One of the most challenging aspects of running a business is managing your staff. This is because when managing, you’re working with people and their personalities, rather than completing a certain task or technical function. Each person you manage comes with his or her own emotions, motivators, and beliefs, so there’s no one-size-fits-all management practice that works with all of your employees.
Following various social media posts, I notice that one of the most discussed topics in our industry centers around finding reliable employees and getting them to stay. Members of the various groups mention how they use the different recruiting websites or how they target certain age groups, such as over 55 or college students, etc. Most BSC’s report that despite today’s uncertain business climate, with unemployment still widespread, they still struggle to secure reliable employees.
BSCs play a vital role in protecting the health of our indoor environments. As the primary stewards of a building’s cleanliness and safety, custodial workers are on the frontlines when it comes to battling the spread of infections. While in the past infection control was largely relegated to healthcare facilities, the much-publicized threat of illnesses, such as bird flu, swine flu, and MRSA, has caused an increased demand for more stringent cleaning practices.
Heightened awareness, consumer demand and changing regulations are motivating product manufacturers, suppliers, brands, retailers, building owners, and facility managers to eliminate hazardous chemicals and other products that pollute the environment from their buildings and supply chains. This is paving the way for more transparency to encourage businesses to use products and processes that increase safety in the built indoor environments.
