Team Work
Apr 1, 1999 12:00 PM, David Frank
Management determines the estimated time required to clean each floor/area, based on individual building requirements, and designs job cards accordingly. Again, focusing and sequencing the workers on a narrow but complementary range of tasks allows much faster production at much higher quality.
-Morale. Team cleaning succeeds because well-defined goals are shared, custodians are knowledgeable, and input and clear communication are encouraged. Custodians are much happier when they work together for a common goal. Those goals may include raising customer satisfaction to achieving desired percentage levels as determined by customer surveys.
Following are examples of how routine or daily team cleaning works in a facility with staff levels from one to four workers. When a function (light-duty, vacuum, restroom or utility) is completed, the corresponding team member moves on to the next function in sequence or assists other team members to complete their tasks.
One cleaning worker Person does all four functions
Two cleaning workers Person One:1. Light-duty tasks
Person Two:2. Vacuum tasks
Person One: 3. Restroom tasks
Person Two: 4. Utility tasks*
Three cleaning workers Person One:1. Light-duty tasks
Person Two:2. Vacuum tasks
Person Three:3. Restroom tasks
Person One:4. Utility tasks*
Four or more cleaning workers Person One:1. Light-duty tasks
Person Two:2. Vacuum tasks
Person Three:3. Restroom tasks
Person Four:4. Utility tasks*
*Depending on the scope and nature of utility work, one or more workers may perform aspects of the utility function after completing their primary function(s).
Team cleaning uses a color-coded dot system to ensure security and efficient vacuuming. For instance, place small color-coded dots on the door casings and over the best electrical outlet for the vacuum to allow maximum cord reach and uninterrupted power to essential systems (e.g., school computers).
Color-coded dot system The door is to remain locked (including while a worker is inside): red.
The door is to be closed, but not locked, after the cleaning function is completed: green.
The door remains as it was originally found: white.
Best electrical outlet for vacuum: blue.
