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Appifying cleaning – connecting a remote workforce
4th of March 2025 Article by Ricky Majer
In cleaning, connecting a widespread workforce can be difficult, especially if the technology used is clunky and ineffective. Ricky Majer, CTO at facilities services provider SBFM explores the benefits of ‘appification' - custom-built applications that give cleaning operatives accessible communication methods, flexible working options and new learning opportunities.
In an industry as dynamic and fundamental as cleaning, connecting a widespread workforce is essential, but it has historically been fraught with difficulty. Although technology is becoming more at home in facilities management, the industry has lagged somewhat behind the integration of others, such as the finance industry. When people can be so well connected globally thanks to platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, why not apply the connective principles to a dispersed cleaning workforce?
When cleaning operatives are deployed at sites throughout the country, they can find it near-impossible to connect with remote managers, and even harder to communicate their queries and concerns.
Operatives often don't feel a sense of belonging in the companies they are employed by. In UKG's perspectives from the frontline 2024 report, over 51 per cent of respondents felt as though they were treated like a number, rather than a person. Despite these connection issues, many cleaning providers are still relying on outdated forms of contact such as posters, text messages and emails.
Previously, corporate technology has required extensive training for initial use, and can, quite frankly, still be difficult to operate. And adoption and usage efficiencies are worsened when employees are spread out and training is sparse, often without access to desktops or laptops. These concerns need to be addressed, and the remedy? Appification.
Clear communication
A first thought for many might be to adopt an already-popular application designed for easy consumer use. WhatsApp, for example, has become a popular tool for managers and operatives to connect. However, it still requires a manual, time-consuming process of managers reaching out to each worker to see if, for example, they are available for a shift. That process can be clunky and doesn't allow operatives to see all opportunities available.
Appification is revolutionary, it can connect a cleaning workforce via a bespoke, user-friendly and intuitive app. If configured correctly, singular, streamlined app services that are used like Facebook and Instagram can transform information sharing and communication among colleagues. It can bridge the void between frontline workers and management, as well as modernise administration such as sharing shift rotas, managing holiday requests and distributing payslips.
Appification doesn't stop there. For those who do not speak English as their first language, built-in translation options allow operatives to receive information in their native language. Cleaning companies need to think about their workforce and their varying needs, to ask themselves "What can we do to simplify things?" That way, organisations can ensure messages are not only received but understood.
Streamlined services and increased earning potential
Organisations need an ‘Uberised' app service where cleaning operatives can see and choose extra shifts available in their local area. Making these shifts easy to view and accept significantly increases their earning potential. This is an efficient way for the cleaning providers to fill vacant shifts and deliver on promises to clients.
Custom-developed apps with this ‘Uberised' interface can use algorithmic learning tools to concisely show workers extra shifts that align with their preferences within the geographical area they are willing to work in. The catered technology gives operatives the best flexibility around their day-to-day needs, like whether they have studies or need to attend the school run.
Appification of this nature can significantly reduce administration time, increase earning potential for cleaning operatives, and allow employers to provide a more streamlined service to clients and scale up as required. It is also a springboard for more sustainable practices as operatives can reduce travel resources used by opting for shifts in their local area.
Flexibility is vital to the modern cleaning service delivery landscape as clients navigate their own industry opportunities and threats. Cleaning providers need to be agile and ready to adapt, so technology is fundamental.
Supporting development
Upskilling is another significant advantage of user-intuitive employee applications. Gamified learning platforms can be integrated to enable operatives to track their progress, gain certifications and upskill to unlock new opportunities. This can also be measured through easily trackable systems, like a rating section that highlights all skills learned and what operatives can focus on to improve.
By delivering fun training materials straight into the hands of operatives, compliance can be monitored and personal and professional development improved.
Perfectly app-t
Inspiration from consumer apps designed to make life easier should be adopted for corporate use. We need to meet people where they are. To do that, the cleaning industry should be leveraging app interfaces that frontline workers are already familiar with and using them to create a thriving community.
Providing these streamlined services to operatives and in turn, clients, will rid the industry of clunky administration processes and wasted time. It's about time that custom-built platforms are developed with the needs of our frontline workers in mind. With them, we could revolutionise the cleaning industry.
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