Pristine spaces promote wellbeing

Francois van Zyl.

Walking into a clean, calm and secure workspace immediately instils a sense of confidence in employees and visitors. On the flip side, work environments that don’t appear to be properly maintained have the opposite effect.

The role of a well-maintained workspace in boosting employee morale and creating favourable impressions for visitors or clients cannot be underestimated. 

Whether it’s cleaning, security services, pest control or landscaping, soft services exist to enhance the experience of everyone operating in the space. Well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing workspaces not only lead to more productive and happier workforces, but they also create the right aesthetics to enhance a business’s reputation and, in some instances, retain clients.

Ultimately, getting support on the soft services front helps businesses to focus on their core functions. When non-core activities are efficiently run, all departments can focus on their primary tasks without being side-tracked.

Embrace high environmental standards in your drive for cleanliness. For example, many bacillus spores are used in food processing and industrial fermentation. This graphic is from a paper entitled ‘Microbial Cell Factories’ (https://microbialcellfactories.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12934-020-01436-8/figures/1). The caption reads: ‘Application of B. subtilis for genetic engineering, production of industrial chemicals or enzymes, agriculture, medicine and biomaterials. The CRISPR/cas9 tool has been widely used in the genetic engineering of B. subtilis. The bacterium can be used to produce various industrial enzymes, such as α-amylase, xylanase, lichenase, lipase, cellulase, or pectinase. It can also be used to produce various chemicals, such as riboflavin, menaquinone-7, inositol, or N-acetylglucosamine. In agriculture, it can be used as a feed additive. Biofilms of B. subtilis can be used as a biomaterial in 3D printing. In medicine, B. subtilis can be used to produce vaccines.’

Focusing on employee health and wellbeing

Regular cleaning also reduces the spread of germs and contributes to better overall health of employees. This is particularly important for employees who spend most of their time at work: a more hygienic environment leads to fewer sick days, better mental wellbeing and greater productivity.

In response to global health concerns – informed by our experience of the Covid-19 pandemic – there is a heightened focus on keeping workspaces hygienically clean. This has called for improved cleaning protocols and the need for better air quality management.

Adopting eco-friendly practices

In addition, there is a growing expectation that businesses adopt more eco-friendly practices.  In this respect, property owners or tenants can differentiate their properties by making the transition to eco-friendly products and more energy-efficient equipment. 

Property owners should embrace this shift by integrating the use of bacillus spores into their cleaning protocols, among others. These naturally occurring, non-pathogenic bacteria are a cornerstone of an environmentally responsible approach. When activated, bacillus spores produce enzymes that effectively break down organic matter, providing a deep and thorough clean without the environmental toll associated with traditional chemical cleaners.

This method not only ensures a higher standard of cleanliness but also supports the overall health of the building's ecosystem. By reducing the reliance on harsh chemicals, property owners and tenants contribute to better indoor air quality, less harmful wastewater, and a safer environment for occupants.

On the landscaping front, Broll Specialised Services uses eco-friendly equipment and practices. This involves transitioning to electric or battery-powered landscaping tools, which emit less pollution compared to traditional equipment. It also implements water-conservation techniques, such as drip irrigation systems, to minimise water usage. The choice of plants plays a significant role too, with the focus on native or drought-resistant species to reduce the need for water and maintenance.

Composting organic waste from landscaping activities instead of sending it to landfill helps reduce methane emissions, and the compost can be reused as a natural fertilizer. The business also focuses on reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides where possible, opting for organic or natural alternatives that foster soil health and reduce harmful runoff.

Integrating more sustainable practices can, however, be challenging. While there is greater demand for eco-friendly services, clients may not be willing to make the transition unless regulations change and they are mandated to do so. In a market where budget constraints are a reality for many businesses, clients look for services that offer the best balance of quality and affordability.

Transitioning to technological integration

Technology integration is transforming the soft services field, with automated cleaning systems, smart pest control solutions and IoT-enabled devices becoming more prevalent, improving efficiencies and enhancing service quality. The use of data analytics in soft services is also on the rise, enabling organisations to optimise processes and boost service delivery.

The integration of technology should be done gradually, starting with areas where it has an immediate and positive impact. Training and development are critical in this transition, ensuring that staff are not only skilled in traditional practices, but also adept at new techniques and technologies. 

It's also important to maintain a flexible approach and be willing to adjust strategies as necessary. It's a dynamic process that requires ongoing assessment and adaptation, but when done correctly, it is possible to offer the best of both worlds - the trusted reliability of traditional practices and the cutting-edge advantages of modern trends.

The drive to customise 

The personalisation of services to meet specific facility needs is becoming increasingly important for landlords and tenants. 

Collaborative service models, where providers work closely with clients to co-create tailored solutions, are gaining traction and is definitely something that allows a business to differentiate themselves in the field.

At Broll Specialised Services, we employ a multifaceted approach. Central to this is a thorough understanding of each environment's unique requirements, allowing for tailored service plans that address specific needs. This customisation is supported by a well-trained and versatile workforce, skilled in adapting to different settings and challenges. 

Consistent quality of service is key 

With a diverse range of environments and facilities, Broll Specialised Services focuses on maintaining a uniformly high standard of cleaning, landscaping, and hygiene services. 

While we realise that the fluctuating economic climate in South Africa has led to budget constraints for many of our clients, we also know that for employees to operate optimally within this scenario; bright, clean and well-ventilated spaces go a long way towards reducing stress levels and lifting spirits.