Jean Hanson

You've been thinking about it for a long time and finally decided it's time to make the change. Your cleaning company is going "Green"! Now what? Do you know what you need to do before implementing a green cleaning program? Before jumping in feet first, do some planning. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Implement your green cleaning program in phases. Choose one building to start with, and get the program up and running there first. Don't try rolling it out to all your accounts at once; you'll be asking for chaos and confusion among employees and customers.
2. Show your commitment to your employees and customers. Many cleaning companies are making the switch simply as a marketing tool. But without the complete commitment of the owner to change the culture in which the business functions, the program will never work. You as the owner must be "green" in all things you do in your company, including within your own office. And this commitment must trickle down through all management levels including operations managers, supervisors and team leaders.
3. Assign a team to implement the program. If you don't have any supervisory staff, you will lead the program and include a group of your employees in the planning stage. Otherwise, give the lead to a manager or supervisor (with your guidance), and include line workers who will actually use the products and equipment. When employees are involved they will become your "voice of change" when it comes time to roll it out to the company.
4. Evaluate new products and equipment. When deciding on green chemicals, supplies and equipment, evaluation is important. Ultimately, it is your decision on which products to switch to, but getting feedback from employees is key. Choose employees who are open to change, and ask them to evaluate the products you are considering. Since they are the ones that will be using the products, they must be convinced they will work.
5. Develop cleaning procedures. Green cleaning is more than just changing products and equipment. The way you clean must also change. For example, if you've been using feather dusters to dust with, you'll need to switch to microfiber dusters. New procedures must be in writing and incorporated into your employee training procedures.
6. Have an employee meeting and invite your customers. Now that you've prepared for implementing your green cleaning program, have a mandatory meeting with all your employees in order to introduce them to the change. Inviting your customers will go a long ways towards demonstrating your commitment to the program and will create excitement for the program. It will also create a more committed relationship between you, your employees and your customers.

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Jean Hanson helps owners of small cleaning companies build a more profitable and successful cleaning business through her online community at TheJanitorialStore.com. Read inspirational cleaning success stories at http://www.cleaning-success.com, and sign up for weekly cleaning tips at http://www.TheJanitorialStore.com.