Celebrate National Custodian Day

National Custodian Day, celebrated every year on October 2, presents the perfect opportunity to recognize and appreciate the custodians who work hard to keep facilities clean and sanitary. As the coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the importance of cleanliness, the work custodians perform is valued more than ever. Unlike many individuals who are still working remotely, custodians remain on the front line, working diligently to stop the spread of COVID-19 with upgraded cleaning protocols.

Due to pandemic restrictions, celebrations will be low-key, yet heartfelt, this year. Seth Ferriell, CEO of SSC Services for Education, a Knoxville, Tennessee-based company that provides cleaning for more 150 educational clients in 27 states, said his clients are still wanting to commemorate the day.  

“There is no question that social distancing has removed many of our normal National Custodian Day celebrations but that has not stopped teams and clients from finding ways to show their appreciation: Large boards dedicated to showing gratitude to the custodial staff, drawings for prizes, gift cards handed out, and snack packs in place of luncheons,” he said.    

National Today suggests the following activities to recognize custodians :

• Have building residents pitch in for a gift card for custodians
• Ask students to create thank you cards for their schools’ custodians
• Let the custodians’ supervisor know their workers are doing a great job
• Order lunch to be delivered for the building’s custodians.
  
  

Make a special effort to pick up after yourself to make life easier for custodians, not just on National Custodian Day but every day. And when you visit your workplace or public restrooms and notice they are well-stocked with soap, toilet paper, and paper towels, remember to thank the custodian.