Are Building Service Contractors Outsourcing?
Outsourced Cleaner
In current news is the recent survey conducted by AlturaSolutions Communications for Tornado Industries, a manufacturer of cleaning equipment based in Chicago, IL. The stated purpose of the survey, which used social media web sites designed to target cleaning industry contractors, was to determine trends impacting the industry. Tornado wanted to know if more building-service-contractors (BSCs) are considering outsourcing cleaning work to independent/sub contractors. Of particular interest is whether or not the current state of the economy has impacted BSC’s consideration of this option.
The results from the nearly 100 respondents:
Compared to five years ago, 55 percent say they are not outsourcing more janitorial work today; thirty-six percent say they are; and the remainder indicates their use of outside contractors is “about the same.”
Asked the key benefits of outsourcing janitorial work, nearly 67 percent indicate it was “cost savings.” Seventeen percent say they prefer it because it’s “easier to fire” workers. The rest indicate contractors were more dependable and required little or no training.
The main problem with outsourcing janitorial work is “too little control over the work performed,” say 42 percent. A third found the work of outsourced workers to be “less-than-satisfactory” and 25 percent say contract workers are harder to supervise.
Nearly 42 percent say they would not recommend outsourcing janitorial work to other BSCs—33 percent say they would.
Jolyn Kennedy, marketing manager for Tornado, said of the results: “Interestingly, even though there are mixed feelings about outsourcing, nearly 60 percent say they believe [outsourcing] will play a greater role in the industry five years from now. This may be a reflection of the tight economy and hopes that [BSCs] can cut costs by outsourcing instead of hiring employees directly.”
The issue of outsourcing stays in the minds of many building-service-contractors. What are the benefits? What are the dangers? A little internet research quickly reveals a wealth of opinions, some useful and others not, that can be difficult to navigate. A few articles that we found to be most helpful:
Outsourcing Cleaning Operations, Outsourcing Causes, Marketing Considerations
–Concise but comprehensive. A good article to start with.
Outsourcing information technology
–Expands the definition of what services can be outsourced.
Transitioning from In-House Cleaning to Outsourcing Cleaning Services
Preparing For the Fall: CDC Issues Swine Flu Prevention Advice
Swine Flu
As we know, the occurrence of Swine Flu has drastically decreased through the warmer months of summer. However, most reports indicate that there is still a moderate risk of a return outbreak. Andrew Pekosz, professor of immunology and microbiology at John Hopkins, pointed out in May of 2009 that H1N1 is a new virus, meaning no one has immunity. Also worrisome to public health officials is that many flu pandemics of the past have followed this pattern: an initial, mild wave of cases, followed by a lull, and then by more severe waves of infection months later.
All of the above is pertinent, of course, because the public’s attention is still very much on this issue. On August 10th, the CDC issued a report called “General Business and Workplace Guidance for the Prevention of Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Flu in Workers.” The report serves a preparatory purpose, outlining symptoms of the disease and encouraging employers to take cautionary measures (http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/workplace.htm). Almost all of these measures implicate the cleaning industry indirectly, and some, such as the following taken from the report, directly:
* Provide sufficient facilities for hand washing and alcohol-based (at least 60%) hand sanitizers* (or wipes) in common workplace areas such as lobbies, corridors, and restrooms.
* Provide tissues, disinfectants, and disposable towels for employees to clean their work surfaces, as well as appropriate disposal receptacles for use by employees.
* One study showed that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface. To reduce the chance of spread of the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus, disinfect commonly-touched hard surfaces in the workplace, such as work stations, counter tops, door knobs, and bathroom surfaces by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.
What this means: as usual, cleaning services involved in high-risk buildings like schools will continue with their annual conversation concerning flu prevention and containment. However, additional industries may find it necessary to begin developing measures for the early combat of the disease. Most officials are looking to the fall and the Southern Hemisphere, where flu season begins earlier. An organized approach by cleaning services could form the backbone for flu-season preparation. Please take a few minutes to look through the following resources for information on cleaning services and flu preparation:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm
http://www.cleanlink.com/sm/article/Swine-Flu-Outbreak-Spotlights-Importance-Of-Cleaning–10896
