CMI Custodial Technician Basic or Advanced Handbook-Version 7

Ahead of Thank Your Cleaner Day (Oct. 14), new data reveals a disconnect between public appreciation and cleaner burnout, reinforcing the need to support the front-line workforce. While most (56%) of restroom users agree that cleaning is hard work and that cleaning teams deserve more recognition, 21% admit they mean to thank cleaners when they see them but rarely do, according to a new survey from Tork, an Essity brand. At the same time, research on cleaning staff highlights significant workforce strain: 38% of cleaners surveyed have left their jobs because of lack of recognition and burnout—factors unrelated to pay that contribute to recruitment and retention challenges across the cleaning industry. Additionally, 70% of cleaners report inadequate employer support, and 80% have experienced mental health challenges because of their work. “The gap between good intentions and actual appreciation, combined with widespread cleaner burnout, represents an urgent business challenge,” said Amy Bellcourt, vice president of communications at Essity. “When cleaning staff feel unsupported and invisible, it directly impacts facility cleanliness, the restroom user experience and ultimately, business reputation and revenue." Of restroom users surveyed, four in five said hygiene issues in the restroom make them feel worse about the business as a whole. In fact, many actively avoid a venue or business because of hygiene or privacy issues. Poor restroom experiences may also lead customers to leave negative reviews, avoid purchases or, for employees, spend less time at work and work from home more often. To address these workforce challenges, Tork partnered with ISSA, The Association for Cleaning and Facility Solutions, to offer Frontline Excellence: Delivering Clean, Safe, and Welcoming Spaces via the Inclusive Hygiene Framework—a new online training course, available in English and Spanish, designed specifically for front-line cleaning professionals in North America. As a limited-time thank you, Tork is covering the cost of training for nonmembers. The 30-minute, self-paced course equips cleaning professionals with practical skills, knowledge, and confidence to deliver hygiene services that go beyond appearance, helping create environments that are clean, safe, accessible, and welcoming for everyone. By investing in professional development and training, facility managers can help cleaners build new skills while strengthening their connection to the purpose and value of their work —driving engagement, improving retention and supporting more consistent, high-quality hygiene outcomes. "Thank Your Cleaner Day is an opportunity for us to demonstrate that commitment in a meaningful way,” Bellcourt continued. “By launching this comprehensive training in partnership with ISSA, we're equipping frontline teams with the tools and knowledge to succeed, removing barriers they face every day and ultimately improving both their experience and the experience of facility users. That's inclusive hygiene in action." The course is available through the ISSA Academy and is free for both ISSA members and nonmembers. Nonmembers can register for free with the promotional code NMFREE (to access, first create a free account; after checkout, training will appear in your MYISSA account under “My Activity”). For more information or to enroll, visit the ISSA Academy.

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CMI Custodial Technician Basic or Advanced Handbook-Version 7

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