a cleaning company that is honest, professional, AND does a good job! I would highly recommend Corvus Janitorial for anyone needing a top notch cleaning company for their business, small or large.”

Corvus of Orlando:

“Corvus does a great job! John and Vivian are super professional and provide outstanding service! Our office is always in great condition, they are very easy to communicate with and to get in touch with when needed. We highly recommend using Corvus to any business!”

Corvus of Raleigh-Durham:

“I’ve had my franchise for almost 3 years now and I really can’t complain about anything that has happened within. Everything and everyone is straightforward and willing to help. Plenty of opportunity to grow your franchise. The main thing I like is how easy it is to contact the partners at the office or corporate and how knowledgeable they are when it comes to different types of problems that may occur! Thank You!!!”

Corvus of St. Louis:

“Zion Lutheran School has been with Corvus since 2000. I love the communication we have with Corvus. They are so responsive to our cleaning needs at school. It is nice to have cleaning issues taken care of, and not have to deal with that during a busy school year. Corvus has been a great partner in our school growth.”