In our last post, we discussed how innovation through digitization is key to resuming normal operations globally.

In this post we will look at how the cleaning industry is at the front line in returning to normal.

According to the UN, workers in four sectors that have experienced the most drastic effects of COVID-19 and the economic consequences are:

• food and accommodation (144 million workers);
• retail and wholesale (482 million);
• business services and administration (157 million);
• and manufacturing (463 million).

Together, they add up to 37.5 percent of global employment and this is where the sharp end of the pandemic is being felt.

While scientists and medical professionals search for an effective treatment for COVID-19, experts have acknowledged that resuming normal life will take a year, if not more. To get there and avoid a collapse of the global economy, we need to figure out how work in these highly impacted industries can be resumed.

The common problem for all these industries, is the need for a facility where collective work is completed. And the key preventive measures in such a facility are practicing social distancing, maintaining good personal hygiene and continually disinfecting and sanitizing the premises. On this last point, cleaners become the front line defence in safeguarding workers and their workplace.

This requires not only effective training for new cleaning practices, but also changed schedules, effective supervision and a clear audit trail confirming that the cleaning has been carried out to consistent quality standards, all whilst observing social distancing and delivered at an efficient cost. This is feasible through digitisation and vital to keeping critical supply chains open. In the next part of our series, we will discuss the challenges of the cleaning industries and what gaps are needed to be bridged in order to support other industries