EVS and International Housekeepers Week Celebrates Custodial Staff

Held every year during the second full week of September, Environmental Services Week (EVSW)/International Housekeepers Week (IHW) is dedicated to recognizing the efforts of hard-working custodial staff members globally. The true heroes of any building operation, cleaning employees have one of the toughest and most important jobs. Buildings that aren’t properly cleaned can lead to illness and productivity loss for the people who visit, eat, live, work and play there.

The Indoor Environmental Healthcare and Hospitality Association (IEHA) is the official sponsor of EVSW/IHW since its founding in 1981. IEHA is a 1,300-plus member professional association devoted to helping managers of facilities such as hospitals, hotels and schools maintain cleaner, safer and healthier buildings. According to IEHA, the week is celebrated in thousands of facilities worldwide.

The week offers the perfect opportunity for facilitators to show their gratitude for the efforts of their environmental services (EVS) workers, housekeepers and custodians. IEHA suggests these ideas to help make the week a success at your facility:

• Host a team celebration.
• Share staff stories and achievements.
• Present awards or certificates.
• Provide meals, treats or appreciation gifts.
• Highlight team members on social media.
• Encourage leaders to share messages of thanks.
• Sign up your team to compete in the 2026 Housekeeping Olympics, taking place on Nov. 16 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, taking time to acknowledge housekeeping and EVS professionals can make a meaningful impact.