ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

The cleaning industry in the USA has become more efficient in its operations and keeping costs down in the last two years. And in light of an improving economy a tone of cautious optimism is apparent.

That's according to the 2013 Cleaning Industry Insights Survey from P&G Professional, the away-from-home division of Procter & Gamble.

According to survey respondents, cutbacks on luxuries have been reduced and pressures have eased. However loss of business and customer dissatisfaction are the leading causes of worry, keeping key decision makers on their toes to ensure continued improvements and efficiencies.

The survey results were based on the responses of more than 400 cleaning industry professionals and decision makers across healthcare, food service, commercial and hospitality sectors.

Pressure across the cleaning industry to keep operating costs down has dropped by six per cent since the inaugural survey in 2011. The one exception to this is the healthcare sector where levels of pressure are perceived to be higher than those of other sectors and levels of 'extreme pressure' have risen slightly from 27 per cent in 2011 to 35 per cent in 2013.

Similarly, cleaning professionals in the healthcare sector were also more likely to look at cutting back on office supplies, luxuries, employee benefits and staff.

Looking at both 2011 and 2013 results, consistent importance is placed on a few key business factors for the cleaning industry as a whole. 'Keeping customers satisfied' was ranked the biggest area of business focus at 32 per cent in 2013 (33 per cent in 2011) for all sectors.

When it comes to selecting cleaning products - 'product performance and efficacy/ease-of-use' remains the most important factor, at 44 per cent in both 2011 and 2013, higher than 'price' at 31 per cent (consistent with 30 per cent in 2011).

Respondents also stated in both 2011 and 2013 that 'products which get the job done properly the first time' is the most helpful factor when performing cleaning services.

Despite the fact two-thirds of respondents overall are 'extremely proud' or 'very proud' of their business' cleanliness, hygiene and cleaning procedures, managers continue to report challenges with their cleaning staff's 'quality of work' (60 per cent), 'lack of interest, motivation or dedication' (53 per cent) and 'employee turnover' (36 per cent).

Nearly six in 10 respondents overall (59 per cent) reported reducing waste as the top way in which their business has become more efficient over the past two years. This was followed closely by 'better negotiating on products and services' (47 per cent) and 'using more effective products and services' (43 per cent).

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