If you ask ISSA Executive Director John Barrett about whether it’s worth the investment to certify a cleaning operation, he’ll tell you it’s a no brainer.
“It’s proven that trained employees not only do better work, but they are more loyal to their employer,” he says. And it’s true.
According to a 2016 survey of facility service providers that achieved certification from ISSA’s Cleaning Industry Management Standard, 78 percent saw a decrease in turnover and 76 percent reported an increase in client satisfaction after completing the program.
Results such as these are the crux of this month’s cover story. While we often write about the benefits of training—employee retention, improved workflow and efficiencies, and decreased expenses—it’s not that often we are able to convert those claims into actual numbers. Well, this month, CMM is putting its money where its mouth is.
This month’s cover story, “Certification: What’s the Payoff?” examines two different organizations and how proper training is having a direct—and major—impact on their bottom lines. From lower insurance rates to saving on hiring costs, the savings have been astronomical.
Demonstrating a positive return on investment is important for custodial managers who are trying to justify or get buy-in on their spending decisions. In the end, proving that return on investment may come down to showing the actual numbers on paper in dollars and cents.
In the coming months, CMM will continue to further explore this topic through its other media channels. Be on the lookout for an on-camera interview with John Barrett that discusses the savings his former organization saw through the implementation of certification programs. We also have other online exclusive content in the works showcasing how different certification programs are helping custodians succeed in their profession. You should be able to find it all at www.cmmonline.com.
