As a result of the importance of sustainability, I want to introduce - and intentionally coin - a new word: sustainablist. A sustainablist is not someone who simply cares about sustainability. A sustainablist is someone who acts accordingly, bringing sustainability into everyday decisions, tradeoffs, and priorities using evidence, experience, and practical judgment—with an explicit awareness that today’s decisions shape tomorrow’s outcomes.

Why we need a new word

“Sustainability” has become one of the most overused—and misunderstood—terms in business. Too often it’s framed as marketing, a compliance exercise, or a side initiative owned by one department. In reality, sustainability done well is none of those things.

It is a discipline.

Like economics or science, sustainability requires structured thinking across time. A sustainablist understands how environmental, social, and governance factors intersect with operations, costs, risks, workforce realities, and long-term value creation. They don’t ask whether something is simply “green.” They ask whether a decision reduces waste, lowers risk, controls cost, strengthens resilience, and avoids creating future liabilities that someone else will eventually have to manage.

What defines a sustainablist?

What defines a sustainablist is less about credentials and more about mindset and behavior. Sustainablists think in systems rather than silos, and across time rather than just the next quarter. They look beyond short-term wins to long-term outcomes, recognising that many of the most expensive business problems are simply the delayed consequences of earlier decisions.

They rely on data rather than slogans and understand that sustainability is about tradeoffs, not perfection. Most importantly, a sustainablist recognises that sustainability is not political. It is operational and financial. Just as workplace safety, quality control, or financial governance are about protecting an organisation’s future viability, sustainability is a practical response to long-term risks, resource constraints, and responsibility.

Sustainablists are already among us

You don’t need “sustainability” in your job title to be a sustainablist.

They show up as operations leaders reducing energy, water, and material waste because inefficiency today becomes cost tomorrow. They appear in procurement teams asking better questions about suppliers and materials to avoid future supply disruptions, reputational risk, or stranded investments. They work in finance departments that recognise environmental and social risks as genuine business risks.

Facility and fleet managers who extend asset life rather than replace equipment prematurely are sustainablists in practice. So are mid-level managers quietly driving change without formal authority, aware that inaction today often means fewer options tomorrow.

Not activists. Not perfectionists.

A sustainablist is neither an activist shouting from the sidelines nor a perfectionist demanding instant transformation. Sustainablists are pragmatic. They understand that meaningful progress happens step by step, guided by measurement, prioritisation, and continuous improvement.

They focus on what can be improved now while laying groundwork for what must change next. They make decisions with an eye not just on current performance, but on how those decisions will affect the organisation, its people, and its stakeholders years down the road.

Why sustainablists matter - especially now

As reporting requirements expand, customer expectations evolve, and environmental and social risks intensify, organisations don’t need more buzzwords. They need people who can translate sustainability into action - today and over time.

They need sustainablists—those professionals who understand that sustainability is fundamentally about future-readiness. 

They need people who connect sustainability to business fundamentals, manage risk intelligently, and help organisations remain resilient, credible, and competitive in a world that will look quite different from the one it does today.

So, are you a sustainablist?

If you care deeply about the impact of decisions, use evidence instead of ideology, believe sustainability should make organisations stronger rather than weaker, and consider how today’s choices shape tomorrow’s realities, you may already be one.

It’s time we had a word for that. Welcome to sustainablism. 

Stephen P. Ashkin is president of The Ashkin Group, a consulting firm specialising in green cleaning and sustainability. He co-chairs ISSA’s Sustainability Committee and can be reached at [email protected]

Reprinted by permission from ISSA Today magazine​. 

For more information, visit www.issa.com

ON A recent trip to Europe, I participated in a series of discussions on the future of professional cleaning. We considered the need for industry-specific certifications that were globally recognised and helped workers gain the skills needed to utilise new technologies. We talked about AI-driven platforms and tools like ChatGPT that streamline training processes by providing real-time assistance to cleaning staff, delivering tailored content, and simulating real-life scenarios for practical “adults-learn-by-doing” training.

But what caught my attention was our discussion that the cleaning industry is undergoing a transformative shift driven by the need for transparency, sustainability, and efficiency. I described how ISSA facilitates Community of Practice Forums, dynamic spaces for professionals to share best practices, collaborate, and generate new knowledge.

My European colleagues described their excitement for Digital Product Passports (DPPs). An ID Card is a revolutionary tool that redefines how products are manufactured, distributed, used, and recycled.
 
What are Digital Product Passports?
DPPs will provide a way to track product details, including materials, production, and lifecycles. From raw material sourcing to end-of-life disposal, DPPs will provide stakeholders with real-time data on a product’s composition, environmental impact, usage guidelines, and much more. Accessible via product labels with QR Codes, Near Field Communication (NFC) tags, or other digital interfaces, DPPs will empower every participant in the value chain to make informed decisions.
 
DPPs and the cleaning industry value chain
For manufacturers of cleaning products, tools, and equipment, DPPs will offer an unprecedented level of transparency. By detailing ingredient lists, sourcing information, and environmental impact metrics, manufacturers can highlight their commitment to sustainability and compliance.
Distributors play a pivotal role in ensuring that products reach end-users efficiently. With DPPs, distributors can streamline supply chains by accessing real-time data on product specifications, storage requirements, and transportation guidelines, leading to optimised logistics and reduced waste.

Facility managers are tasked with procurement decisions, managing budgets, and maintaining cleanliness standards while adhering to safety and environmental regulations. DPPs will help decision-making by providing information on product usage, safety protocols, and disposal methods, enabling more informed procurement and usage decisions. Cleaning service providers can leverage DPPs to train staff effectively, ensure the correct usage of products, and demonstrate compliance with cleaning and environmental standards to clients. This transparency can serve as a competitive advantage in a market increasingly focused on sustainability and workforce well-being.

At the frontline, cleaning workers benefit immensely from DPPs. Easy access to product information ensures proper usage, adherence to safety protocols, and a deeper understanding of the hazards and risks to their health and the environmental impact of their work. This empowerment through information will provide solutions that lead to safer workplaces and more effective cleaning practices.

 
Real-world applications: DPPs in action
The implementation of DPPs is not just theoretical; at our meetings, several companies described how they have already begun to harness their potential:

• A leading flooring manufacturer integrated DPPs to track product sustainability and supply chain transparency. This initiative streamlined their compliance processes and reinforced their brand’s commitment to environmental responsibility
• A global manufacturer described how DPPs on their products provided customers with insights into their product’s journey, from sourcing to production details, enhancing transparency and customer engagement
• A professional sports stadium demonstrated the use of DPPs in tracking the recycling process of plastic bottle caps into new products, showcasing the potential of DPPs in promoting circular economies and shifting from the traditional linear model of “take-make-waste” to a regenerative one.

 
How DPPs are relevant to the cleaning industry

• Transparency and trust: DPPS will show where products come from, what they’re made of, and how they can be reused or recycled. They provide access to detailed product information, fostering trust and informed decision-making
• Compliance with regulations: DPPs can help businesses comply with regulations related to product safety, storage, use, disposal, and sustainability
• Material sourcing and waste reduction: DPPs facilitate the tracking of raw materials and their origins, helping to ensure ethical and sustainable sourcing practices
• Operational efficiency: Streamlining access to product data will reduce administrative burdens and enhance procurement and supply chain coordination.

 
Examples of how DPPs will be used in the cleaning industry

• Cleaning products: DPPs will be used to find information about cleaning products’ ingredients and chemical composition. They will provide instant access to information to help make informed decisions on using them safely and effectively
• Cleaning cloths and equipment: DPPs will track the materials, durability, and recyclability. They will help inform decisions on using, maintaining, cleaning, reducing waste, and facilitating circular business models. A facility may choose reusable microfiber cloths with a longer lifecycle and lower carbon footprint, verified by the DPP
• Workwear and protective clothing: DPPs can provide information about the materials, production methods, chemical resistance ratings, thermal protection, and standards compliance. A DPP on a pair of gloves might reveal that they resist sodium hypochlorite and quaternary ammonium compounds, and it would help make informed decisions when using disinfectants
• Enhanced training and awareness: DPPs can integrate training materials that are accessible via QR codes on product labels. Workers can verify in real time that their gloves, masks, eye protection, and protective clothing are appropriate for the chemicals and tasks at hand. Workers can access videos on how to wear and remove PPE safely, visual guides on how to use products to clean, and links to safety data sheets.

 
The future is Digital Product Passports
As the cleaning industry continues to evolve, integrating Digital Product Passports is a pivotal advancement. All you will need is a cell phone. DPPs will turn every product, tool, and equipment into an interactive learning opportunity. DPPs are a tool for the cleaning industry across the entire value chain to unlock new efficiency, safety, sustainability, and transparency levels. For me, that was one incredible trip to Europe.
 
Dr. Gavin Macgregor-Skinner is a university professor and senior director at ISSA and manages the Making Safer Choices program, developing collaborative partnerships with members, universities, and ISSA.

Reprinted by permission from ISSA Today magazine​. 

For more information, visit www.issa.com

AS A cleaning professional, you should look out for both what you may have caused and what you did not cause.

Adhesive problems

We’ve all seen or heard about the oozing adhesive, the planks that move when you walk across the floor, and the black globs and smears at the plank edges. Some have been told it happened after they cleaned the floor because the machine used too much water and “re-emulsified” the adhesive. It sounds plausible. 

When we dive deeper into the floor and pull back a plank, the entire space is squishy, and the adhesive is more liquid than solid everywhere. This is caused by the wrong adhesive or moisture becoming trapped and causing the adhesive to emulsify. While we have seen a few instances where this is related to cleaning, the evidence is apparent when we pull back a plank. Cleaning-related moisture intrusion will only be around the plank's edges, not the unaffected centre.

Spots and stains

One of the saddest things carpet cleaners get blamed for is latent spots and stains. The customer said" “It wasn’t there before it was cleaned!” And the cleaner agrees!

Hot water extraction can reveal many spills that were only known once they were cleaned. Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most common, and butenafine hydrochloride (athlete’s foot cream) is another. 

A favourite tell-tale sign is of a hand or footprint, usually shown in how it was applied to the carpet. These lotions can sit on the carpet for an extended period and magically show up when the carpet is cleaned because these products are heat and moisture-activated. 

Carpet disintegration

Another carpet problem we came across is the carpet disintegrating. 

One customer said that after cleaning, her carpet looked grayer in colour. The carpet was cleaned again with no improvement. A closer look revealed the cream-colored yarn in the cream and grey rug was no longer visible. A test of the carpet revealed the cream-coloured yarn was disintegrating, typically due to insufficient ultraviolet light inhibitor. The cleaner did not cause this. The chemicals aren’t smart enough to only affect one yarn. This has also happened in commercial installations, so it’s not limited to residential carpets. 

Grout issues

Cleaners have been blamed for grout issues as long as grout has existed. Soft, powdery grout cracked, missing grout, and grout colour are all concerns often blamed on the cleaner. 

Your cleaning of the tile and grout does not cause any of these. Soft, powdery grout is usually caused by the grout needing to be adequately mixed when installed. Cracked and missing grout may sometimes rear its ugly head after cleaning, but it is only because cleaning moved it enough for release. Cracked and missing grout is the first evidence of poor installation. Hollow-sounding tile, when walked on, is not caused by cleaning. 

Cleaners have been blamed for many things that are not their fault. Oozing adhesive, carpet spots, and grout problems are just a few of the concerns for which cleaners have been blamed. Use the resources and consultants available to help you determine the cause of these issues. 

Don’t take the blame for something you did not cause!

Jessica Violand-Bruno is a flooring consultant, project manager, and sales specialist. She is also an IICRC senior carpet inspector with certifications to inspect other floors and the lead sales associate with a flooring wholesaler. Reprinted by permission from ISSA Today magazine​. www.issa.com

For more information, contact: [email protected]

BIOFILMS ARE often referred to as “cities of microorganisms” that can adhere to and form on almost any surface. They are increasingly recognised as a critical global health issue across a multitude of industries, with annual global economic costs reaching in the trillions.

Biofilms present a significant challenge in maintaining clean and healthy environments in the built environment, such as schools, hotels, factories, hospitals, stadiums, planes, cars, and boats. It is estimated that between 65-80% of all bacterial and chronic infections originate from biofilms. Biofilms on a surface can cause material degradation, fouling that impedes fluid flow or heat transfer, contamination, infection, and cosmetic discolouration.

Biofilms grow faster and more resistant

Bacteria tend to organise themselves into biofilms on surfaces, where they can develop up to 10 times faster than they would on their own in the environment. The protective layer surrounding them gives them the ability to resist cleaning and disinfection products up to 100 times more effectively. These structured communities of microorganisms adhere to surfaces and are notoriously difficult to remove with conventional cleaning methods.

Even though you may not be familiar with the term “biofilm,” you have undoubtedly encountered them on a regular basis. For example, the plaque that forms on your teeth and causes tooth decay is one type of bacterial biofilm. The “gunk” that clogs your household drains is also a biofilm, and a persistent infection from a scrape you got from a sports injury was likely caused by a biofilm, too.

What is a biofilm?

A biofilm is composed of living, reproducing microorganisms that exist as a community. 

Biofilms can contain many distinct types of microorganisms, such as bacteria, algae, fungi, yeasts, and protozoa. Biofilms are living communities, and as they mature, it is likely that many different microbial species will develop and coexist with each other. As biofilms grow, they can release cells from the colony, enabling them to spread and colonise other surfaces.

How do biofilms form?

Biofilms can form on both wet and dry surfaces. A biofilm forms when microorganisms attach to the surface of the object and begin to reproduce, protecting each other by secreting a slimy, glue-like substance known as an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). EPS is primarily composed of polysaccharides, proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, and it provides structural support, much like the scaffolding around a building with all the gaps filled in. 

EPS acts as a protective barrier, making biofilm bacteria and fungi particularly resistant to environmental threats such as cleaning products, disinfectants, and antimicrobials.

Where do biofilms form?

Biofilms can form on just about any surface: floors, walls, fittings, fixtures, furniture, equipment, metals, plastics, natural materials (such as rocks), medical implants, kitchen counters, contact lenses, the walls of a hot tub or swimming pool, human and animal tissue, and much more. Locker room surfaces are prime locations for biofilms. 

The extensive surface area of the indoor built environment provides many opportunities for biofilm development.

How big can a biofilm get?

Biofilms can be so thin that they evade detection by the naked eye—sometimes just a few cell layers thick. The biofilms that almost certainly exist on your kitchen counter or your cell phone, for instance, are generally undetectable to the eye. 

However, they can also grow to become many inches thick, such as bacteria, fungi, and yeasts in pipes or HVAC systems.

Biofilms fluoresce (If it glows, it goes)

You can detect biofilms by using special ultraviolet (UV) lamps with specific wavelengths that cause a distinctive fluorescence of the cellular and extracellular components of the microorganisms that form the biofilms. 

You can also use hand-held devices for rapid-sweeping surveillance of surfaces to detect bacteria. This light reaction allows for direct visual detection of contaminated surfaces, which is essential for assessing the presence of biofilms. 

Can you wipe away biofilms?

A report titled “Difficulty in removing biofilm from dry surfaces,” published in December 2019 in the Journal of Hospital Infection, discusses a study conducted by Greg Whiteley and his team and their findings:

• If you dried a culture of bacteria (not a biofilm) onto a stainless-steel surface (which is not a friendly surface for bacterial survival), you could wipe away 99.9% of them with a single swipe of a wet cloth. After five wipes, 99.999% would be removed
• However, if you took those same bacteria and grew them into a dry surface biofilm, even after 50 wipes, you would only have removed a little over 96%
• Biofilm bacteria are 100 times harder to remove than bacteria without a biofilm.

How biofilms affect surface cleaning

As stated by Stephanie Dancer in her September 2022 Hygiene article “How Do Biofilms Affect Surface Cleaning in Hospitals?,” this is what we know:

• Eradicating all surface microbes, whether part of a biofilm community or not, will encourage the rapid repopulation of a newly decontaminated surface with environmental, and other, microbes
• Disrupting wet-surface biofilms following bleach exposure resulted in increased detection of multidrug-resistant organisms, including carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae
• Hospitals using disinfectants are more likely to encourage multidrug-resistant pathogens, such as vancomycin-resistant enterococci, Acinetobacter spp., and Gram-negative organisms such as Stenotrophomonas spp., due to the selection of linked biocidal and antimicrobial resistance characteristics
• Hospitals that rely on detergent or probiotic-type products encourage the repopulation of surfaces by inert environmental organisms such as Methylobacterium, Bacillus spp., and other nonpathogens.

The study of biofilms is revolutionary and important

For building managers, facility managers, and cleaning professionals, the study of biofilms is revolutionary and of particular importance. For many years, the effective treatment (ie: destruction) of harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria, has been approached from the wrong perspective. Harmful microorganisms were studied in isolation as individual organisms, not as members of a biofilm colony, where they usually reside.

New cleaning processes needed

A cleaning product, such as a disinfectant, might be advertised to “kill millions of germs on contact.” While this is a truthful statement from the manufacturer, consider this: those millions of germs are embedded in a biofilm on a surface, held together and protected by an EPS. Because EPS makes up 90% of the biofilm, the germs within the biofilm demonstrate a remarkable resistance to cleaning and disinfecting.

Cleaning products and disinfectants are developed by testing their effects on harmful microorganisms in a planktonic state, where microorganisms float in a solution as individuals, not as part of a biofilm colony attached to a surface. So, while such treatments may indeed kill millions of germs on contact, their effect is severely limited when they are applied to real-world environments, where the microorganisms to be killed are members of a biofilm.

For example, what we know about biofilms is:

• Bacillus subtilis, a strong EPS producer, has been shown to be resistant to chlorine dioxide (0.03%), hydrogen peroxide (7.5%), and peracetic acid (2.25%), and protects Staphylococcus aureus from peracetic acid (0.35%) when in a biofilm
• Acinetobacter johnsonii was shown to protect the Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Liverpool in a dual biofilm against benzalkonium chloride (300 mg/L).

New business opportunities as a biofilm buster

The study of biofilms represents a revolutionary way to understand the microbiology of nearly everything around us, from problems that afflict industry to serious public health issues. With this new understanding comes an exciting opportunity for new business—a chance to rethink our strategies for dealing with biofilm problems and to create new solutions that were previously overlooked or not handled correctly because the role of biofilms was not properly recognised and appreciated.

Dr Gavin Macgregor-Skinner is the senior director of the Global Biorisk Advisory Council  (GBAC), a division of ISSA. As an infection prevention expert and university professor, he works to develop protocols and education for the global cleaning industry to empower facilities, businesses, and cleaning professionals to create safe and healthy environments. Reprinted by permission from ISSA Today magazine​.

For more information visit www.issa.com

___________________________________________________________________

References:

Dancer, S.J. “How Do Biofilms Affect Surface Cleaning in Hospitals?” Hygiene, vol. 2, 2022, pp. 132-135.

Dartnell, L.R., Roberts, T.A., Moore G., Ward, J.M., and Muller, J.P. “Fluorescence Characterization of Clinically Important Bacteria.” PLoS ONE, vol. 8, no 9, 2013, e75270.

Jamal, M., Ahmad, W., Andleeb S., Jalil, F., Imran, M., Nawaz, M.A., Hussain, T., Ali, M., Rafiq. M., and Kamil, M.A. “Bacterial Biofilm and Associated Infections.” Journal of the Chinese Medical Association, vol. 81, 2018, pp. 7-11.

Ledwoch, K., Dancer, S.J., Otter, J.A., Kerr, K., Roposte, D., Rushton, L., Weiser, R., Mahenthiralingam, E., Muir, D.D., and Maillard, J.Y. “Beware Biofilm! Dry Biofilms Containing Bacterial Pathogens on Multiple Healthcare Surfaces; A Multi-centre Study.” Journal of Hospital Infections, vol. 100, Nov. 2018, pp. e47-e56.

Parvin, F., Hu, H., Whiteley, G.S., Glasbey, T., and Vickery, K. “Difficulty in Removing Biofilm from Dry Surfaces. Journal of Hospital Infections, vol. 103, no. 4, Dec. 2019, pp. 465-467. 

Possible pull quotes:

Biofilms are often referred to as “cities of microorganisms” that can adhere to and form on almost any surface.

Biofilms present a significant challenge in maintaining clean and healthy environments.

A biofilm is composed of living, reproducing microorganisms that exist as a community. 

Her appointment reflects ISSA initiatives to continue to build their presence in Europe. Frances will be responsible for further expanding the ISSA’s reach in the UK and Ireland and helping companies in the cleaning industry to thrive. Based in Nottingham, she will be closely working with the EMEA Programme Development team who is in charge of education and certification.

Commenting on her aims in the new role, Frances said: “I’m looking forward to discussing ways in which we can help and support UK and Irish businesses to become more compliant and improve their cleaning operations via best practices, CIMS accreditation, educational training workshops and networking events.

“I’m excited to take on the challenge and I will be focussing on promoting ISSA’s goals to expand the network and to strengthen the global cleaning community.”

Previously, Frances has worked in positions that involved assessing business performance to ensure success. Prior to her new position at the ISSA, she was involved with corporate membership propositions with the Institute of Customer Service, helping UK organisations measure, benchmark and improve their customer service and customer satisfaction levels.

She brings a great variety of skills to her new role, having worked for a leading apprenticeship training provider for seven years – where she orchestrated and managed business improvement techniques, team leadership and management skills, customer service and business administration.

Before that, Frances worked at Quinn Insurance as a senior regional commercial claims manager in the UK division for eight years. She defended clients against claims for public liability and employee liability. Furthermore, Frances advised clients on how to prevent employee liability claims by continuously improving in-house training and people development.

Dianna Steinbach, vice president of international services at ISSA, welcomes Frances: “Frances has great experience and the skills to develop our business and implement the right strategies to grow our association. She is a valuable addition to our team in the UK and Ireland and we are confident that more members will be able to benefit from our network in the future as a result of her appointment.”

www.issa.com

Have you recently attended a conference or an event? Did you take the opportunity to network? Making new connections and expanding existing business relationships is probably one of your main reasons for attending industry events and trade shows. We all know how easy it is to become preoccupied with the day-to-day. Exchanging ideas and meeting new people is highly relevant. It enables you to stay up to date and freshens up your outlook on what is happening in your industry. 

ISSA offers a network where ideas and visions for the cleaning industry can be discussed in a way which benefits everyone. 

Give and take

To get the most out of participating in an event, you should first ask yourself what you expect from the contacts you make. What would you like to achieve with them and, just as important – what can you offer to other participants? Once you have determined your aim, you should also keep in mind that a network is based on trust and fair collaboration. For a network to work well and be beneficial to everyone, participants should respect that relationships are about give and take. Exchanging knowledge and sharing industry insights – as well as offering advice – is the most important aspect of a functioning network. Networking is a breeding ground where ideas gain life and grow.

Regular contact

However, in order for networks to be efficient, they have to be maintained. Contact needs to take place on a regular basis to have a long-term impact. ISSA offers periodic events and networking opportunities in most European countries. Our 90 years of experience and 9000 members make us the Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association. Key to our mission is connecting industry experts with each other. ISSA offers virtual connectivity in tandem with regular networking events. The international LinkedIn Group of ISSA is heading toward 30,000 members who actively exchange insights globally.

At our regular networking events, our members meet face-to-face to learn from one another. We always aim to create a relaxed and welcoming environment during these events. This kind of atmosphere is important to encourage networking. Putting in the effort to make people feel welcome and comfortable is the best groundwork for ideas and businesses to flourish.

Expand your perspective

Networking events benefit everyone. The knowledge and experience of others can expand our perspectives. ISSA networking events are about developing forward-looking ideas and concepts which are designed to advance and improve our industry. Economics and science, research and teaching, practice and theory: all are linked to the common goal of shaping the future through open dialogue. 

Our events are also an ideal platform to get to know new customers, suppliers and innovative approaches to everyday cleaning industry issues. Every member is a multiplier and participants can expand their network in a relatively short amount of time. All networking events that ISSA organise and host are free to all members – and of course, we welcome guests as well.

A membership in ISSA makes you a part of a great worldwide network – online and offline – and gives you all the benefits you need in our increasingly competitive profession. Valuable contacts can bring enduring value to your professional and private life. Good contacts aren’t necessarily about quantity: quality is the crucial factor here. 

Within ISSA you can be sure that you are connected to people who work in and know about your industry. We are happy to be enablers, providing you with the chance to connect through our events. Cultivating and maintaining these connections is ultimately up to you. We aim to give you the best and most relevant opportunities, and an environment in which to grow your knowledge and your business success.  

Your next chance to network with the ISSA in the UK is on 6th September at ISSA member SYR (Scot Young Research Ltd), Stourbridge, West Midlands.

For further information please contact [email protected]

The cleaning industry – just like any other industry – is always changing. There is a constant need for companies to adapt as governments implement new regulations and laws. But also, social factors and environmental developments are driving change, while expectations in the industry are evolving. To stay ahead of the game, companies need to see these developments, understand the impact and act on them. It doesn’t only come down to the qualifications of the CEO. Companies need qualified staff at all levels to recognise what could affect business operations and also to drive innovation. 

However, training your workforce costs time and money – often someone from outside is needed to do the training. There are a number of drawbacks to this situation. There will be additional cost, missed time, and – when the training is not relevant or carried out badly – valuable work hours are wasted. Understandably, employers don’t necessarily want to take that risk. 

However, there are a number of key benefits from training your employees to bear in mind. Lifelong learning is already a reality – and to keep your competitive edge, education and certification should be an essential part of your company culture. Therefore, ISSA cooperates with academies across the world to promote and provide education, host networking events and offer training to members and non-members of the industry. 

The benefits of investing in your employees

If you need more convincing of clear reasons why you should invest in staff training, here are the most important advantages:

Regular employee training gives your company more on the job know-how and knowledge. It is not just about specific knowledge but also for skills like time management, social skills or team building. 

Secondly, employees will pass on what they have learned. Professional staff training doesn’t only benefit one person, it will always benefit the whole team.

Another benefit for your company is that training obviously increases the qualification of your employees and allows you to recruit new professionals internally. 

Inevitably, this will build employee loyalty. The positive incentive of employee training increases their identification with the company. This is a key success factor for a company. In the long term, employee retention through continuing education offers positive effects on innovation and company growth.

By consistently investing in training your employees the overall reputation of your company improves. This also leads to the increased attractiveness of your company to potential new employees. If you care about the professional training of your staff, this motivates qualified professionals from your competitors to apply to you – making it easier to find exactly what you want.

In the end, satisfied employees will increase the willingness to perform, which increases their productivity; which in turn leads to higher profits. Professional staff training has a positive effect on the service profit chain. Put simply, employees understand employee training as a signal of appreciation. 

In the long term, an attractive HR development programme will create a motivated environment, foster innovation, reduce risk, increase the productivity of your employees and of your business as a whole, and boost your bottom line.

Skills for success

Are you rethinking your current employee training strategy? Are you also going to the Interclean Amsterdam show in May? Take the opportunity to network and get two certifications presented by industry experts:

Accredited Auditing Professional (AAP): Offered by ISSA’s Cleaning Management Institute (CMI), AAP qualifies you to provide consistent and standard quality-assurance audits. 

May 16, 2018, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Room: D407 (Elicium)
Trainer: Brant Insero/K-J Boel

Estimating Made Easy (EME): This management course looks at all the defined systems of costing for contracts, organisational structures, disciplines, and the benefits of each system for a thorough understanding on which to base decisions and operations.

May 17, 2018, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Room: D407 (Elicium)
Trainer: Tommy Taylor

Contact: KJ Boel | [email protected]

ISSA organised the event to give cleaning industry professionals the chance to gain insights into the latest drivers impacting the cleaning industry and the opportunity to business network with fellow industry professionals.

Dianna Steinbach, ISSA’s vice president of international services, welcomed attendees and gave a quick update on ISSA educational, business and certification services for the year ahead. Next to speak was Roberta Donzelli, senior vendor manager, BISS EU at Amazon who gave a brief overview of Amazon’s current and planned e-commerce activity in the jansan industry.

The event then focused on three main topics: how the UK cleaning industry should plan for the impact of Brexit, employment of the younger generation, and selling in the digital world.

Leo Ringer, the UK head of global council, talked about Brexit implications for the commercial cleaning sector giving insights on how UK’s immigrant workforce dynamics will shift for the cleaning service providers. Ringer also took away some concerns from the audience by explaining anticipated import/export activities and made participants aware of key milestones they will need to watch out for during the course of Brexit.

Jemma Redden and Chris Tarry from Access Generation CIC, a social enterprise company that provides free practical online guidance to businesses on making the workplace more accessible for 18-24 year olds at the start of their careers, addressed the topic of positioning cleaning companies as an employer of choice for the younger generation. Based on research conducted with the Prince’s Trust, the new generation has a different approach about work and their life aspirations. With this in mind Access Generation CIC went on to suggest changes in the recruiting process to attract potential younger employees to the industry.

The participants of the event further gained invaluable insight in to how b2b ecommerce is evolving and what an online sales strategy should look like in the digital age. Luke Elliot, leading vendor management for the business cluster at Amazon Europe, also talked about the new dynamics of selling in the digital world.

Henrich's most recent role was as a strategic management consultant and she has also worked as international marketing director at Tana-Chemie GmbH and before that at Ecolab Europe as european marketing manager. 

Commenting on her appointment Henrich stated: “I find it very rewarding that I can continue my career path in this meaningful way. As ISSA European Manager, I can be part of the global community that makes such a valuable contribution to the business success of its members - in particular through information, training and networking events at a high level.”

Dianna Steinbach, vice president of international services at ISSA, said: “Regina’s strategic experience and her interests in digitalisation and its effect on social economic transformation in the service industry will, along with her expertise in social media and eco-effectiveness, help us to further develop the quality of our services for the benefit of members in the future.”

The creation of Henrich’s position is another step in ISSA's commitment to deepening services and support in the European market, combined with new educational workshops, more member networking events, and new business tools and market data planned for 2018.

 

Microbeads are tiny plastic particles that are commonly added to domestic skin and tooth cleaning products for their exfoliating properties. Flushed into waterways, these particles are building up throughout the world’s oceans. Their impact on marine life, and introduction into the food chain, is quickly becoming a symbol for the more visible long-term damage that plastic is causing. 

Concern is being expressed throughout Europe and the UK government has already banned the use of microbeads in cosmetics. However, microbeads – which are also present in professional cleaning products – are just one part of the problem. 

Plastic

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation has found that each year at least eight million tonnes of plastic leak into the ocean; the equivalent of one garbage truck every minute. They forecast that by 2050 there could be more plastic (by weight) in the ocean than fish. Today, only 14 per cent of plastic packaging gets collected for recycling.

Awareness of sustainability has been on the rise in the cleaning industry for more than a decade and ISSA has consistently taken a lead in addressing the issue. Expressions of conscience are not enough. The association is mindful of how sustainability impacts on perceptions of the professional cleaning industry as a whole, and your livelihoods. The demand for consistently sustainable cleaning is a key element in our promotion of the value of clean.

The adoption of sustainable practices continues to challenge those of us involved in professional cleaning and hygiene and, as an industry, we need to take responsibility and a more holistic view. 

Recycling 

The ability to recycle generally leads the debate but just as important is the plastic waste recycling rate. Better quality plastic recycling is key as it will also help to provide high quality recyclate, increase the proportion of recylate in plastic bottles and support a circular economy. In this way material can be reutilised instead of being downcycled into lesser solutions, such as products or packaging. To all participants in the industry it should be a common concern to support a circular economy. Exact dosage of highly concentrated cleaning products leads to a reduction in packaging waste and disposal costs, and helps in saving resources. 

Product manufacturers are increasingly focusing on the production of sustainable products and packaging; evaluating impact through the entire life cycle from initial design, while using substances that are available in excess, or from renewable sources. 

By avoiding long distance transports, in addition to evaluating operations from storage to delivery and when taking back packaging, distributors minimise environmental impact.

Facility cleaners can increase their profit by choosing sustainable product solutions and innovative dosing devices; while reducing energy, water and finally waste with a comprehensive recycling programme. 

CIMS

One of the audit criteria within our certification is sustainability, to drive the debate in ways which benefit our members. ISSA’s Cleaning Industry Management Service (CIMS) works under the five recognised pillars of management excellence, including Health, Safety & Environmental Stewardship. CIMS shows customers you’re aware of key environmental concerns and you are dedicated to high quality in meeting their raised needs and expectations.  

So strive and lobby for excellence. Comprehensive sustainable approaches can deliver better operational and financial efficiency. It is a time to be brave. ISSA will support you every step of the way in connecting the dots by providing network events, education, highlighting appropriate products, delivering training and sharing best available sustainable practices.