Cleaning Workers Face Burnout as Pandemic Drags On

Industry leaders are warning that cleaning staff in the health care, hospitality and other industries are facing burnout due to increased disinfection guidelines and severe staff shortages, both results of the COVID-19 pandemic, European Cleaning Journal reports. 

The extra procedures and protocols put in place during the pandemic to protect people’s health have meant heavier workloads for cleaning professionals. But with severe cleaning staff shortages, combined with staff illness, the remaining workers are under increased pressure. The British Cleaning Council (BCC) warns that the health of the public could be at risk due to difficulties maintaining hygiene standards that reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19.

The BCC is seeking assistance from the government and wants custodians recognized as key workers.

The problem is not limited to Europe or the United Kingdom with U.S. frontline workers becoming overwhelmed as the hospitality and education sectors struggle to hire professional cleaning staff.