Thank Your Cleaner Day has been celebrated around the world, with more than 20 countries taking part in the New Zealand-founded initiative.
Launched in 2015 by the Building Service Contractors of New Zealand (BSCNZ), Thank Your Cleaner Day, supported by Kärcher, was held on Wednesday 17 October. The dedicated day aims to celebrate the role of professional cleaners.
Since its launch, the event has gained global attention, with Canada, US, UK, Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Chile and Colombia among some of the countries to have participated this year.
The New Zealand cleaning industry is worth more than $1 billion annually and employs nearly 40,000 people. It is understood there are 30,000 cleaners in NZ, who typically work between the hours of 6pm and 6am.
Air New Zealand, Westfield, Westpac, 2Degrees, Genesis Energy, Auckland Museum and Christchurch Airport were among some of the major organisations involved with this year’s event, hosting various events and activities including brunches and morning teas for cleaning staff.
Sarah McBride CEO of the BSCNZ said the goal of the event had been achieved following numerous successful events held across the country.
“The feedback I have had so far is that those involved really enjoyed the day. There were many events all over New Zealand happening during the day, and some celebrations even continued into the evening,” McBride said.
“Each year we look to make it bigger and better for cleaners in NZ and I think that has been done this year. The success could also not be achieved without our sponsors so I would also like to thank Karcher for continuing to support and promote Thank Your Cleaner Day globally.”
As part of this year’s event, more than 1500 gift boxes, organised by BSCNZ and its associated sponsors including NZ Cleaning Supplies, Tork, Careerforce, Rentokil Initial and Diversey, were also distributed to cleaners.
Ebin Sebastian general manager of NZ Cleaning Supplies said the gift boxes are a tangible way to say thanks.
“Thank Your Cleaner Day has been promoted and celebrated for a few years now but the gift boxes are now a way to give something back to the cleaners to show their work is valued and appreciated.”
Facilities management services company, OCS, has more than 4200 staff working across New Zealand at more than 6000 offices, shops, warehouses, airports and more – from Kaitaia to Invercargill.
OCS managing director Australia and New Zealand, Gareth Marriott, said he is delighted to get behind Thank Your Cleaner Day once again.
“Cleaning is one of the most important industries in the world yet is often undervalued by those who benefit from the service,” Marriott said.
“Our clients are grateful for the expertise our team bring to their places of work – they know they can rely on their hard work to add value to their business through contributing to the overall work environment.
“Thank Your Cleaner Day is a fantastic opportunity to formally acknowledge our country’s cleaners and reinforce the fact they’re an appreciated and integral part of the New Zealand workforce.”
Watch: Thank Your Cleaner Day
