National Environmental Services week started This past Sunday, September 13th and ends On September 19th.  Let's take a moment to appreciate these frontline workers: in healthcare facilities, schools and apartments.  We couldn't thrive without them!

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There are two types of people: tidy people and procrastinators.  Some of us find it easier to clean while they go, while others (like me) prefer to put cleaning on the backburner until it becomes, shall we say, “noticeable.”  But there is a reason seasonal cleaning is a tradition: clutter is bad for the psyche.  

Most of us know the feeling: that anxiety you get when you’re looking at a pile of laundry.  Stressful, right? That’s because clutter manifests itself both physically and emotionally.  Decluttering your home or work space has proven effects on reducing anxiety.  Feeling like things are in order reflects a feeling of wholeness and self-efficacy.  In addition to these benefits, it can also reduce the stress of family tension.

Proper energy flow of one’s personal space is rooted deeply in Chinese spirituality, but Psychologists have also studied these principles and their effect on psychological well-being.  This philosophy, Feng Shui, is more complicated than just the absence of clutter, although this is the most fundamental step to effective energy flow.  https://fengshuinexus.com/feng-shui-tips/feng-shui-treating-mental-illness/).  Feng Shui’s central philosophy emphasizes the balance of the five ancient Chinese elements: fire, water, earth, wood and metal.  When these five elements are in proper balance and objects are placed efficiently, Ch’i (also known as Qi), the flow of positive energy, is promoted.  Although there is no scientific backing to the flow of Ch’i facilitating well-being, individual principles of Feng Shui have been tested.  Color, sound, presence of natural light and absence of clutter all have profound effects on mood.

Through certain elements of Feng Shui, we can improve both our mental well-being and self perception.  Principles like decluttering, furniture arrangement and the selection of color and shapes in your decor can boost energy by engaging your brain in problem-solving skills.  This practice can also take your mind off of stressful thoughts and allow insights into external situations.  You are also improving your health by removing pollutants in the Feng Shui decluttering process.   You are cleaning things that could grow mold or bacteria (such as dirty dishes or trash) and removing dust particles and toxins from the air through the movement of objects.  Modern Feng Shui also focuses on the minimization of “environmental pollutants,” such as irritating sounds and noises that aren’t salient to your consciousness, but still have an impact on your mood.  

​Most notably, there’s that feeling of accomplishment you get when you spend your day cleaning.  You can physically see all the work you’ve done, which is a huge mood elevator.  Feng Shui may not have official scientific backing, but decluttering your home feels like wiping the slate clean of physical and psychological burden.  

Enjoy this video on the uses of vinegar for cleaning! From the Youtube Vlog:   Andrea Jean Cleaning

When Labor Day comes to mind, many think of it as the end of summer: marked by back-to-school sales and the last day of open swimming pools.  Its tribute to workers as the backbone of the economy and society comes as more of an afterthought.  

There is some debate over who started the holiday (Some believe it to be Peter McGuire, General Secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters, while others think that Matthew McGuire, a Machinist was responsible),  But we do know it gained government recognition in 1885, and was passed into national law on June 28th, 1894 by President Grover Cleveland. It is a holiday rooted in the grassroots movement of labor unions.  So how have cleaners influenced Labor Laws?  The most potent and notable movement started 30 years ago: Justice for Janitors.  
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Labor Day 2019 was kicked off by unionized janitors in the nation’s capital negotiating contracts on behalf of the highly immigrant-employed industry. These very same janitors also initiated The “Fight for $15” rally cry in D.C., a movement that has gained momentum nationwide.  Without the original Justice for Janitors assembly in 1990, these movements would have a significantly smaller platform.

It began as a peaceful strike for the right to organize in Century City, Los Angeles by immigrant janitors, but ended in a barrage of violence against the protesters: resulting in dozens of hospitalizations and 60 supporters of the movement being unlawfully detained. This act of violence against the vulnerable community only stood to strengthen the movement as they regrouped at a nearby park later that day, receiving press coverage of the violence they faced daily.  Over the course of the weeks following the incident, public outrage incited its spread.  L.A. Janitors won their union and inspired peaceful protests across the country, starting with the nation’s capital.  Janitors in Miami used fasting to communicate their message: in wheelchairs from their famished state, they shouted in Spanish “Union or Death”.  In Houston, 5,000 Janitors won their first time union contract in a “right-to-work” state, even though the participators of the non-violent demonstrations had their bail set to $20 million dollars for peaceful civil disobedience.  By using multiple pacifist strategies, the janitorial labor force was able to succeed in obtaining fair treatment by targeting the real estate industry elites.  

Kansas City Public School janitors have followed suit by voting to unionize in 2016.  Union workers have addressed the problem of a decline in cleanliness due to under staffing, a problem solved by the formation of the KCPS janitors union.  The custodians are now better able to care for the schools as members of the union SEIU Local 1.  “My coworkers and I came together on the job so we could have a voice in keeping KCPS as clean and healthy as possible,” said Velma Chapman, a custodian at Lincoln College Preparatory Academy.

Labor Day is a holiday to celebrate all workers, but in a post Covid-19 world, front line workers deserve and extra special shout-out.  According to NIOSH Director Dr. John Howard, “The best way we, in the occupational safety and health community, can honor workers today and throughout the year, is to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for every man and woman—young and old alike.”  Let’s remember this on Labor Day, and every other day for that matter.

Other special days for cleaners:
National Healthcare Environmental Services Week: September 13th-19th 2020
 National Custodian Day: October 2nd, 2020

We’ve all been there: caught in the loop of working to the point of exhaustion.  Sometimes it’s difficult to remember how it escalated to this point.  Burnout has become so ubiquitous the World Health Organization has classified it as an “occupational phenomenon.”  Before you feel complete burnout, learn to identify the warning signs: 
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• Having a negative attitude towards work
• Dreading work/ wanting to leave
• Low energy and little interest
• Trouble sleeping
• Increased absences
• Feeling empty, drained or emotionally withdrawn
• Physiological symptoms like headaches, body pain, or increased illness
• Irritability with co-workers or customers
• Feeling unrecognized or unappreciated, having feelings of self-doubt
• Lack of accountability for mistakes
• Thoughts of quitting work or changing roles
• Self-medicating with drugs or alcohol
• Decreased efficiency      

If you start feeling one or more of these symptoms, it might be time to reevaluate your work boundaries and lifestyle.  Although we frequently think of high workload when it comes to burnout, it’s really only one of six elements.  Control, reward, fairness, community and values are the other five.  Working too much leads to less socialization and relaxation time, inhibiting your ability to recharge.  Lack of supportive relationships and not getting enough personal help are also contributing factors.  Certain personalities are more a vulnerable: including Type-A, overachieving or perfectionist personalities.  

Recovery 
Your body is designed to recharge and restore itself.  When you’re starting to feel the burnout, it is more important than ever to make positive lifestyle choices and practice self-care.  For example: the average adult requires between seven to nine hours of sleep.  Some may require more or less depending on that person and their immediate need.  This is critical: not only to recover from burnout, but also to stay healthy and boost your immune system.  

Other healthy lifestyle choices like eating healthy, small meals throughout the day and getting at least 20-30 minutes of outdoor time/exercise also aid in restoring your energy.  Avoid caffeine and alcohol as much as you can, as these substances can affect your mood and energy levels.  Different personalities also require different types of self care.  For an extrovert, being around friends is a good recharge method, whereas introverts refill their cup with much needed alone time.  
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Prevention 
As an employee, there are a few things you can do to regain control of stress.  An article posted in helpguide.org  suggests following the three “R’s”: recognize, reverse, and resilience.  Recognition is the most critical step and involves a level of self-awareness.  If you are prone to feeling burnout (or even if you think you’re not), recognize the warning signs before it hits you at full impact.  Reverse the damage by seeking support, both on and off the job, and taking immediate steps to manage stress.  Make friends at work that can support and relate to you, and turn to those closest to you in your personal life.  Lastly, build resilience by taking care of your emotional and physical health.  Follow healthy lifestyle habits, and don’t be afraid to seek help for your emotional and psychological needs. Take time off work when needed.  Sometimes the primary source of burnout comes from working in an ill-fitting position.  Your skill set, inherent talents and personality determine which job you’ll thrive best in. Robert L. Bogue, co-author of “Extinguishing Burnout: A Practical Guide to Prevention and Recovery” explains the paradigm of operating within your natural state: “When you’re operating outside of your natural state, you are consuming energy.  The more in alignment you become, the less you’re demanding of yourself and the more personal agency you build up.”  If you feel like you’re in the wrong career, it might help to develop a career strategy to find a position better suited for you, or use job analysis and crafting in your current position.  This allows you to clarify the expectations of your role and work with your team to delegate tasks based off of individual strengths and weaknesses. Finding a harmony in your career is also important.  Although establishing a work-life balance is necessary, it is much easier to avoid burnout when you’re doing something you’re passionate about.  

How bosses can provide burnout prevention/recovery for staff:
Circumventing burnout is a lot easier when the boss is supportive of their employees’ stress and lifestyle management.  As an employer, here are some strategies you can take to prevent burnout among employees:

• Provide clear expectations for employees and make sure they understand
• Make sure employees have the resources needed to fulfill expectations
• Provide ongoing training
• Highlight employees value and contributions to the organization
• Enforce reasonable hours and boundaries, allowing flexible time off options.
• Make sure your expectations are reasonable and attainable
• Encourage social support and physical activity
• Consider leadership and management approaches to avoiding burnout.  

Help to identify the overachievers and “yes” workers, and try to avoid putting the demands of compensating for other workers on them by giving them choices.  They may expect the most demanding projects, so giving them the option for simpler tasks will help to prevent overload.  

Regardless of if you are the employee, the manager or the boss, it is important to set boundaries for yourself and your workers.  You can do this by scheduling free time.  If you are the employee, allow time in your day to decompress and recharge.  This includes allowing for vacation and sick days.  A change in scenery can help gain a fresh perspective.  This includes allowing yourself time to unplug from technology.  Remember that the best work is done when working in your element and at full capacity.  No one can pour from an empty cup.  

Recently, one of our accounts had a run-in with three members of their staff contracting Covid-19.  The situation played out something like this: An employee came in without symptoms.  While working, he aimed a few small portable fans directly at his face.  What followed were two other employees contracting Covid-19: incidentally right in the trajectory of the fans’ air current.  What he posited was, do fans aid in the transmission of Covid?  The answer seems obvious: it’s a droplet-born disease and fans propel air.  But fans and forced air heating and cooling are so ubiquitous; it’s not something that really crosses our minds.

According to an article published on the Nursing Center website, “the infection control concern is the potential for a fan to spread aerosolized human pathogens from biofilms and re-suspension of dust that may settle onto the patient or environmental surfaces in the immediate vicinity of the patient.”  Box and floor fans are the biggest culprit, but ceiling fans don’t limit the spread of the virus unless they are working completely and properly and are paired with an adequate HVAC system.  Forced air and AC window units also potentially play a role in the spread.  A recent study conducted by the CDC looks at an outbreak in China.  ​This study looks at a woman in China who attended a restaurant before showing symptoms. The four people sitting behind her in the restaurant started showing symptoms shortly after she did.  It is speculated that the air conditioning window unit spread droplets from her speech to the tables behind her. 

There are times, if utilized properly; fans can decrease likelyhood of coronavirus cases by increasing ventilation.  According to the EPA website, fans can increase airflow from outside and decrease the stagnant air that allows Covid-19 droplets to linger for longer times when placed in front of a window.  The fans can face toward the window to blow the inside air out, or vice versa. 

If window ventilation is not possible, forced air systems should be replaced with filtered air systems.  The installation process for this isn’t immediate, but a portable HEPA unit can be used until the process is completed.  Proper heating and cooling is important to keep staff and patrons safe.  Keep air well ventilated, but remember that no one is a "fan" of viral droplets being blown onto their face.  

Within a year, all standards of living have changed.  The enthusiasm of preparing our children for the back to school process is now overshadowed by dread.  In addition to notebooks and pencils, face masks and hand sanitizer have become an essential school supply.  To prepare for the return, parents and school staff need to work together.  

Prior to reopening, it is best for school administrators to create a new cleaning routine.  To know what needs to be done, it’s best to collaborate with the janitorial staff.  The first thing to know is the difference between cleaning and disinfecting.  As the CDC points out, cleaning does not kill germs but removes them, minimizing the quantity.  To kill them, you must also disinfect.  So knowing this, the new cleaning routine should involve a two step process.  The best way to ensure that your cleaning routine is effectively followed is to make a cleaning checklist.  This will vary by facility, but you can follow this general checklist provided by Janitorial Manager. 

Parents should support the efforts of faculty through reinforcing healthy habits like covering nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, hand washing, and not sharing cups, utensils and school supplies.  Make sure you wash face masks and backpacks regularly and minimize fomites like toys or school supplies going to and from school.  Maintain good communication with the teachers, faculty and other parents to be alerted on new cases.  You can also help your children strengthen their immune system through stress reduction tactics and healthy dietary choices.  

Many schools are implementing new physical distancing strategies like adding more lunch and recess periods as well as opening more building entrances to minimize congregation and increase physical distancing at the beginning and end of school days.  If your child is a bus rider, try to drive them to school more frequently, if you are able.  District buses should also be following a frequent cleaning schedule like this one.  Some schools are even implementing a rotation of virtual and classroom learning to maintain social distancing.  Kansas City schools are among many in taking these precautions .   If as a parent, you still aren’t comfortable with in person learning, talk to your school’s administrators to see what accommodations can be made.  And remember, the pandemic is affecting mental health as well.  Ensure that both you and your children are practicing self-care.

​Be well,

,As children return to school, keeping children safe and healthy is always on parents’ (and teachers’) minds.  In the classroom, many teachers will be prepared with Lysol wipes to wipe down surfaces like clockwork.  But what about outdoor surfaces like playground equipment?  It’s not always thought of as a vector for germs, but a study from HomeAdvisor found that a playground’s high traffic areas, such as rock walls, baby swings and seesaws have approximately 9 million colony-forming units (CFUs) per square inch.  To put that in perspective, that is 52 thousand times more bacteria than the standard household toilet seat.  

Covid-19 and other coronaviruses (including the common cold) are no different and can be found lurking in swings and slides.  Now that we are in the heat of summer, there’s a good chance high temperatures will destroy the virus.  However, you can never be too sure, and, as discussed in my previous blog post, different surface materials have different dwell times.  Plastic equipment like swings and tunnels take between 2-3 days without activity for all Covid-19 pathogens to die.  Metal varies based off its type: lasting 4 hours on copper and only 2-3 hours on aluminum.  Stainless steel, on the other hand, has a similar dwell time to plastic (~2-3 days).  Wood surfaces are safest, as there absorptive abilities dry out microbes.  However, as a hospital conducted research study indicated, the previous SARS virus (SARS-CoV-1), lasted up to four days in wooden surfaces.

So now that I have you worried, let’s talk about disinfection solutions.  Prior to disinfection, you should always clean the equipment with soup and low pressure water from a garden hose, as pressure washers can damage the equipment's paint and surfaces.  Prepared solutions of unexpired household bleach (the dilution ratio is here) or solutions of at least 70% EPA approved alcohol (as well as other EPA-registered household disinfectants) will get the job done.  Be sure to wear PPE to prevent the spread of covid-19 and to protect yourself from inhalation of bleach solution.  Never mix ammonia solutions with bleach, as this produces toxic chlorine gas).  Ensure the solution maintains contact with the equipment for at least one minute. Then rinse with the low pressure hose and let it air dry prior to children playing on it.  

Some communities have members or groups who volunteered their time to playground disinfecting initiatives.  If you have the time and resources, this is something you might consider joining (or even spearheading).  If you are as busy as many parents are, continue practicing social distancing precautions.  Bring along disinfecting towelettes or hand sanitizer to the playground.  It’s even a good idea to bring along a first aid kit to take care of any potential scrapes.  Encourage children to wash their hands with soap and water after playing.  This should occur for at least 15 seconds to be effective.  Tell them to practice this in school as well, as should the practice of using only their own school supplies.  Don’t be afraid to communicate with their teachers to ensure these proper hygiene practices are implemented.  

There is a lot of unknown with coronavirus that parents and teachers have to be concerned about.  But don’t fret: with playground equipment, there is an easy solution (pun intended).  

​If your space ever gets to this level, be thankful you have cleaners to get the mess for you!