CMM spoke with Kendall Jones, building service supervisor at the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (UI Health), a part of the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), about her new career in the cleaning industry.
How long have you been working in Environmental Services (EVS)?
Kendall Jones: I’m relatively new to the cleaning industry, having started at UI Health in early February 2024. However, I have extensive experience overseeing operating room turnover for over 15 years. During this time, I’ve gained valuable experience in ensuring efficient and thorough transitions between surgeries to maintain operational efficiency and safety standards.
What sparked your interest in the cleaning industry?
Jones: Growing up in a household where cleanliness was highly valued, I developed a keen eye for detail and a strong appreciation for the impact of cleanliness on environments. This sparked my interest in the cleaning industry—the mere satisfaction of creating order from chaos, and a genuine enjoyment of making spaces clean and organized.
What do you find most rewarding about your career?
Jones: Working in housekeeping leadership, there are many aspects of my job that I find rewarding:
- Watching my team members grow in their skillset and efficiency of daily tasks.
- Taking pride in maintaining high standards of cleanliness and organization within UI Health.
- Seeing our customers/partners appreciate and enjoy a clean and comfortable environment due to my team’s efforts.
What do you find the most difficult about your job?
Jones: The things that I find most challenging are:
- Balancing the workload and ensuring that all areas are cleaned efficiently, especially when short-staffed.
- Dealing with staff turnover and absenteeism, and ensuring adequate training for new hires to maintain consistent quality.
- Ensuring that cleaning standards are consistently met or exceeded across all areas.
- Juggling daily tasks, special requests, and unexpected issues while adhering to strict deadlines.
- Maintaining my team’s morale and motivation, especially during high turnovers and larger workloads.
What are the biggest misconceptions people believe about the cleaning industry and its workers?
Jones: There’s sometimes a lack of respect toward the cleaning staff, with their work undervalued or not acknowledged. Not everyone realizes that cleaning staff play a vital role in maintaining operational efficiency and ensure a positive experience for all customers. Another myth is that cleaning jobs offer limited career advancement. However, the industry provides opportunities for growth into supervisory or managerial roles, specialized cleaning services, or even entrepreneurship.
What advice would you give to people looking to enter the cleaning/housekeeping industry?
Jones: Always seek opportunities for growth. The cleaning industry offers various career paths in leadership, specialized services, and entrepreneurship. Stay open to learning new skills and exploring different opportunities for career advancement. Also, network and build relationships. Connect with others in the industry through networking events, industry associations, or online communities. Building relationships can lead to job opportunities, mentorship, and valuable insights into the industry.
