The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented changes across many industries, and the cleaning sector was particularly affected. As businesses and public spaces aimed to protect health and safety, significant adjustments were made. Here are the seven key changes in the cleaning industry post-COVID:
1. Enhanced Cleaning Protocols
COVID-19 significantly raised public awareness about the importance of cleanliness and hygiene. This led to an increased demand for cleaning services across various sectors. Cleaning protocols were revised to ensure the safety of both customers and staff. Stricter sanitary standards were implemented, requiring higher cleaning frequencies and the adoption of new schedules or solutions, such as daytime cleaning.
2. Use of Certified Disinfectants
The pandemic prioritized the use of disinfectants and certified cleaning products effective against viruses. Our teams were trained to use these new products for proper disinfection. Additionally, suppliers adapted by testing and adjusting their products and equipment to combat COVID-19 effectively.
3. Development of Specialized Training
To address the new challenges posed by the pandemic, La Providence invested in specialized cleaning and disinfection training. Employees were taught how to safely handle chemicals, use personal protective equipment (PPE), and apply the most effective cleaning methods. The role of cleaning agents evolved into a critical and highly specialized one in the fight against infection spread.
4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Cleaners were provided with additional and better-suited PPE to reduce the risk of virus transmission. This included different types of masks designed to lower contamination risks.
5. Advanced Cleaning Technology
The pandemic accelerated the adoption of advanced cleaning technologies. Autonomous cleaning robots were deployed in public spaces to reduce transmission risks. At La Providence, we also strengthened our digital department to serve as an interface between operational and commercial teams.
6. Hygiene Awareness
Businesses across sectors launched hygiene awareness campaigns to encourage employees and the public to adopt good cleaning and hygiene practices. These new habits help prevent the transmission of other viruses, such as the flu.
7. Flexible Contracts
Cleaning contracts had to be adapted to meet the changing needs of businesses and public spaces, depending on health restrictions and protocols. In response to these evolving demands, La Providence implemented daytime cleaning, helping employees achieve a better work-life balance and demonstrating the company’s social and societal responsibility.
COVID-19 has brought lasting changes to the cleaning sector. While the pandemic introduced considerable challenges, it also created new opportunities and highlighted the vital role of cleaning in public health. Cleaning companies had to rapidly adapt to new health and safety standards, invest in digitalization, and train their staff to meet these evolving market demands.
