Communication
Employee Training
Employee training is critical. Training should be simple, visual, hands-on and conducted in small groups when possible. Language issues (ESL) should be considered, and translation of relevant materials should be completed when necessary. It is important that supervisors are well-versed in the program, as constant reinforcement will be required after the initial training. Training should highlight health benefits to cleaning workers and building occupants, environmental safety, and similarities to traditional cleaning procedures. (Note: many cleaning procedures are very similar or exactly the same. Custodians just use different products and tools.) FMO will use a combination of our own internally developed training program along with those developed by vendor partners, product manufacturers, and others. As noted above, Green Seal has directly provided training to FMO staff, as a precursor to GS-42 certification. All cleaning staff should have at least a working knowledge of GS-42.
Building Occupant Education
In many cases, building occupants will not notice any difference in how their building is being cleaned. To the extent that occupants do notice, it can be important to demonstrate to them the health and environmental benefits to switching to a Green Cleaning program, and some of the things they may notice (i.e. minimal product fragrance, brown paper towels, new dispensers, unfinished stone floors, etc.). This education can be easily completed through the appropriate building manager with a simple, one-page posted or emailed Fact Sheet. Feedback can also be solicited.
Contact Us
For information contact Jason Luke, Associate Director of Custodial and Support Services at 617-495-7847, or email jason_luke at harvard dot edu
