Do you keep the cleaning practices of your business hidden from view? If so, you are probably one of the thousands of companies that opt to bring in the cleaning crews when the doors to the public close.
However, key research undertaken during the last lockdown has provided crucial insights into the public’s perception of cleaning services in commercial settings – the results of which may just change your mind. We know it would be remiss of us to embark on a discussion on cleanliness without consideration of COVID-19, which has had a profound impact on the confidence customers have in stepping back inside your business, so this study tackles that too.
Keep on reading to find out why changing your cleaners’ schedule can have a significant impact on your business.
In the hospitality sector, 52% of those that would visit the market again post-lockdown are cautious, with consumer confidence dropping since April 2020. These trends are mirrored across many sectors, highlighting the urgent need to increase confidence as soon as businesses are allowed to re-open their doors. Fortunately, this is something you can influence.
The aforementioned research states that people felt more confident when they saw disinfection occurring – in fact, 61% conveyed that witnessing the cleaning of public spaces made them feel that measures put in place due to COVID-19 were being taken seriously by the business. That is a significant proportion of the public who will feel more confident that your business is safe to use.
It could be argued that pre-COVID-19, consumers appreciated efficiency; however, post-COVID-19 research reveals that, on the most fundamental level, this has shifted to valuing safety. Integral to the fight against any virus is the disinfecting of surfaces used by the public, but nearly 30% of people surveyed in this study stated that they felt safer if they could see the cleaning actually taking place. If someone feels safe, they are more likely to have confidence in your business.
Increased confidence due to visible cleaning practices is directly correlated with customers returning to your business. Indeed, 45% of respondents confirmed that they would be more likely to return if they saw cleaning taking place, and that they wished to see more than just hand sanitising stations. So, whether you organise the cleaning of your facilities in-house or call in a professional company such as Regimental Cleaning Services, make sure you get seen while you clean!
The safety and confidence of your employees is just as important as that of your customers. According to Aviva’s Employee Back to Work Index, there is a negative trend in the confidence employees have in their respective organisations with regard to a COVID-19 safe workplace. The same index asserts that infection from either colleagues (32%) or customers (26%) are the main concerns affecting employees. Good news: visible cleaning practices will help improve customer and employee confidence alike and will help alleviate the concern employees have for infection.
A clear message is given by the respondents in that initial study: when asked about their pre-COVID-19 opinions, 20% stated that cleaning should take place after hours, compared to just 2% post-COVID-19. Clearly, when it comes to cleaning, out of sight, out of mind is not always the best practice.