Revisiting the new normal

4th of January 2022
Revisiting the new normal

Lynn Webster in the UK reviews the year that’s passed and asked what we have learned.

As we come to the end of another very different, if rather strange year there is time to reflect. Most of us have suffered in some way or another personally, professionally or in loss of business; often outcomes too difficult to contemplate. But are there any positives that have come out of this situation?

We have certainly learned how to adapt our lives. We have experienced greater acknowledgement of our industry.

A recent report (www.moreincommon.com/newnormal) covered a survey of 14,000 people across the UK, USA, France, Germany, Italy, Poland and The Netherlands considering the impact of the pandemic on trust, social cohesion, democracy and expectations for the future. Hope for change. Inevitably their findings demonstrated that some of the decisions made in the near future will have long-term consequences and serious impact on future generations. It identified the three highest policy priorities emerging from the pandemic in the UK are the NHS, the economy, and protection of the environment.

Taking some of their conclusions and outcomes then applying them to the cleaning industry and inevitably ourselves has highlighted what a dramatic time this has been for many but also what we can take forward with positive energy.

A key factor has been the increased respect for hygiene and overall public health initiatives and guidelines. So much of the public face of cleaning has changed. Not only has everyone a greater perception of cleaning standards but are openly voicing their opinions. There are the inevitable challenges to the norm but now is time to also acknowledge the vital role professional cleaning plays.

Creating a sense of togetherness, being aware of the living and working conditions of others. Certainly the front-line personnel in healthcare have received well deserved praise for their performance but let’s not lose sight of the similar work done by many others across our industry in, for example, education, manufacturing and the hospitality sector.

Making us more supportive and caring of others whilst focusing on the invisible disengagement, feelings of isolation and loneliness. Relate this to our many mobile cleaning operatives and the lone workers who form a large part of our cleaning teams. How we communicate and include them in team activities will be significant going forward. The employers’ management of staff wellbeing and mental health is a critical area for action.

Some businesses thrived through opportunities presented to them whereas others were less fortunate. How each of us survives the forecast of economic downturn and stability will be a challenge.

The revisiting of environmental impact on our lives. The role our industry plays will play a large part in our future; a reawakening towards climate change, although some worry that the current momentum will falter; reduced carbon emissions; commitment to protecting our surroundings and the world’s natural resources.

Whatever the outcomes of the pandemic, hopefully we face them with greater pride in ourselves and our industry and with a positive spirit of togetherness.

 

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