Thank Your Cleaner Day is on tomorrow, with the industry being urged to get behind the social initiative.
Launched in NZ in 2015 by the Building Service Contractors of NZ (BSCNZ), Thank Your Cleaner Day, supported by Kärcher, will be held on Wednesday 17 October.
Since its launch, the day has gained global attention, with around 20 countries expected to participate this year including Canada, US, UK, Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Australia.
In NZ the 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.
In previous years organisations have shown their recognition with various events and activities including brunches and morning teas for cleaning staff.
Sarah McBride CEO of the BSCNZ said the industry is looking forward to celebrating the day.
“Cleaners are the unsung heroes of New Zealand. They often work late at night or early in the morning , keeping our environments clean and hygienic so I’m really excited to stop and honour the work that they do for New Zealand.”
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, 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.”
As part of this year’s event, more than 1500 gift boxes, organised by BSCNZ and its associated sponsors including NZ Cleaning Supplies, Tork, Rentokil and Diversey, will also be distributed to cleaners.
Ebin Sebastian general manger 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.”
