African Cleaning Review NovDec '23

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facilities management review markets. Maintaining a clean workspace is crucial in any office environment, but this takes on added significance in flexible offices where multiple businesses share common areas.

The importance of a clean workspace in flexible offices A clean and hygienic workspace is essential for the health and well-being of all occupants. In shared spaces like kitchens, meeting rooms and washrooms, the risk of germs and bacteria spreading is higher. There are several benefits to a clean office space for employees. For starters, regular cleaning and sanitisation can boost productivity and help improve staff morale, creating a healthier environment and reducing the chances of illnesses. Clients, partners and visitors are more likely to form a positive impression when they see a clean and organised workspace. This contributes to the overall professional image of the occupants. Tenants in flexible offices expect a certain level of cleanliness and maintenance as part of their lease

agreements. Therefore, daily office cleaning can help ensure tenant satisfaction and retention. To achieve and maintain a clean and welcoming workspace in a flexible office, many businesses turn to professional cleaning companies who can create custom cleaning plans based on the specific requirements of a flexible office. This includes determining the frequency of cleaning, areas that need attention, plus any additional services like carpet cleaning, window washing and disinfection. A tidy and well-maintained office space reflects positively on the businesses operating within it. Naturally, happy tenants are more likely to renew their leases and recommend the space to others. Consistency is key to maintaining a clean workspace, therefore a comprehensive office cleaning checklist becomes imperative. Cleaning companies ensure that cleaning tasks are performed regularly and reliably, creating an environment that tenants can count on day in and day out. What’s more, flexible office operators

and tenants can save valuable time and resources by outsourcing cleaning services to professionals. This allows them to focus on their core business activities without the added responsibility of cleaning and maintenance.

Summary Flexible offices have become a popular choice for businesses seeking adaptability, cost efficiency and networking opportunities. They can take on different forms, each tailored to the specific requirements of the companies working there. This is particularly important for employees returning to the office after a long time working from home or on a hybrid basis. Maintaining a clean and well-organised workspace in these dynamic environments is essential for health, professionalism and productivity. A professional commercial cleaning company can play a vital role in enhancing the benefits of flexible offices by providing tailored cleaning solutions, ensuring consistency, as well as upholding high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.

White Paper published on AI and its impact on the future of facilities services

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uthored by AI thought leader Inma Martinez, the new white paper from ISS examines how AI can elevate human potential and reshape future of workspaces. AI thought leader Martinez believes the built office environment is about to enter an exponential era of AI-driven products and services that will transform the industry and provides actionable insights for deploying AI in the built office environment, elevating human potential and reshaping the future of workplaces. The white paper explores the dynamic intersection of human ingenuity and emerging technologies, including: • Energy • Building sustainability • Workplace experience • Talent attraction and retention, and • Information security. Each chapter of Rising Above the Noise: What Artificial Intelligence

Means for the Built Office Environment culminates in key takeaways, offering a strategic roadmap for intertwining AI with core operations. Martinez states: “The built office environment is about to enter an exponential era of AI-driven products and services that will transform how we address the challenges ahead. This includes in sustainability and energy management, designing responsive, adaptable and scalable integrated services, and, perhaps most critically, in enabling a decentralised data architecture that allows for further optimisations”. Martinez’s credentials include groundbreaking work with Cambridge University and Trinity College Dublin, where she pioneered the first real-time AI recommendation system for the mobile internet. Recognised worldwide for her expertise, she currently serves as Chair of the Multi-stakeholder Expert Group and Co-Chair of the Steering

Committee at the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), a G7 and G20 global agency. Leanne Lynch, CIO of ISS UK & Ireland states, “This exploration of AI aligns with our ambition to harmonise human ingenuity with technological advancements, especially within sectors like food and energy. It’s an exciting journey that promises enhanced operational efficacy and a greater impact on the communities and clients we serve.” ISS is a leading workplace experience and facility management company. In partnership with customers, ISS drives the engagement and well-being of people, minimises the impact on the environment, and protects and maintains property. ISS brings all of this to life through a unique combination of data, insight and service excellence at factories, airports, hospitals and other locations across the globe. View the white paper at: https://www.uk.issworld.com/ai

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