The Importance of Cleaning in Facility Management: (OS1) Users Symposium Proceedings
Chair, Facilities Management
Program-School of Technology
Brigham Young University
Dr. Campbell started by drawing parallels of explorers Lewis & Clark to leadership and (OS1). He said leaders have the ability to go out, get yourself lost, and lead yourself out of it. He sees a parallel between this exploring mindset and he way (OS1) has made new inroads (in the cleaning industry) where no one has before.
Dr. Campbell used two different stories to illustrate deeper truths about (OS1). The first, about the World War II Candy Bomber, illustrated how (OS1) is all about attitude, changing mindset and paradigms, and the hearts of people who want to chart a course and be different.
The second story, set in 1863 Fredericksburg, detailed the compassion of Confederate soldier Richard Kirkman. Despite grave danger to himself, he was compelled to ease the suffering of fallen comrades, taking water to them, often in the line of fire. He made a difference to them as they lay dying. His commitment came from a belief that when we pass from this life, we can feel good about what we have done here. At this point in the story, Dr. Campbell spoke directly to those present at this year's Symposium.
"Thank you for your passion to stand up and do something better, to go out there and get lost and find your way back...I hope that (OS1) has given you a desire to do something well, that you feel excitement at a job well done. You are making a difference in the world!"
Campbell went on to urge participants to do things right because of good research. He cited APPA's book "Custodial Staffing Guidelines" (Second Edition 2002), and also a model that came out of Virginia Tech to show the correlation between levels of cleanliness and its impact on student learning. He stated that ROP (return of perception) was just as important as ROI (return on investment).
Illustrating his exhortation to "never have a data-free conversation," Dr. Campbell peppered this part of his presentation with statistics from a survey of 1,500 college students to ascertain when the level of cleanliness begins to be a distraction from the ability to learn. Noteworthy results:
- Students of the sciences had a higher expectation of cleanliness than those in the arts.
- 70% were female respondants; 30% were male
- 34% of the respondents were involved in the cleaning of their own living spaces
In addition, they ranked what affects the ability to learn on a scale of 1 to 8:
- Noise level
- Air Temperature
- Lighting
- Cleanliness
- Available space
- Condition of facility
- Furniture arrangement
- Cosmetic apperance
Seventy-eight percent believed cleanliness had an affect on their general health. They also stated that filthy rooms promoted higher stress levels, but if the room looks clean, it helps you focus (on learning).
Dr. Campbell shared anecdotes respondants had written in; one student made the point quite clear, "My professor was speaking, but all I could see was the spot on the carpet."
Student suggestions to improve cleanliness included
- Hand-drying machines (vs. paper towels)
- Provide more trash cans
- Change air filters more frequently
- Conduct regular walk throughs
The final report is available online (www.issa.com) free for ISSA members and $30.00 for non-members.
Dr. Campbell finished his presentation expressing how thrilled he is to be associated with ManageMen and the (OS1) Power Users.
"You are doing the right things for the right reasons, based on good science and on good business."