What does the future hold for cleaning? That’s the million-dollar question now, over two years into a pandemic that has left an indelible mark on the industry.
In the immediate term, cleaning and maintenance companies and staff are having to wrestle with yet another new normal – in some areas of Canada, a full-capacity reopening with various restrictions such as proof of vaccination or mask mandates lifted. While we have been there before with reopening at various capacities, the lifting of restrictions has not gone this far earlier in the pandemic. Though there is some concern that COVID-19 is resurging, the hope is for a sustained spring and summer of business as usual – or, at least, as usual as we can get in the first half of 2022.
That will present challenges for the industry, particularly when it comes to high-traffic facilities such as hospitality and retail establishments.
In the FC&M Spring 2022 issue, we have aimed to alleviate the concerns that many companies and workers may be feeling about the months ahead with some sage advice from well-placed veteran of the industry.
In our Expert Q&A, the American Cleaning Institute’s Brian Sansoni reminds all of us of the importance of getting the basics right and not overcomplicating the approach to disinfection, and experts from around the industry advise on core issues such as dealing with increased foot traffic, proactively cleaning for the future, and ensuring the lessons learned from the last two years stay top of mind.
Meanwhile, our cover story this issue sees us chat in-depth with Russell Hay of Scandinavian Building Services about the importance of family values, both literal and figurative, in running a nationwide BSC in today’s world.
We also catch up with ISSA Canada on key developments in the industry since last fall, as well as looking ahead to the return of in-person ISSA Shows later this year. We must also take the time to note that our REMI Show also returns in person in Toronto in June – we can’t wait to be reunited with the industry and catch up after so long of only seeing each other on a screen.
As always, thanks for reading.
