As we approach the holiday season, it’s time to ensure that your cleaning staff is not only ready for the influx of special requests and extra holiday cleanings but also well-prepared to navigate the challenges posed by cold and flu season.
Prioritizing Health and Safety:
First and foremost, emphasize to your team the importance of health and hygiene during this time. Let them know that their well-being, as well as that of your clients, is a top priority.
When to Stay Home: Advise your staff to stay home if they are feeling unwell, have a fever, cough, or any flu-like symptoms. We all understand the dedication of our cleaning techs, but it’s vital to convey that coming to work sick puts everyone at risk. Encourage them to prioritize their health and the health of others by staying home when necessary.
Advance Planning: Planning ahead is key. Ask your team members to notify you as early as possible if they need to call in sick. This allows you to make adjustments to the schedule as early as possible and continue to serve customers with as little disruption as possible.
Backup Staff: Maintain a list of your cleaning techs who are willing to work later in the day, take on an extra house, or work on Saturdays for additional compensation. Having a plan with options can be a lifesaver during the holiday season.
Health and Safety Protocols: Review and reinforce health and safety protocols with your team. Remind them of the importance of proper hand washing, mask usage (if required), and maintaining a safe distance from clients and colleagues. Ensure that your cleaning techs know the process for contacting you, the owner, or the office if it appears that a client is ill when they arrive at a home to clean.
Cleaning Procedures: Review and update your cleaning procedures, especially during cold and flu season. Stress the importance of thorough cleaning followed by disinfection in high-touch areas to prevent the spread of germs. Add any additional cleaners or disinfectants to your cleaning techs’ caddies if you use them.
Access to Sick Leave: Ensure that your employees understand your company’s sick leave policies or have access to paid sick leave. This provides them with the security to stay home when necessary.
Training and Education: Offer training or refresher courses on cleaning techniques and the use of effective cleaning agents, particularly those that combat viruses. Knowledgeable staff can provide a higher level of service and safety.
Monitoring and Support: Keep a close eye on your team’s health and well-being. Regular check-ins show that you care and provide an opportunity to offer support and resources for healthcare services if needed.
Client Communication: Finally, keep your clients informed about your commitment to health and safety during the holiday season. Reiterate your process for rescheduling or canceling service if they — the client — is ill. Make it easy to contact you or your office is a customer is sick and needs to reschedule.
By implementing these strategies, you can ensure that your cleaning business is well-prepared to handle the demands of the holiday season while prioritizing the health and well-being of your valuable cleaning team.
