Janitor Appreciation: Thank Your Cleaner Day!

On September 27th, during the BCCCA monthly luncheon, the British Columbia Contract Cleaners Association joined forces with Karcher Canada to champion and acknowledge the invaluable contributions made by cleaners to our daily lives.

At the luncheon, Steven Hughes from Kärcher Canada expressed his admiration for the BCCCA, citing their innovative and forward-thinking approach as the driving force behind their partnership. He revealed that the concept of “Thank Your Cleaner Day” was initiated by Karcher in 2015 with the aim of recognizing the often overlooked efforts of cleaners, who predominantly work during the night.

Steven emphasized the critical role cleaners play not only in hospitals but also in maintaining the cleanliness of office spaces. Neglecting proper cleaning, especially on frequently touched surfaces, can lead to the rapid spread of contagious diseases like the “Norwalk” virus, disrupting office operations for days. Job satisfaction is crucial, and a lack of appreciation often contributes to high turnover rates in the cleaning industry.

To rectify this, October 19th, 2016, was chosen as the date for “Thank Your Cleaner Day.” This date was selected strategically to coincide with the busiest period in offices from late September to November, providing maximum exposure for the initiative. Additionally, it presents an opportunity to enhance the profile of the janitorial industry and increase brand visibility. The ripple effect of appreciation can greatly benefit the industry as a whole.

Making Thank Your Cleaner Day a Global Success

Karcher’s global reach, spanning 60 countries, positions them to raise the status of cleaners and increase their perceived value. In the upcoming weeks, this campaign will feature in trade magazines, on radio, and television, making it worthwhile to support. Notably, unions are also endorsing this initiative, highlighting the universal desire for recognition.

The BCCCA spearheads this campaign, with Karcher providing sponsorship. Kits for “Thank Your Cleaner Day” will be distributed to those interested, with no cost involved. These kits include a letter designed for clients, fostering engagement with both clients and employees, ultimately promoting job satisfaction and reducing turnover.

The key to success lies in generating prime-time coverage and public interest stories. Increased visibility will elevate the profile of building service workers, benefitting the industry economically. The official launch of this campaign in Canada began on Monday, marking the global nature of the event and increasing its value.

Karcher’s commitment to sustainability is further exemplified by their “Cleaning National Monuments” program, which has seen them clean iconic landmarks like Mt. Rushmore, the Jesus Statue in Rio, and the Seattle Space Needle.

How to Spread the Word

Metropolitan also actively participated in this initiative by sending a letter to its customers, spreading the word about this special day and encouraging everyone to show their appreciation for the hardworking cleaners.

Here’s an example of a letter if you’d like to create your own campaign to notify your customers.

To Our Esteemed Metropolitan Customers,

We are delighted to share exciting news from the Building Services Industry in partnership with the regional organization, BCCCA (British Columbia Contract Cleaners Association). Together, we are thrilled to announce the upcoming “Thank Your Cleaner Day” on October 19th, 2016.

Metropolitan, as a proud member of BCCCA, joins hands with Karcher – Canada to support and promote this significant event. This day has been designated as an annual celebration to honor the essential contributions made by professional cleaners to our daily lives.

We recognize and applaud the tireless efforts of tens of thousands of cleaners who work diligently day and night, often during weekends and holidays, to ensure our workplaces and living spaces remain clean and hygienic. Many of these individuals work behind the scenes and often go unnoticed by those who benefit from their meticulous cleaning efforts.

It is time to change that, and “Thank Your Cleaner Day” is the perfect occasion. We all appreciate feeling valued and recognized in our work, and this day provides an opportunity for us to express our gratitude for the hard work and dedication displayed by professional cleaners every day.

Karcher, Canada Inc. takes immense pride in sponsoring this noteworthy campaign. As a leading global cleaning equipment and technology company, Karcher understands the vital role played by building service contractors and the significance of raising awareness and recognition for their contributions to this industry. This campaign has the potential to create a global impact and “make a difference.”

So, on October 19th, keep an eye out for Metropolitan staff proudly wearing the “THANK YOUR CLEANER DAY” label. This presents a wonderful opportunity for you and your team to connect with your cleaners and let them know that their efforts are truly appreciated. A simple hello, thank you, smile, or handshake can brighten someone’s day immensely.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to you for your support and encourage you to participate in this initiative. Together, we can elevate the status of cleaners and contribute to a positive change in our industry.