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The Importance of a Clean Workspace for Your Staff and Clients

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Having a clean workspace affects more than just the aesthetics of your office. Using the services of a professional janitorial company can improve your business’s overall work environment in several ways. Everyone enjoys a tidy office, but workplace cleanliness can affect productivity, morale, and, in some ways, even your bottom line.

Why is it important to have a clean workspace?

Your team’s physical health can be influenced by the cleanliness of your office; cleaning high-traffic, high-germ areas regularly and thoroughly can help quell the spread of illnesses between co-workers. Studies have shown that improving the quality and frequency of cleaning results in higher employee productivity and decreases annual sick days by 12.5%.

Unsurprisingly, other important aspects of your business’s operations can be impacted by the cleanliness of your office.

A cluttered workspace creates a cluttered mind

Decluttering the space around us can often help us declutter our minds. If the trash hasn’t been taken out for days, or there are dirty floors throughout the office, it can be a distraction from the task at hand. The smallest things can divert workers from their duties, and having a dingy or disorderly workspace can be just the thing to derail their concentration.

These overwhelming stimuli can cause stress and lead to lost productivity, detracting from your workforce’s day-to-day assignments. Coming into a vibrant and clean workspace increases employees’ feelings of security, and clarity, and can lead to more focused and efficient outcomes.

A clean workplace is good for business

People spend a substantial amount of time at work. The average person spends 90,000 hours at work over a lifetime. Staff feel better about investing their time with an employer who is concerned about their well-being and health. Using a trusted janitorial service that provides regular, effective cleaning helps maintain high morale, good attitudes, and worker satisfaction. Office hygiene held at a high standard can help retain employees and keep them happy.

Satisfied employees are good for business. Not only are they more productive and creative, but they can also help recruit quality candidates in addition to clients.

Word of mouth is a powerful tool; no one knows a business better than the people who work there. A study by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) indicates that 72% of employees are reluctant to recommend a business with poor office hygiene to job seekers. Quality recruitment can often come from current employees, but if the work environment is deemed unacceptable, those prospects may never materialize. When employees feel pride in their employer, they are more likely to recommend them to job seeking friends and family.

In the same vein, happy staffers are more likely to recommend clients. The first impression of a prospective client is everything. Every business wants to appear professional and polished. Utilizing the expertise of a professional cleaner can ensure you achieve that goal. No one wants to come into a stuffy office lined with overflowing trashbins, dust on window sills, and grimy floors.

An orderly, immaculate storefront conveys your business’s professionalism and pride to the client. If clients see your storefront as orderly and welcoming, they project those feelings onto your workers and the services they expect to receive. In turn, they are more likely to refer your services to others.

How to keep your workspace clean in 2023

The easiest way to maintain a bright and healthy workspace and satisfied staff members is to have a commercial cleaning service, such as Corvus Janitorial Systems, provide regularly scheduled office cleanings. At Corvus, all it takes is a quick phone call or an online request for a quote…contact us today!

Franchisee Spotlight – Jaime Barboza, Corvus of Northwest Arkansas

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January’s Franchisee Spotlight Series features Corvus of Northwest Arkansas Franchise Owner Mr. Jaime Barboza. 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

Mr. Jaime Barboza started his Corvus franchise in 2018, since then it has become a family affair with his wife and two children working with him. Mr. Barboza and his wife, Maria, initially started their business to make extra money to support their family, but in the four years since establishing their franchise, the team has become one of the top grossing Franchises in the Corvus of Northwest Arkansas market.

“Jaime has intentionally grown his business slowly and sustainably while executing on every level. From maintaining strong customer relationships to providing a high level of service, Jaime focuses on doing good business,” said Mr. Aaron Cambou, Regional Director of Corvus of Northwest Arkansas.

Jaime started off with smaller accounts but has increased his capacity and now specializes in servicing large accounts like car dealerships. Issues rarely arise, but if they do, they are addressed quickly and Jaime follows through to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Mr. Cambou describes Mr. Barboza as tenacious, well-coordinated, and a wonderful communicator – all necessary qualities of a strong business owner.

The Corvus team is happy to often see the whole family stop in on Revenue Days, though at times Mr. Barboza can’t make it because he is still maintaining a full-time day job. Mr. Barboza and his family are hardworking and dedicated Franchise Owners who Corvus is proud to partner with. Thank you, Barboza family!

Franchisee Spotlight – Sherry Gallon, Corvus of Little Rock

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December’s Franchisee Spotlight Series features Corvus of Little Rock Franchise Owner Ms. Sherry Gallon. 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

As a Franchise Owner for the last ten years, Ms. Sherry Gallon of Corvus of Little Rock works full-time in her business and is still expanding and taking on new accounts. Her motivation to run her own business started with wanting to have the freedom to spend more time with her kids and grandkids, which she now has the flexibility to do.

The biggest focus Sherry has in her business is building relationships with her customers and making sure they are happy with her service. If Ms. Gallon has any concerns from customers, she always tries to meet them in person to have direct communication and address the issues quickly. While she prioritizes meeting with the customer or Corvus in person as much as possible, Sherry likes to reserve Friday’s for her grandkids.

Ms. Shayna Hula, Regional Director of Corvus of Little Rock, says Ms. Gallon “is a hard worker with a positive attitude and always has a smile on her face.” It’s clear that Ms. Gallon takes pride in the work she does and takes ownership of her business. If an employee is not meeting the cleaning expectations, Ms. Gallon will take over the account to ensure the highest level of service is provided. With her dedication and customer service skills, we have no doubts Sherry Gallon will continue to be a successful Franchise Owner for many years to come!

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.

Franchisee Spotlight – Marcus Breedlove, Corvus of Nashville

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November’s Franchisee Spotlight Series features Corvus of Nashville Franchise Owner Mr. Marcus Breedlove. 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 is excited to spotlight Mr. Marcus Breedlove, Corvus of Nashville’s first Franchise Owner. This October was Mr. Breedlove’s second business anniversary and he has much to celebrate.

As with starting any new business, Mr. Breedlove faced a few challenges, including difficult accounts and hiring reliable employees, but he remained committed to supporting his family with his franchise. Marcus has since grown his business to 11 accounts and is now running his franchise full time with several employees and is ready to hire more.

Marcus has worked to build a relationship with Mr. Jonathan Frias, Regional Director, even inviting him to family functions to meet his wife and kids. Through this partnership, Marcus has remained open to coaching and learning, a common attribute of a successful business owner. Following Jonathan’s advice of taking one step at a time, Mr. Breedlove has stayed focused, worked hard, and continues to grow. Corvus is proud to have Marcus as a business partner and to watch as he continues to expand his franchise!