Smart Business: How to Increase Productivity With the Right Vacuum
Productivity equals profitability in the commercial cleaning industry, especially as labor and benefits can account for up to 90 percent of the costs of a cleaning contract. Time spent vacuuming can account for a significant portion of cleaning costs for any facility, representing between 15 percent and 25 percent of total cleaning costs, according to a Commercial Vacuum Cleaner Time and Motion Study from the American Institute for Cleaning Sciences. Firms need to select the proper equipment for the job, and considerations include vacuum maneuverability, ergonomic design, durability, and ease of maintenance. The weight and portability of equipment, for example, play key roles in minimizing worker fatigue, helping to reach tough areas, increasing speed and safety, and maximizing the productivity of cleaning crews. A design with a focus on comfort for the worker can help them operate with less physical stress and with higher efficiency. Vacuums that can withstand the daily wear and tear of a commercial environment are essential in reducing downtime, decreasing the amount of equipment you need to buy and replace and, in turn, cutting the cost of owning the equipment. In addition, vacuums that allow quick, on-the-go maintenance with easy filter changes or belt replacements will mean less overall downtime.