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More than ‘just’ a cleaner
11th of December 2024 Article by Abi Richards
Cleaning operatives are expected to do certain things such as operate specialist equipment, handle chemicals, be vigilant and adaptable, work against pressured deadlines, pay attention to detail, tackle difficult tasks and work unsociable hours. Abi Richards, account director at SBFM, tells us how their job involves so much more than that.
What many people don't consider are the extra things cleaners do. The many ways that cleaning operatives go above and beyond their usual workplace expectations, day in, and day out. They not only go the extra mile to keep places and spaces clean and hygienic, but they also keep people safe, support worthwhile causes, become friendly faces for the public and improve the organisations they work for.
From taking part in video translations so all staff can quickly and easily understand tasks at hand, to running marathons, our frontline cleaning operatives have shone in some incredibly difficult situations to support others. Their incredible stories deserve to be recognised.
Saving lives is perhaps something you'd be forgiven for associating with a doctor or nurse rather than a cleaner. One recent exceptional circumstance at SBFM involved a lifesaving act. When an operative witnessed a gym member collapse under her barbell he sprang into action immediately - lifting the barbell off her, placing her into the recovery position and calling an ambulance.
This all happened during his night shift when there was no one else around to help. If he hadn't been there, and reacted so quickly when he noticed something was wrong, the outcome of that situation could have been a lot worse.
Dealing with a crisis
Operatives often spring into action in other emergency scenarios - there have been times when facilities are flooded and cleaning operatives come to the rescue. Cleaners have gone out of their way to change their hours and work around the clock to remedy a soggy situation, emptying water - and even sewage - out of premises by the bucket load.
Other emergencies have involved more creepy-crawly situations. Operatives have taken it upon themselves to tackle spider infestations, cleaning up any trace of egg sacks or webs. That dedication to ensuring spaces are safe goes far beyond their usual scope of work.
Elsewhere, they've been on the frontline cleaning up spaces after protests and using their knowledge of safety procedures to be vigilant of any suspicious activity that could put the public at risk. That has involved informing client teams of incidents caught on CCTV, and sometimes intervention if it is safe to do so, to make sure people feel protected if they are being harassed or mistreated.
Operatives' dedication to human safety and caring for the community they work in reaches far beyond their daily task list.
Fundraising
Outside of their work, many operatives go to exceptional lengths to support communities and causes that mean a lot to them. One of our operatives was diagnosed as deaf earlier this year at the age of 58 and decided to raise funds for the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID). As an avid marathon runner he has taken part in races across the globe.
Another of our area managers has been out campaigning for another cause - homelessness. Last year, she worked with the charity Liverpool in Arms, to feed and care for the local homeless community during the difficult winter months. She got SBFM involved too and we donated 50 sleeping bags to the charity.
Helping each other
Management teams proactively establish strong relationships with every one of their operatives. That means knowing everyone's name and schedule preferences, even if it is across 130 sites. Creating a space and culture of open communication between frontline operatives and management ensures the company is guided by the very people who make a difference.
Operatives are the eyes and ears of our industry. We consult them if we are looking to make changes and gauge feedback. Our frontline cleaners work with management to trial new equipment and products, offering fresh perspectives and calling out any potential issues.
Our teams have also been the driving force for us to use video instruction manuals more. Colleagues video themselves using equipment for other staff members to better understand. This works well for some neurodivergent and disabled members of staff who may not learn well from written instructions. It is also useful for staff facing language barriers - one area manager filmed instructional videos in English and then in Spanish so that colleagues could understand what to do in their native language.
Never ‘just' a cleaner
It pains me to hear the term ‘just a cleaner'. No one is ‘just a cleaner'. Our cleaning operatives do so much more than keeping spaces clean and tidy. They are a go-to in times of need, a confidante, the ones who are relied upon to get things done. Next time you see a busy cleaner, going about their schedule, think of the hidden roles they take on and the impact they have on the community they work in. Take time to say hello. Take time to say thank you.
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