Commercial Cleaning

Four Reasons It’s Important to Keep Your Data Center Spotless

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Modern businesses rely on seamless computer performance to operate. Most servers are used 24/7, which means any downtime will negatively impact a company’s bottom line almost immediately. Dirt is a computer’s enemy, so preventing dirt from accumulating in your data center or server room is crucial. There are several reasons it pays to keep your data center or server room clean, but here are four everyone should consider.

1. Regular Cleaning Reduces Downtime

Downtime is always costly, but the actual costs depend on a variety of factors. The size of a business, the number of employees idled by the downtime, and the type of business factor into the equation. For example, an insurance company will experience different losses than a large online retailer. In any case, the losses add up quickly and can create negative effects on a company’s bottom line. According to Gartner, the average cost of server downtime is $5,600 per minute. Most companies cannot afford those kinds of losses.

Since one major factor related to data center and server downtime is dirt, computer industry experts recommend routine cleaning to ensure a server isn’t adversely affected by a dirty environment. One solution is to contract professional data center cleaning services such as those offered by Corvus Janitorial Systems to ensure the servers that power businesses are always spotless.

2. Routine Cleaning Extends the Life of Equipment

Since servers run constantly, data centers and in-house server rooms must keep the temperature constant. If temperatures rise, equipment overheats quickly. Once that happens, the life of the equipment involved is impacted, as electronic equipment cannot tolerate high heat for extended periods.

The dust and other debris in the air will plug filters, which reduces the flow of cooled air in server environments. While cleaning or replacing filters helps, those filters will clog again if the environment is not kept clean. Routine data center or in-house server room cleaning reduces the need for filter maintenance, cutting overhead expenses and increasing the expected lifespan of equipment.

One final impact of contaminants in the air is corrosion. Electronic components and wiring are subject to corrosion, so mitigating the root causes of corrosion is a crucial concern for servers’ owners.

3. Clean Data Centers Aren’t Welcoming to Rodents 

Rodents love a warm, cozy environment, and they see those characteristics in server rooms. Since rodents can cause significant damage to computer components and pose health hazards to employees, the prevention of infestations is critical.

Appropriate cleaning practices reduce the potential for rodent infestations. Industry experts recommend paying close attention to the underfloor plenum, as that area provides an ideal runway for rodents. Once rodents enter that area, they quickly contaminate the entire space. Cleaning experts always monitor data centers or in-house server rooms for any signs of rodents and act quickly to resolve issues related to their presence.

Remember that rodents love to chew on wires, and that damage will cripple a server. Again, downtime is the enemy here, so taking appropriate steps to eliminate the threat of rodent damage will always be necessary.

4. A Clean Data Center Enhances Workplace Safety

Dusty environments pose significant fire threats. Fires damage or destroy equipment, lead to extensive downtime, and lead to data loss. Of course, there is also a threat to the physical well-being of employees in and around a data center or in-house server room. A clean server environment eliminates those threats.

While the odds of data center or server fires are not high, any cause of downtime must be considered. Remember that even static electricity within the data center can lead to a dust-fueled fire, so cleaning is essential to reduce any potential risk.

Staying On Top of Data Center Safety Issues

Maintaining a regular cleaning schedule is arguably the most important aspect of maintaining a clean and safe data center, but there are other ways to protect a data center and employees. Here are some strategies to consider that work with cleanliness to prevent a disaster.

  • Track any Temperature Variations. The temperatures in a data center must be carefully controlled to keep the equipment safe and reduce the odds of a system failure. Most experts recommend maintaining data center or server room temperatures around 65 degrees, with a maximum of roughly 80 degrees. When temperatures rise above that threshold, the equipment is in danger. One major cause of overheating is, as noted earlier, clogged filters. Keeping the room clean at all times reduces the odds of overheating. In addition, monitoring those temperatures will also allow workers to spot developing issues.

  • Keep All Equipment Clean. Regular cleaning by professionals is crucial, but workers are also encouraged to wipe down equipment between cleanings. That cleaning helps to reduce the amount of dust that can accumulate inside equipment where it’s difficult to remove.

  • Organize All Cords. Disorganized cords pose a safety threat to workers, but loose and disorganized cords also make cleaning the space more difficult. The best course of action is to keep cords as short as possible and organize them so they are out of the way.

  • Always Use the Right Equipment. Choosing the right equipment reduces threats to workers and equipment. At the same time, installing proper racks, cooling devices, power distribution equipment, and monitoring devices will always be crucial for maintaining a safe environment that’s easy to maintain. Proper aisle containment is also crucial for safety and temperature control.

Since every data center or in-house server room is somewhat different, their maintenance needs will vary to some degree. However, the basics of design, safety, and cleanliness will always apply.

Develop an Appropriate Cleaning Strategy Now

While keeping data center cleaning duties in-house may be tempting, contracting a professional cleaning service like Corvus Janitorial Systems to handle those chores generally proves more efficient. Start by contacting a provider to evaluate the current cleaning practices and determine where improvements can reduce the odds of system issues developing due to a contaminated environment.

Once that evaluation is complete, the next step is determining how and when to implement changes that will result in a cleaner, safer data center. Your data center investment is protected when the space is kept clean and free of health hazards. To get started, contact a professional cleaning service like Corvus Janitorial Systems today via our online form or call today.

Four Tips to Help Keep Childcare Centers Sanitary

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One of the issues amplified by the pandemic is that keeping children safe from contagious diseases must always be a priority. However, accomplishing that goal takes work. Anytime larger groups of children gather there’s a meaningful chance of spreading infectious diseases. That’s why initiating a regular cleaning schedule and routine is crucial. Review the four tips for keeping a childcare facility clean for more information.

1. Focus on Sanitizing Surfaces

While constantly cleaning high-touch surfaces isn’t always easy, doing so will go a long way toward minimizing the spread of germs in childcare settings. Infectious diseases spread easily when multiple children share the same spaces all day. Colds, the flu, Covid, and other illnesses can be reduced when proper cleaning precautions are taken. In most cases, even when child care staff members handle routine cleaning during the day, consider using professional childcare cleaning services to deep clean the facility regularly to protect staff members, the children, and the children’s families.

2. Clean All Spills Immediately

Food and drinks stain surfaces quickly when they’re not cleaned promptly. However, those spills also increase the odds of harmful bacteria and mold. Since young children are curious, they may be tempted to taste spills, which will spread germs quickly. Staff members are encouraged to keep cleaning supplies within easy reach so all spills can be dealt with immediately. If a stain doesn’t come out using standard cleaning techniques, professional janitorial experts, such as Corvus Janitorial Systems, can generally resolve the problem during a scheduled visit.

3. Separate Dirty Objects for Cleaning 

During the day, staff members and children are encouraged to place dirty items in receptacles for cleaning. Children should be encouraged to place dirty items in the containers, and staff members should congratulate them for doing so. The central idea is to prevent the spreading of any dirt and contamination. Staff members can clean and sanitize items at the end of the day. 

4. Prepare for Emergencies

Every childcare facility will face cleaning issues. That’s expected when large groups of children are present all day. However, facilities are always encouraged to prepare for emergencies. That may mean keeping personal protective gear for everyone on hand and knowing when suspending operations might be required to keep everyone safe. Deep cleaning is often required when significant issues develop. Those might include an outbreak of a childhood disease, the threat of Covid, or the suspicion another contagious disease is present. Keep the contact information of childcare cleaning professionals, like Corvus, on hand to handle those situations. 

Those four tips are vitally important for all childcare centers, but there are other strategies facility owners and staff members can implement to reduce the likelihood of serious issues developing. Here are a few ways staff members can sanitize the areas throughout the day.

Don’t Spare the Soap and Water

Cleaning toys, dishes, and other commonly used items in a childcare center will always be an ongoing process. Staff members should always have the correct cleaning products to tackle routine cleaning chores. Remember that cleaning products designed to remove dirty floors will be different than those used for washing dishes. A professional cleaning service can perform these duties for you. 

Experts recommend carefully washing any dirty items using the recommended cleaning products. Once an item is thoroughly washed, rinse it completely to remove any remaining contaminants and soap residue.

Always Disinfect Items Used in Childcare Centers 

Although using plenty of soap and water will always be important, that step isn’t enough. Soap and water remove dirt but washing alone will not sanitize items. To minimize the spread of germs, sanitize everything. Discuss a center’s needs with cleaning professionals who are skilled in disinfection services if you’re unsure how to sanitize items used throughout the day.

While a bleach and water solution is recommended for quick cleanups, there are other options available to keep childcare centers clean and sanitary. Use the water and bleach mixture for quick wipe-downs of counters, door handles, and other frequently touched surfaces.

Dishwashers and clothes washers provide the level of cleaning needed to sanitize bedding, dishes, and hard toys in a childcare setting. The detergents and high heat are sufficient to kill most germs. Again, if you’re unsure how to clean specific items, take the time now to discuss the issue and get cleaning recommendations from a commercial cleaning service like Corvus.

Follow Your State and Local Guidelines

States and municipalities generally have regulations for cleaning and disinfecting a childcare center. Those regulations provide guidance when it comes to cleanliness and offer advice on how and when to clean specific areas within a facility.

At the same time, those regulations may not be sufficient to protect caregivers, children, and the children’s families in some situations. Rather than taking any unnecessary risks, discuss your center’s needs with a cleaning or janitorial service. Being proactive pays off when the incidence of diseases is reduced in a childcare environment.

Use Caution When Selecting Cleaning Products

Many cleaning products contain ingredients that could prove harmful to staff members and children alike. Even many products used in hospital settings are dangerous to children, which means staff members must read all labels carefully to ensure a specific product is safe to use around young children. Rather than taking unnecessary chances, stick to bleach and water solutions or use cleaning products recommended by local authorities or childcare center experts.

Stay on Top of Evolving Conditions

Because conditions change all the time, paying close attention to evolving care guidelines is strongly recommended. Covid precipitated a significant number of changes for all types of institutions, and childcare facilities didn’t escape untouched by those changes. Staff members must be provided with training materials as conditions evolve to ensure everyone stays as safe as possible.

Contact a Commercial Cleaning Service for Help

The easiest way to protect children and staff members is to have a commercial cleaning service, such as Corvus Janitorial Systems, schedule regular cleaning services for childcare facilities. The first step is to contact cleaning experts to discuss a facility’s needs and request a quote for the needed services. At Corvus, all it takes is a quick phone call or online request for a quote.

How Often Should You Clean Your Office’s Carpets?

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Immediately upon entering a business, a customer forms an opinion of the company and its offerings. To present the right image, the interior must be orderly. Many people overlook the carpet when considering the cleanliness of the interior but doing so is a mistake.

Every business should have its carpet cleaned regularly. Not only will this help to attract customers, but it will also keep the employees healthy. How often should a business owner clean their office carpets?

The Benefits of Professional Carpet Cleaning

Professional office carpet cleaning, performed by a professional cleaning company like Corvus Janitorial Systems, ensures the business presents the right image to visitors and increases the likelihood of them becoming paying customers. They see the clean carpets as a sign the business pays attention to details and takes pride in what it does.

Dirty carpets negatively affect indoor air quality. They harbor dust, dirt, germs, allergens, and more, which can lead to sick employees. Finally, dirty carpets allow for more noise in the office.

Having the carpets cleaned removes these concerns. Many business owners attempt to clean the carpets on their own but don’t remove all contaminants. Professional carpet cleaners like Corvus bring the tools needed to clean the carpets thoroughly and provide these benefits.

How Often are Professional Carpet Cleanings Needed?

Business owners wish to know how often they should have their carpets professionally cleaned. The answers vary based on many factors. 

Consider the carpet type when determining how often they need cleaning. High-pile carpets and dense carpets need more frequent cleanings because they collect dirt and debris easily.

Small carpets require fewer cleanings. Take this into account when setting up a schedule for professional cleanings. Large carpets trap more contaminants, so they need cleaning multiple times a year. However, small carpets placed in the center of a room need daily cleanings because of the amount of traffic they receive.

Carpets that receive significant amounts of traffic need to be cleaned more often. As employees and visitors move around the office, debris from their shoes makes its way into the carpets. The cleanings remove this debris.

Business owners find they may choose from several carpet cleaning options. The type selected plays a role in how often the carpets need cleaning. A thorough cleaning comes with a higher price tag but won’t need repeating as often as a light cleaning.

Color plays a role in how often carpets need to be cleaned. Lighter-colored carpets show dirt easily, and any dirt present on the carpets can leave visitors with the wrong impression of the business. Consider having these carpets cleaned multiple times each year.

Dark-colored carpets hide dirt and stains better. However, this doesn’t mean a business owner should put off regular carpet cleanings. The fibers may hold odors and give visitors a negative opinion of the business.

People also need to factor in seasonal changes when determining how often to clean their carpets. Rain, snow, and mud all make their way into carpets during rainy or snowy seasons. In addition, the winter months come with salt and sand treatments, and these materials may make their way into carpets where they can do damage.

Dry seasons, in contrast, often come accompanied by dirt and dust. This dust and dirt make their way into carpets, as well. Consider having the carpets cleaned regularly, so these pollutants don’t harm the fibers and appearance of the carpets.

Additional Steps Needed to Keep Carpets Clean

Business owners need to vacuum their carpets weekly to remove any dirt and debris that has become trapped in the fibers. In addition, they need to vacuum the carpets correctly. Many people don’t realize there is a right and wrong way to do so.

Vacuum with the carpet’s grain to avoid premature wear and damage. Begin in the farthest corner of the room and work backward. This ensures no spots are missed, and the vacuum collects all dirt and debris from the fibers. After each cleaning, empty the vacuum canister or check the bag to see if the vacuum needs a new one. 

However, heavily trafficked areas need to be vacuumed more often. In fact, vacuum daily in those areas that receive constant use. This helps to prevent dirt and debris from making their way into the carpet fibers.

Furthermore, spot clean any stains immediately. Don’t allow the stain to sit on the carpet. Doing so makes it harder to remove the spot when a full cleaning is done. However, never assume spot cleaning is enough to keep carpets looking their best. Full carpet cleanings remain essential to keep floors looking their best.

Invest in mats at entryways. The mats reduce the number of pollutants that reach the carpets. This helps to keep the carpets clean while extending their lifespan.

Preventative cleanings are wise. A business owner should never wait until the carpet is filthy before having it cleaned. Consider having heavily trafficked areas cleaned monthly. For areas that receive moderate traffic, quarterly cleanings usually suffice. Areas that receive little traffic only need to be cleaned twice a year.

Why Use a Professional?

Professional carpet cleaners like Corvus bring tools and equipment to each job that the average person doesn’t have access to. For example, they bring commercial stain removers to address set-in stains.

The professional cleaner may use the hot-water extraction method to clean the carpets. Doing so helps to remove the set-in stains. The cleaner injects hot water and detergent into the carpets. They then use a special device to remove the dirt and extract the water.

Dry cleaning serves as another option to clean carpets. The cleaner applies a dry-cleaning agent to the carpets. They follow up by using a tool, such as a brush, to loosen any dirt in the carpet fibers. They then vacuum the loosened dirt up. 

Countless businesses invest in carpets today, thanks to their elegance and aesthetic appeal. In addition, with flooring materials, carpeting is one of the easiest to install. With proper care, carpets will last for years to come.

Regular cleanings serve as one way to care for carpets, so schedule an appointment today with Corvus Janitorial Systems for a professional carpet cleaning. Doing so provides the above mentioned benefits and more for your office.

The Biggest Germ Gathering Spots In Your Office

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Surfaces and items that get touched often in an office space will risk having bacteria and germs on them. From desktops to keyboards, coffee pots to door handles, numerous areas around an office space could have germs growing on them. When someone touches these surfaces, the germs attach to their hand and get carried to their next stop. Human contact is the highest risk factor for germ transmission in an office or workspace. The more people that use an elevator button, the higher the number of germs growing on it.

We like to think that we keep our hands clean when moving from place to place. Even using hand sanitizer between touching high-contact surface areas isn’t always enough to kill all germs. It’s easy for companies to keep their office spaces clean and germ-free by hiring professional cleaning and sanitizing services regularly. These cleaning companies, such as Corvus Janitorial Systems, have experience in keeping high-contact surfaces germ-free.

Why Hire a Janitorial Service?

Companies that offer office cleaning services are excellent assets for high customer volume business locations. Restaurants, office buildings, stores, schools, hospitals, and clinics are all high-volume locations that see numerous customers daily. Add to that the number of employees at the business location, and the number rises significantly. The more people that visit a business location and touch surfaces, the higher the risk of germs and bacteria. A professional cleaning and janitorial service can reduce this risk significantly.

Common Locations for Germs

Germs live on almost every surface around an office. There are, however, certain areas where constant human contact creates a breeding ground for germs to survive for long periods. Surface areas such as elevator buttons, light switches, doorknobs, door locks, toilet handles, faucets, vending machines, and other high-contact surfaces will retain germs longer the more they get touched. Keeping these surfaces cleaned and sanitized is the only defense an office space has against germs.

The following is a detailed list of surface areas that germs will find easier to breed in due to high contact:

Elevator Buttons

Elevator controls see a lot of attention throughout the day. Both the controls in hallways and the control inside the cab of an elevator see constant contact from visitors riding the elevators through an office building. It’s always a good idea to clean doors and rails inside the elevator cab due to contact from riders.

Door handles, knobs, and locks

Doors will see the most use in an office space throughout the day. Everyone in the office will use a door multiple times during their work shift, making them a high-contact surface area to sanitize when fighting germs in an office space. Always clean the door’s surface around the handles also, due to people pressing on the door to help open it at times. Locks and latches will also need sanitizing when cleaning doors.

Desktop

Workspaces often carry the most germs due to being high-contact surfaces. These workspaces can include cubicles, countertops, tabletops, desktops, and other flat surfaces where someone spends time constantly. Germs travel by contact with people’s hands, spreading about as far as a person can reach from any given point.

Keyboard, Mouse, and Trackball

Electronics that get constant use, such as input devices for computers like keyboards and mice, will see the most germs in a workspace. People constantly eat at their computers while working, leaving crumbs, oil, grime, and other tidbits that contribute to germs. If co-workers share a workspace, the amount of germs rises significantly.

Telephones, Fax Machines, Printers, and Other Shared Devices/Appliances

There are many appliances and devices in an office space that co-workers share amongst themselves. Coffee makers, printers, fax machines, copiers, shredders, vending machines, kitchenettes, microwaves, refrigerators, and many other devices or appliances get constant use in an office space. Co-workers using the same copier repeatedly will have shared their germs and others that have used the machine. Watercoolers are also a high-contact area for germs to breed.

Sinks, Dishes, Sponges, and Soaps

Having a nice breakroom is excellent until the kitchenette doesn’t get cleaned properly. Sinks and dishes are the most common breeding grounds for coli and salmonella. Most new sponges will have these bacteria on their surfaces within three weeks. Using these germ-ridden sponges throughout the day will spread the germs to other surface areas. Two minutes in a microwave can kill most germs on dishes, but we recommend replacing the sponge every two weeks to prevent these bacteria.

Restrooms

Coli bacteria thrive in bathrooms. Every surface in a bathroom is likely to have some stage of E. coli bacteria growing on it. Faucets, sinks, countertops, trashcans, handles, rails, and everything in between is at risk of bacteria in a restroom. Keeping these areas cleaned regularly can help reduce the risk the bacteria poses.

Environment

The most overlooked hotspot in any building for germ distribution is the air around us. You cannot sanitize the air itself. The recent Covid pandemic has taught us that contaminants can linger in the area for a while. Good ventilation helps keep the air cleaner to breathe. Adding fresh air into the mix will help, especially with a fan running. Replacing air filters in HVAC systems and keeping them well maintained also helps.

Depending on the type of business, hiring professional cleaning services like Corvus can often be the best solution for a workspace to remain a germ and bacteria-free environment. Some companies will have other high-contact areas that pose a risk of bacteria or germs growing on them. Restaurants, for instance, will have surface areas like tables, chairs, booths, menus, and other items or surfaces that customers come into contact with daily.

Staying Germ-Free

Keeping an office space germ-free is easy with the help of a professional cleaning service and some patience. Regularly cleaning a workspace and its high-contact surface areas will reduce the number of germs and bacteria that put visitors and employees at risk. Hiring a professional cleaning service is quick and easy. All it takes is making a quick call or scheduling an appointment to get an estimate. Keep your office space, employees, and visitors safe from bacteria like E. coli and salmonella with professional janitorial help.

Office Bathrooms: What Should Be Cleaned Every Single Time

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Bathrooms are teeming with germs, and germs can make your employees sick. Sick days lead to reduced productivity and eventual profit losses. Keeping your office bathrooms clean and free of germs is essential.

Most business owners do not have time to focus on cleaning chores, and their office bathrooms sometimes only receive a partial cleaning. Many business owners do not realize how dirty and full of germs their office bathrooms are until a professional cleaner, such as Corvus Janitorial Systems, comes in for a deep cleaning treatment.

These Bathroom Cleaning Chores Must Be Carried Out Every Time

While some bathroom chores are done sporadically, many need to be carried out each time the bathroom is cleaned, preferably daily. Daily cleanings prevent germs from growing on bathroom surfaces.

Professional janitorial services will take care of the following office cleaning chores for business owners.  

Toilets

Every surface area of toilets need to be cleaned and sanitized, including the following.

1. Inside and outside of the bowl
2. Top and bottom of the seat, including the hinges
3. Tank and flush handle

Urinals

Urinals will also need to be cleaned. Janitorial services will clean and sanitize the following components.

1. Urinal handles
2. Internal screens
3. Inside and outside of the urinal
4. Pipes

High Contact Areas

Some surfaces of office bathrooms are touched much more frequently than others. High contact areas must be cleaned and sanitized daily, sometimes multiple times a day. Some of the high contact areas in a bathroom include the following.

1. Door handles
2. Bathroom stall handles
3. ADA switches
4. Light switches

Sinks & Countertops

Sinks and countertops are also full of germs because these are areas where people wash their hands after using the restroom. The following must be cleaned and sanitized daily.

1. Faucet handles
2. Sinks
3. Sink drains
4. Countertops
5. Mirrors
6. Soap dispensers

Storage Shelves

Storage shelves need dusting and restocking to ensure the bathroom is fully stocked with supplies. Because these surfaces can also pick up germs, they should be disinfected regularly.

Bathroom Flooring

Bathroom flooring needs constant care to ensure it is free of dirt and germs. Attendants will need to remove any trash from the floor. Sweeping and mopping are essential chores that remove dirt, debris, and germs that may be hiding out in the crevices of the flooring.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Janitorial Service

Keeping office bathrooms clean and sanitized requires consistent work. Most business owners are too busy running their companies to devote themselves to cleaning bathrooms. Corvus can help.

Hiring a professional janitorial service offers many benefits. Business owners need to be aware of the advantages of hiring these professionals so they can take appropriate action for the health and safety of their employees and customers.

1. Creates a Good First Impression

First impressions are everything in the business world. When customers use your facilities, they will judge your business on the level of cleanliness. If your bathrooms are not clean or well stocked, customers will notice.

2. Protects Employees and Customers Against Germs

Bathrooms are the germiest places in offices. When bathrooms receive professional cleaning services, employees and customers are less likely to be exposed to germs that can make them ill. By hiring a professional janitorial service, business owners let their customers and employees know they care.

3. Promotes Cleanliness

Studies have shown employees feel more obligated to keep their workspaces clean when professional cleaners come in and carry out cleaning services. Business owners will find employees and customers are more likely to clean up after themselves, which promotes a healthier office environment.

4. Saves Money & Time

Business owners will find they save time and money when hiring a professional cleaning service to handle their office bathrooms and other chores. By hiring these services, business owners will have fewer employees’ sick days. Maintaining their flooring and other bathroom components will prevent expensive repairs and replacement.

5. Improves Employee Satisfaction

Employees report having a higher level of satisfaction when working in a clean environment. Dirty environments decrease employee morale and can affect production.

Choosing the Right Janitorial Service Is Essential

Once you decide to hire a janitorial service, selecting the right one becomes the next critical step. Business owners should not hire the first name they come across. Research allows business owners to ensure they pick the janitorial service that will offer them the highest level of professionalism.

When looking for a cleaning service, consider the following attributes.

  • If you are looking for a janitorial service, only select one that is certified and fully insured. Certified and licensed services prove the company is operating legally. Insurance coverage protects both the business owner and the janitorial service’s employees.

  • Ensure the service hires employees who are skilled and service-oriented. Inquire about the hiring practices. Learn what kind of screening employees go through before being hired.

  • Reliability is crucial when hiring any cleaning service. Business owners want to be sure they choose a service that is going to be dependable and flexible. As your needs change, the service should adapt to meet them.

  • Business owners should also consider environmentally conscious janitorial services. These services attempt to protect the environment by using cleaning products that are made from natural ingredients whenever possible. While not every cleaning business is concerned about their environmental impact, the best businesses care and take the appropriate steps to lessen their carbon footprints.

  • Checking the reputation of the cleaning service will give you a good idea of what to expect from the level of cleaning they offer. Read reviews and ask for referrals from the company before deciding.

Professional Janitorial Services Keep Your Office Bathrooms Sparkling

Taking care of the needs of your business can be time-consuming and stressful. It is especially arduous to care for your office cleaning needs.

Bathrooms are one of the dirtiest and germiest spaces in any workplace. If you are not performing the cleaning steps above each day, your office bathroom may not be clean enough for employees or customers.

Hiring the best janitorial service will ensure your office bathrooms are clean and free of excessive germs that make people sick. Seeking professionals for these chores means one less worry for you. If you are looking for a new cleaning service, contact Corvus Janitorial Systems today.

Janitorial Franchises: Embracing Diversity

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Valued at almost $293 billion, the commercial cleaning industry is growing by the day—and Corvus Janitorial Systems offers people from all social classes the chance to become part of a unified, cooperative, and collaborative community. In efforts to become more inclusive, we’re looking for franchisees of all ages, genders, religions, races, and abilities. We believe that, as our workforce becomes more diverse, we will use our franchisees’ unique experiences and perspectives to drive growth, increase competition, and solve industry-wide problems.

Although the push for diversity and inclusion isn’t a new concept, America’s industrial sector still has work to do. Minorities will have more than $3 trillion in purchasing power by 2030; just 20 years after that, people of color will make up almost half of the country’s population. While these changes are promising, they’re not reflected in the makeup of most companies’ executive boards. For instance, women are promoted 20% less often than men, and less than 20% of the workforce is disabled.

As our country changes, it’s becoming increasingly important for companies to recognize the societal and competitive advantages of diversity, and to ensure that their workforces reflect current demographics. Here, we’ll explain the differences between diversity, equity, and inclusion, why these qualities are so important in janitorial franchising, and we will also offer a few tips for the advancement of diversity.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Similar, but Different

To understand the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the franchising world, employers must first learn the significance of each variable and how it drives change.

  • Diversity is the concept of a group of people from different backgrounds, all coming together to achieve a common goal. It also refers to differences in identity, preferences, experiences, and thought patterns. A person’s identity encompasses numerous aspects, including their age, race, gender identity, religion, body size, and social status. Workplace diversity is defined as the hiring of people from all backgrounds and identities. While a single person cannot be diverse, a group of people certainly can be.
  • Equity is access, advancement, opportunity, and fair treatment for all. It’s a practice that requires companies, even cleaning franchises, to find and remove obstacles that have, in the past, prevented certain groups from taking part in the workforce. Equity largely determines who can access career opportunities and how workers are valued. The implementation of workplace equity plans should be well thought out and purposeful, and franchise owners must thoroughly evaluate their procedures and guidelines to ensure that their workplaces are fair.
  • Inclusion is more than a byproduct of diversity; it’s also the result of decisive actions that make employees feel respected and valued. Inclusive workplaces are safe spaces where team members can speak freely and work according to their own needs, responsibilities, and schedules. Along with these qualities, inclusion also encompasses assorted styles of work, leadership, and communication. To create an inclusive workplace, a cleaning franchise owner must meet workers’ unique requirements and allow their voices to be heard.

Corvus is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusivity in its practices and philosophies. Contact us today to learn more about our views or to discuss franchising opportunities in your area.

Fostering Creativity and Innovation

The commercial cleaning industry is run by people of various backgrounds, experience, and skill levels, which means that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives will build a spirit of innovation and creativity. When franchise owners focus on these qualities and create a diverse and welcoming work environment, employees are more likely to share their thoughts with others. DEI offers several benefits, but its ability to help businesses stand out is one of the most important.

Offering a Selection of Skills

Cleaning franchise owners who hire workers from diverse backgrounds are more likely to gain access to the skill sets needed for business growth and expansion. By building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment, franchisors and franchisees bring in new perspectives that make brainstorming and problem-solving easier.

Recruiting Top Talent

Inclusion and diversity are important criteria for many job seekers, even in today’s employment market. When potential team members see that a cleaning business hires people of all races, nationalities, ability levels, and backgrounds, they’re more likely to feel welcome. This level of acceptance allows franchises to recruit the area’s top talent, as hiring decisions are based on qualities other than physical appearance.

Increasing Employee Morale

Working in a diverse and inclusive environment increases workers’ morale and job satisfaction, which will reflect in the quality of results produced. When employees feel truly at home, they tend to thrive in their roles—and the business will flourish as well.

Boosting Productivity

As diversity and inclusion come to the forefront, so does a commercial cleaning franchise’s collaborative spirit and, in turn, its productivity. A diverse team brings a range of skills and experience to the table, facilitating team-wide learning and collaboration. As productivity increases, so does the free flow of ideas—putting DEI-focused cleaning franchises ahead of competitors who are still doing things the old-fashioned way.

Understanding Customers’ Needs

Increasing diversity and inclusivity doesn’t just bring internal benefits; it also allows franchisees to market their janitorial services to the right audience. When employees come from backgrounds like those of the target demographic, promotional opportunities and growth come naturally.

Raising Revenue

With the successful management of an inclusive and diverse workforce, revenue increases are a virtual certainty. As employees become happier and more fulfilled in their roles, they’ll introduce productivity-boosting concepts that differentiate your business from its competitors. DEI isn’t just about the money, though; it’s also about your cleaning company’s culture.

Driving Financial Performance

The economic benefits of an ethnically, gender, and demographically diverse team cannot be understated. Numerous studies show that diverse companies typically achieve financial returns exceeding national industry averages.

The advantages don’t stop there—a team’s makeup should reflect that of the community and the company’s customer base. Whether you’re a franchise owner or a franchisor, the team you’ve built will make a significant difference in the business’ performance.

Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace: Tips for Commercial Cleaning Franchises

Now that we’ve gone over the importance of diversity and inclusion in business, we’ll offer a few franchise-friendly tips.

  1. Assess the franchise’s current state. Even the best diversity initiatives are useless without a preliminary diversity audit. The process is simple; it starts when owners learn about community perceptions, supplier relationships, and consumer demographics. When owners know who they’re marketing to and hiring, they’ll learn where to focus their DEI efforts.
  2. Find financial support. When franchisees come from diverse backgrounds, some may be economically disadvantaged. Corvus Janitorial works strongly to offer the financial aid minority franchisees need to get started.
  3. Focus on minority suppliers. Diversity in ownership is just one way for franchisees to become more inclusive. Another way is to focus on minority and women-owned supply businesses. Finding a diverse selection of vendors strengthens the community in which a franchise runs and increases competition, improving the quality of goods and services.
  4. Create innovative recruitment strategies. Using conventional talent recruitment methods provides run-of-the-mill results. To increase the breadth and depth of your franchise’s talent pool, consider going to job fairs in disadvantaged communities, taking part in workforce development programs, and recruiting at community colleges.
  5. Rewrite job descriptions. To attract a wider selection of potential hires, it’s best to write inclusive job descriptions. Use a text editing utility to cut antiquated, biased verbiage, and re-evaluate skill requirements so roles appeal to more applicants. By focusing on qualities needed to do the job, rather than a person’s work history, you’ll find more candidates.
  6. Approach interviews differently. The job interview process is sometimes biased against candidates from certain genders, races, and cultures. Your cleaning franchise’s interview process must fairly assess applicants’ qualifications without relying on outdated stereotypes.
  7. Be more supportive. Diverse hiring practices are a great first step, and increasing support and engagement is a natural progression. Providing career development and resource assistance further supports new employees and allows them to grow, thrive, and broaden their career prospects.
  8. Take an active role in the community. Participating in professional groups and community organizations helps cleaning franchise owners respect, understand, and tap into the diversity that’s already within their companies. Becoming part of the community creates lasting connections that help franchise owners attract new clients and find a diverse choice of potential hires.

 

Creating a more diverse cleaning franchise is a long-term effort. Results will be slow to come, and the process will naturally create challenges. With time, hard work, and commitment at the franchisor and franchisee levels, everyone will enjoy the public relations, business, and profitability benefits that come with an inclusive workplace.

Create a More Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Workplace

Recent events have brought matters of equity, diversity, and inclusion to the forefront, and nowhere is it more important than in today’s work environment. At Corvus Janitorial Systems, we’re committed to inclusivity in everything we do, and we’d love to share that focus and commitment with you. Receive more information via our online form or call today to discuss franchising with one of our friendly client service representatives.