What Alsco Brings To Your Business

In the Greenroom, we take a look at the newest and the best developments. We want to keep workplaces cleaner, greener and safer. And it is the Facilities Manager who actually makes a difference in business terms.

This figure in modern management is increasingly more important and Alsco helps them keep up with the newest trends in the industry.

The Facilities Manager has proven to be one of the most significant add ons to a good management structure. It is simple to see why.

This person covers a large number of office-related issues. Without a Facilities Manager there would be no single person to overview and handle anything from health and safety to floor plans and design.

We don’t need to tell you about the importance of adhering to the lengthy list of Health and Safety Regulations, nor the significance of having a healthy, clean and happy workplace environment for your staff to work in. The needs of a Facilities Manager play a great role in Alsco solutions. They are a major influence achieving all of those things.

What Does Facilities Manager Work Entail?

It’s all about keeping the facilities in a business premises in proper working order. Definitions of the role state that the Facilities Manager is responsible for the coordination of space, infrastructure, people and organization, but added to that is a range of “non-core responsibilities” that brings the number of areas of responsibility up to 11 sectors.

Global Job Task Analysis carried out in 2009 by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), lists sectors as follows:

• Communication
• Emergency Preparedness and Business Continuity
• Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability
• Finance and Business
• Human Factors
• Leadership and Strategy
• Operations and Maintenance
• Project Management
• Quality
• Real Estate and Property Management
• Technology

Workplace safety, regulatory compliance and proper management and maintenance of business premises and systems is primary. However, there is a need for innovation and constant development. This means that the Facilities Manager must also find cost-effective ways to satisfy the job obligations. That is the exact area where Alsco can offer some of its best solutions.

Shouldering The Responsibility

No business, big or small, can afford not to care about hygiene, health and safety, as well as maintenance obligations. This means that the Facilities Manager has a range of responsibilities. Some of them might involve data security, building operations, office layout or contract tendering.

There are 5 main areas, however, that Facilities Managers are responsible for:

Fire Safety

Another area of responsibility that requires careful attention and continuous monitoring, fire safety issues influence workplace safety and business insurance. Statistics show that fire provides the highest risk to life in the workplace. Not only that, but the workplace is in danger of destruction, which can seriously cripple a business. It can cause anything from the job losses to operating capabilities.

Regular inspections, record keeping, update of important documents and certificates, fire safety equipment checks – these all fall under the duties of a Facilities Manager. Fire safety standards maintenance and management are first and foremost for him or her.

Cleaning And Hygiene

Levels of hygiene in the workplace can pose serious problems if not taken seriously. It’s not just a matter of keeping carpets vacuum or floor surfaces mopped, or even keeping boardroom tables polished. It is also about keeping washrooms, kitchens and canteens bacteria free and the risk of illness to personnel as low as possible.

Cleaning is mostly done outside office hours. There are, however, some areas that require constant attention, such as the washrooms. Restocking supplies is in some cases a daily task. This includes hand soap, towels, toilet paper, and cleaning products. Again, this requires scheduling. Sometimes it is hourly, sometimes daily, weekly, or monthly.

Safety and Health

This is a hugely important aspect of modern business management. The range of government and industry regulations which a workplace needs to satisfy is quite extensive and detailed, from first aid codes of practice to the management of hazardous chemicals in the workplace. This makes it difficult for Health and Safety officer to properly ensure compliance and adequate preparation. Especially if it is someone who is employed only part-time.

Dedicated Facilities Manager is there to make sure regulations are adhered to and to monitor and maintain. This is crucial in avoiding serious consequences. Other costly consequences you are exposing your business may include:

• Injury compensation
• Insurance claims
• Loss of business and investment
• Criminal prosecution

Inspections and Maintenance

Regular maintenance and inspection creates the need for schedules, depending on the size of the workplace. Fire safety standards, as well as those for health and safety or hygiene at the workplace might mean detailed inspections. They might occur as often as once a month.

Adequate stocks, working equipment and efficient systems – these are the purposes of inspections. Facilities Manager needs to draw up schedules, list inadequacies, ask for replacement or repair. Eventually, all this needs to be documented and placed in the archive.

Space Allocation And Changes

Ever heard of Churn Rate? It is a common practice of changing the office layout regularly. Why? In order to refresh the workspace. This is best handled by having a dedicated full-time employee. Yes, you’ve guessed it, a Facilities Manager takes this under her/his wing as well. Locations of workstations, filing cabinets, water coolers, even plants in their pots. Perhaps not an interior designer by calling, the Facilities Manager still has to plan all of it.

The Facilities Manager can insure the layout, adhere to workplace regulations, which include:

• Ventilation and temperature control standards
• Sufficient access and traffic allowance
• Space per staff member rates
• Adequate signs (exits, toilets, general segmentation, room names etc.)
• Office lighting levels
• Refreshment stations (snacks, coffee, water, etc.)

What Alsco Brings To Your Business

Alsco has a scope of services to help with health and safety compliance, workplace hygiene improvements and a healthier work environment in general. Alsco’s areas of expertise include various fields that can be tailored for the needs of a particular industry.

From first aid kits to hygiene services, from floor mats to medical emergency equipment,. Alsco is the leading name in the industry.

What Facilities Managers have to deal with are quality and cost efficiency. Working together with the Finance Department, they are trying to get best value for money. This is something that differentiates Alsco from other companies. The product is rented and not purchased, and maintenance is regular. This system brings with it several advantages:

Full Compliance Without Complications

Health and safety regulations have some pretty strict rules. The thing is that the area is an evolving one, and staying on top of every little regulation change can be a headache.

It is part of Alsco’s business to be aware of any changes to health and safety regulations. This, in turn, allows for immediate reaction to these changes, which makes the full compliance achieved with less complications.

Lower Costs By Using Rental Services

A monthly fee means that there is no large initial investment in supplies and equipment, which can in many cases cause significant costs to companies. The list of equipment includes electric hand dryers, soap dispensers and sanitary bins in the restrooms. Or, even more complicated machines such as Automated External Defibrillator (AED), eyewash stations and first aid kit, or even eco-safe washers for cleaning machine parts.

The costs can start soaring, especially if your business requires this type of equipment in several locations. On the other hand, rental services are tax deductible, so you save money too.

Maintain Health And Safety And Hygiene Levels With Maintenance Services

You have finally gathered all the necessary items and equipment, but what if some of it develops a fault? Who do you go to? How do you get a replacement and how fast?

This is where Alsco’s fully managed rental service kicks in. All the equipment is inspected, checked, cleaned and (if necessary) are replaced to ensure the business complies with the relevant regulations.

Restocking Services Keeps You Prepared

Running out of disinfectant or gauze at exactly the worst possible moment is a real risk. If your First Aid Kit is lacking items, it can make a difference in genuine danger situations.

To deal with this type of emergency, Alsco is there to make sure everything is fully stocked. Enough of each item to be sure that any crisis can be overcome, even when it involves several injuries at once.

Alsco Managed Rental Services

Health and safety regulations consider the quality of work environment and the wellbeing of staff very important. This poses the challenge for Facilities Managers to satisfy these key areas as well as any additional areas that the particular business may provide.

When Alsco was founded in the early 1960s, the regulations were fewer and the pressure was less. At the time, our rental services were designed primarily to lower our clients’ costs. As the regulations have grown, and the need for a Facilities Manager developed, our services have evolved to ease the pressure and maximize convenience while also increasing cost-efficiency.

Alsco has an extensive range of fully managed rental services on offer. They are attended to by dedicated teams who look after everything from supply restocking to equipment maintenance. This allows you to concentrate on running your business. The range includes:

First Aid Kits – fully managed rental services make sure you don’t have to worry about stocking your first aid kit and ensuring it is in proper working order. We even colour code items to ensure what you need is easily found.

First Aid Training – fully managed training services that educate your staff on the techniques that can save lives in an emergency. First Aid and Fire & Evacuation courses are offered, while a secure online system helps you keep track of all training records, and alerts you when training renewals are required.

Alsco Mats – a variety of floor mats that can help counter the negative impact of wet wintry weather. The range of mats available includes non-slip mats that also offer a degree of moisture absorbance.

Defibrillators – this is a vital area if you want to be ready to deal with cardiovascular problems in an emergency. The Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can keep a work colleague alive until the paramedics arrive.

Workwear – sourcing high quality, long-wearing, best-fit workwear for industrial, workshop, laboratories or kitchen staff can be a challenge. Alsco offers expertly designed work clothing for a variety of sectors and will then wash, replace and deliver them to you.

Industrial Services – an effective parts cleaner is a must have for any workshop or garage. The EcoSafe Washer is there for you, satisfying both your work needs and a desire for the cleaner environment.

If you would like to know more, feel free to click on the links detailing the services listed above or contact Alsco directly by filling out an online enquiry form. Alternatively, give us a call anytime

10 Ways Your Business Can Benefit From Your Washroom

Who cares about workplace washrooms, right? Well, a lot of people. Perhaps employers are not considering this, but they are exactly the sort of people who should.

Of course, washrooms might not be the first thing a customer encounters. After all, they came to do business.

On occasion, they might need to use your restroom and the state of it will tell them a lot about your business.

It can go as far as losing a customer since word of mouth is a powerful tool. In order for your customers to get the best experience, it is worth considering a washroom service.

Here is a list of 10 ways for your business to benefit from clean workplace washrooms:

1. The Devil is in the Detail

What are the most common areas for customers to find themselves at? Anyone will tell you that these are:

• Lobby
• Customer service area
• Meeting room

It is up to you to keep them neat and leave a great impression. Another area that is not on the list is the workplace washrooms. If you really want to prove you pay attention to detail, start there. It will bring you a world of good.

If all the areas that customers frequent are equally well-maintained, this proves a lot. It leaves an impression of cleanliness and care.

2. Managerial Excellence

A recent survey showed something very important when it comes to washroom experiences. Almost three-fourths of customers link the bad experience and bad management. Imagine what this does to the opinion of your company.

The survey also says that a high level of maintenance is the best way to impress customers. This is something that must be done in order to keep the image of your company. Once you get the bad reputation, it is difficult to get rid of.

The same is not only applicable to offices but to schools and other institutions, as well.

If you happen to manage a school, you’d want your school washroom to meet all the legal requirements. What’s more, you’d want it to bring about your employees and students’ health and safety, which will boost your and the school’s reputation, right?

F&C School Washroom Guide will equip you with all the knowledge and tools you need to achieve this goal, so make sure you refer to it.

3. Profit is Not All You Care About

Do you care about your customers? A well-maintained workplace washroom will certainly prove that. The customers will feel this. The fact that you have put in the extra effort will be appreciated. They know restrooms do not make money and that they are not at the top of your necessities list.

You clients and your customers are well aware of your business qualities. Otherwise, they would not be doing business with you. That is why this additional care can only bring more customers and more profit.

4. Hard work and Efficiency Go Hand in Hand

Clean and well-maintained workplace washrooms are a sign of a hardworking and efficient team. On the other hand, they might think you are not running a tight ship if the restroom is in poor condition.

Imagine being in the shoes of the customer. Should they trust you if you cannot make sure your facilities are clean? It sends a poor message and gives an impression of inefficiency.

Image from: Pexels by Pixabay

5. Does Cleanliness Matter?

If your aim is to demonstrate that you value hygiene, you need a well-kept washroom. This is twice as important if you are running a restaurant, for example. The message of an immaculate restroom is the message of an immaculate kitchen. Customers will give you points for both.

6. Trustworthiness is An Ally

Customer trust is one of the most difficult things to achieve. As they become more educated, the customers will see through any tricks.

You can consider the effort put into keeping the washroom clean an investment. You are investing in the future trust that the customers will have in your company. This is why it is important not to go stingy when it comes to the washroom area.

7. How Much do your Customers Matter to You?

Another interesting point of view is whether customers are getting their money’s worth. If you keep the washroom sparkling, they will feel their money is well spent and they will want to give you more of it. This is why their overall experience should matter.

8. Are You Concerned About Health?

One of the most important reasons for cleanliness are germs. Washrooms are a potential breeding ground for bacteria. The last thing you want is a customer catching something while visiting.

Spotless washrooms are your way of showing customers you care about their health. This is a statement that will not be ignored by them.

Image from: Flickr by javi_indy

9. A Happy Customer is a Returning Customer

Would you return to a place sporting smelly restrooms? Think about how your customers feel. If you keep your washrooms clean, you will keep the customers coming back. Do not get written off because of something so simple.

10. Social Responsibility is Your Secret Weapon

Why not take things one step further and create a statement of social responsibility when it comes to your washroom. Try any of the following:

• Water-saving taps
• Low-energy hand dryers
• Various green accessories

These will go a long way in showing the social responsibility of your business. Customers know how to appreciate that.

Thinking about improving your washroom experience for customers? See what Alsco has to offer in that department.

Photo: prostooleh

Restaurant Washroom – The Place Which Can Make All The Difference

Do you want your visitors to spread the word about your establishment? Are you trying to make both your guests and your staff happy? Do you wish your restaurant had that special something that attracts people?

There is a place in your restaurant which can assist you with all that! All you need to do is dedicate some time to it!

If you ask a hospitality industry expert, you will often hear that washrooms can be really useful in generating the necessary buzz which can help you increase the visibility of your restaurant on the map.

Word of mouth being one of the most effective marketing strategies available, you will gain many popularity points by giving some love to the washroom and designing it in such way that people wish to talk about it to their friends!

People love to judge washrooms. When they pay a visit to one, they are most often alone, and this means that they will often attempt to rate the experience they have. Be sure the pickiest among them will have time to analyze every aspect of the place!

Restaurant washrooms that do their job well will

• Cut your expenses
• Be environmentally friendly
• Be clean and bacteria-free
• Make both guests and the members of staff feel comfortable

So what are the necessary ingredients that make a great washroom? Listed here are the four most important elements. If you need help doing everything on this list, contact Alsco and rest assured you will create a washroom of your dreams!.

1) Pay Special Attention To Hand Hygiene

This is the most basic element in a great washroom. Various germs and viruses are known to spread through hands. So it is important to have the right kind of hand hygiene facilities.

Sanitisers

Alcohol-based hand sanitisers are known to quickly reduce the number of microbes on people’s hands. Studies have shown that sanitisers with an alcohol content of a minimum of 60% are the most effective against viruses and germs. These can be particularly useful in situations where water or soap may not be available.

Alsco sanitisers also contain emollients which do not cause skin irritation or damage.

Soap

Using soap is the basic hygiene habit and it simply cannot be overstated how important it is. However, it does not get nearly enough attention it deserves in our everyday life.

Fortunately, there are some really good soaps available in the market, whose properties may even encourage workers to wash hands more regularly, such as moisturising effect, for example.

Users tend to really like spray soaps, but those are not often found on business premises because they are usually more expensive.

Alsco’s spray soaps, on the other hand, are designed in such a way to maximise the efficiency, which results in their price being equal to liquid soaps. This enables you to give your users a choice. Regular servicing ensures that they are always stocked up and functioning properly.

Hand Drying

Washing hands will often go to waste if they are not dried properly since wet hands are an ideal breeding ground for disease-carrying germs and viruses. Hands need to be dried properly and completely after each wash.

There are multiple hand drying methods. Choose the one that is right for you. The soft, highly absorbent, cotton continuous towel from Alsco is a green option preferred by many businesses.

Spouts And Dispensers

These are a common source for cross-contamination as they tend to be touched frequently by various people. No-touch dispensers are a healthier alternative and work out to be economical too since they dispense only the required dose of soap.

2) Don’t Forget To Maintain Air Quality

A washroom that smells nice is a washroom that leaves a great first impression. This is the step no responsible business owner should skip, especially because it is very easy to achieve good air quality with minimal investment.

Good ventilation is often all that it takes to maintain a good quality of air in any washroom. However, not all premises have access to external walls and therefore owners can be faced with the problem of dealing with stale air. Fortunately, there are some easy steps you can take to quickly solve this problem.

Alsco’s 3-in-1 solution is perfect for dealing with bad quality of air. Air management filters will take care of the unpleasant smell, dust particles and germs. The most important thing to mention about this triple filter setup is that it does not affect the airflow in your washroom.

3) Cater To Everyone’s Needs

Make sure you provide for the needs of women and children. Discreet and smart feminine hygiene bins for women are a basic necessity.

Additional features like providing a nappy changing unit with a high-quality disposal bin or seat sanitisers in public washrooms are just that extra bit you can do to show that you care.

4) Show Your Workplace Washrooms Some Love

Your restroom is a great opportunity to impress your visitors and create a buzz around it. We are sure you would have seen those lists about the “Top 10 washrooms”. The idea is to make your visitors feel good about your washrooms so that they remember them.

You do not have to hire expensive designers for it. Sites such as Pinterest, Flickr or Instagram can give you inspiration and get your creative juices flowing.

Alsco’s own sleek modern professional looking range of washroom products is a simple way to pack in that punch.

Alsco Can Help You!

Following these steps will make your workplace washroom shine! And Alsco, the leader in cost-effective washroom solutions for businesses is just a click away from helping you finish the job!

Photo courtesy of Freepik Images by javi_indy

Benefits Of Workwear That Will Convince Everyone

Work uniforms are becoming pretty fashionable these days in the business world. Not only in the restaurants, hotels and manufacturing – companies in other industries are joining the trend as well.

Every good manager will confirm that workwear is one of the essential ways to protect workers against dirt, grease and other things they come in contact with during their working hours.

But apart from their protective role, work uniforms are also very good in promoting brands and conveying a sense of professionalism and dignity.

This article will present you with some really appealing reasons why you should consider introducing uniforms to your workplace, as well as provide you with a list of possible concerns your employees may have about that move.

With a managed industrial clothing rental service such as the one offered by Alsco, the industry leader in uniform rentals, the entire business with uniforms is made much easier and more practical.

Why Do Workers Resist Wearing Work Uniforms?

Despite these advantages, employees often resist the idea of uniforms. However, Alsco can help you overcome their resistance through better design and features.

They Can Be Expensive to Purchase and Maintain

Many business owners consider it a fact that uniforms present a continuous expense. After all, they need to be clean and look presentable all the time, and this costs money.

While this may be true in some scenarios, it is certainly possible to avoid any unnecessary costs by considering a managed rental service. Companies such as Alsco offer great deals – you pay for uniforms once and you don’t have to worry about expenses ever again! Alsco makes sure your uniforms are always kept in perfect shape.

They Can Make Work More Difficult

If not designed and sized properly, uniforms may hamper work. Uniforms with long loose sleeves that keep dipping into food are no-good for waiters. Alsco has many form-fitting, careful thought of uniforms for different jobs designed by experts to help promote efficiency at work.

They Limit Expression

Some employees may consider uniforms to hinder their ability to express themselves through their clothes. This is why it’s important to pick a supplier with a wide range of modern uniform styles. You can’t please everyone, but picking a fashionable uniform will go a long way in making most of your employees happy to wear it.

What Makes Work Uniforms So Useful?

Industrial apparel serves many useful purposes – for both the businesses and the employees.

They Keep Workers Safe and Protected

In industries such as the construction or mining, workwear such as hi-vis clothing and hard caps can ensure that the employees are visible and protected. Employees feel safer and are able to work more productively without having to constantly be concerned about their safety.

The clothing for certain jobs is designed keeping in mind the specific requirements of these jobs. Chef’s jackets are a perfect example of this. They have pockets in specific areas, are full sleeved to offer protection and made from materials which allow for food stains to be cleaned easily.

They Help Build Recognition and Trust

Workwear helps establish good image of the company in the minds of its clients and associates. Uniforms are great in building trust and helping people recognize your brand and your values. They are especially efficient for industries in which workers pay visits to households and other companies, such as product delivery, pest control, etc.

They Make Employees Easily Distinguishable

A uniform also makes it easier for the customers distinguish and identify the employees of the establishment from its clients. This is very useful in hotels, restaurant, busy airports, bus terminals, etc. A customer knows exactly who he needs to approach for any query or assistance without having to wonder if the other person isn’t another customer like them.

They Help Promote Your Brand

Uniforms with logos of the company are great branding and marketing tools. Every time an employee of yours steps out in public, they turn into a walking billboard. Uniforms can have everything from the company name, logo and the corporate slogan on them. They will almost always have at least one of the above.

They Improve Your Professional Image

Nothing spells professionalism quite like a tidy, modern uniform. It promotes cleanliness and speaks to clients about how reliable and organized your company is. This is one of the main reasons why hospitality industry loves workwear so much.

They Help Team Bonding

The common workwear helps iron out intra-team differences since no one is wearing different clothes which reflect the different ethnicities, race or status of the team members. Teams bond better.

Starbucks employees across the world can be recognised by their trademark uniform, regardless of which country you go to. This helps the organisation to deliver a message of consistency in service quality across the globe.

They Establish Common Identity

Uniforms help to foster a sense of pride in their jobs and a sense of belonging to an organisation. A common identity helps work towards common goals. Sports teams, in particular, are associated with their team uniforms and colours which are a symbol of their pride. The same philosophy applies at workplaces too.

Talk To Professionals

The most difficult step in introduction of workwear to your company is the first step – deciding to do it in the first place. After you make this decision, the rest is much easier – companies like Alsco are available to take most of the responsibilities for workwear maintenance away from you, so that you can focus only on the positive aspects of your decision.

If you have any doubts about what the best thing to do would be, or you are not clear on how a managed rental service functions, get in touch with Alsco’s experts and expect to receive some well-informed advice. Get your own customised quote today.

Photo: Pixabay

No-Nonsense Guide To Prevention Of Tripping And Slipping

There is something about tripping and slipping that makes other people laugh. Even those who consider themselves sympathetic can’t deny they laughed when they saw it in a movie or their favorite cartoon.

Whether it’s just because the sudden loss of control makes people act in a funny way or it also has something to do with irrational feeling of relief we weren’t the ones that slipped, most people will agree that it is wrong to laugh in these cases.

Tripping and slipping can be a serious thing. As a matter of fact, they are counted among the most common reasons of injuries at work.

At Alsco, experts in the field of work safety work hard to find the best way to prevent this type of incidents.

Numbers say that every year millions of people suffer injury or get sick at work, and the three groups which are at exposed to biggest risk are manual workers, drivers and operators of machinery and service workers.

Fifteen percent of those injuries happen by falling on the same level, which includes incidents caused by tripping and slipping.

In order to minimise those incidents, or even completely eliminate them from a workplace, there is a number of steps which can be made.

We assembled two lists which can be really helpful starting points for dealing with tripping and slipping in your company.

5 Steps To Minimise Tripping

• Where flooring type changes suddenly (like concrete to carpeting), ensure the levels are evenly matched. With carpets or tiling, make sure the edges are secured to prevent dog-earing or warping.Keep working areas, aisles and corridors clear of items so there is nothing to trip over. Provide separate storage areas for boxes, tools and equipment. Ensure cabling is neatly tucked way. Carry out clean-ups regularly.
• Keep your workers aware. Many people trip when they are not paying attention or are distracted. So, use visual aids in high risk areas (storeroom), on stairs and remind your staff to do their part.
• Reduce the need for cabling by installing extra power sockets in more convenient places. Where cabling must cross traffic routes, place them overhead rather than across the floor.
• Keep the floor surface as consistent as possible, so cover floor power sockets, remove ridges and flatten inclines (if possible).

5 Steps To Minimise Slipping

• Invest in special work area matting. These are designed to resist oils and water so workers standing on them won’t slip while working.
• Be sure to regularly service any machinery to reduce the chances of leakage. You could also add containers to capture any condensation and spills.
• Use water absorbent floor mats at all entrance areas to soak up any dripping rainwater from clothing and umbrellas. These are designed to handle large volumes of traffic and can be easily laundered and replaced by your supply company.
• Make sure there is easy access to cleaning-up equipment. These include mops, cloths, absorbent paper for oil substances, and portable ‘Caution’ signs.
• Designate areas for wet umbrellas and overcoats to be kept, but ensure they’re away from busy traffic routes. Keeping them close to the entrance minimises the potential wet area created.

More To Do

It goes without saying that even if you manage to act on each of the above steps, you won’t manage to entirely remove the risk of tripping and slipping. There are so many factors that come into play every day that it is impossible to take them all into consideration.

However, there is more that you can do if you are really committed to solving this problem. If you adopt new, safer working procedures, the result will definitely be a significant improvement in overall safety of your employees.

This is not an easy undertaking. It takes a lot of time to complete and you will likely need to appoint more than one person to deal with it over time, control the execution and oversee the progress.

Alsco offers a number of products which are designed to help with this issue. One of the most useful products in Alsco’s portfolio is the safety mat, which can be placed in the most dangerous areas and help avert incidents. Alsco’s mats are also extremely efficient in preserving flooring and eliminating the need for frequent floor maintenance.

The best thing about Alsco’s mats is that they are completely free to try for two-weeks which lets you test their efficiency at no cost. We are sure you will want to keep them!

Photo courtesy of Flickr Images by SmartSign

Alsco at the 2018 Auckland City Mission CookOff

Throughout its 150 year history, Alsco has been doing business with a greater vision in mind.

For us, it’s not just business and profits.

We strive to implement environmental policies in all that we do and our global mission is to positively impact our community.

We believe it is our responsibility as business leaders to serve our local communities.

It All Boils Down to Community Support

Alsco has been practising corporate social responsibility through various programs and partnerships.

Our previous engagements include providing fresh bandages to SPCA and helping the SHINE organization assist with victims of domestic abuse with our sheets and First Aid Kits in 2016.

Joining a Textile Waste Minimizing Program and involvement in Million Metres Streams Project were the highlights of 2017.

On March 7th, 2018 Mark Roberts, the CEO of Alsco NZ is participating in the Auckland City Mission CookOff. It’s a local charity event where top chefs and business leaders will support less privileged Aucklanders. They will be fundraising, preparing food and hosting a special meal.

About the Auckland City Mission

The Auckland City Mission is a registered charitable trust. From 1920 onwards, it has been actively engaged in helping those in desperate need.

As one of Auckland’s most significant social service providers, it focuses on offering help to poverty-stricken individuals and homeless people. But they also deal with the marginalized elderly group and those struggling with addictions.

The Mission offers crisis services, providing emergency support in food and clothing in a time of crisis. Its Health Centre offers primary health care services at minimal cost to the most marginalized Auckland residents. The services are granted to those people who otherwise wouldn’t have regular access to a GP.

The Mission further assists the elderly who live in isolated conditions and have trouble meeting their basic needs. It addresses the issues of Auckland rough sleepers. Besides providing them hospitality, it tends to their social needs and offers skill development.

The Social Detoxification Service offers help to people with addiction problems, including detoxification.

But the Mission is not only dealing with here-and-now problem-solving. It devises strategies to help struggling Aucklanders in the long run – thinking about how to enhance their future prospects.

Here’s the Auckland City Mission 2017 overview. This is what they accomplished with the help of donors and contributors:

• Distribute 13,714 emergency food parcels to struggling families and individuals
• Successfully house 128 homeless people
• Provide 7,977 doctor consultations to high-need patients
• Admit 390 people to residential drug & alcohol detoxification

About the Auckland City CookOff

The Auckland City Mission staff comes across heartbreaking life stories that have roots in deeper social issues. It’s not unusual for people who are reaching for their help to repeatedly experience the scenario of jumping out of the frying pan into the fire.

It’s far from easy to escape the vicious circle of poverty. Of homelessness, addiction, or marginalization. Therefore, vulnerable Aucklanders need continuous support from the local community.

Having those things in mind, the Mission strives to inspire as many people as possible to join in and help. CEO CookOff is one of the initiatives to engage the leading businesses in helping those individuals.

At the CookOff the participants will compete in groups, where each team will be assisted by a celebrated Auckland chef. They will be cooking meals for families in crisis and homeless Aucklanders. And it doesn’t hurt to have a bit of entertainment along the way, does it?

The idea is to gather people of different social strata around something as universal as a meal. To facilitate social intermingling and enable local businesses to positively influence the community.

The participants are spearheading fundraising campaigns in other to reach the Mission’s goal of $250,000 for their food services. The raised funds will help provide 3,846 emergency food parcels for families in need.

Alsco’s in the Game

Mark Roberts, Alsco New Zealand CEO, recognized the Misson’s work as something truly valuable. It didn’t take him long to decide to get behind this good cause.

This is how he addressed the public in his Auckland City Mission CookOff campaign:

“I’m inspired by the work that Auckland City Mission do, interested in what I can do in some small way to help them to raise money so that they can continue to build on the great work they do. Please support my participation in the Auckland City Mission CookOff 2018, and help me to help them by donating to this worthy cause.”

Beginning on 15th December 2017 Mark Robert’s campaign has gathered an impressive number of supporters.

Alsco’s valued suppliers, customers and partners stepped up to support this wonderful cause with their generous donations. Here is the list of our supporters. The number is overwhelming!

[b3_row]
[b3_column lg=”3″ md=”12″ sm=”12″ xs=”12″ ]

• SBN
• FilterFab
• Filta Cleaning Products
• Uni-Pak
• Deane Apparel
• Ecolab
• Leaseplan
• Iveco
• Newtech
• HIT
• Terracyclic
• McKinnon Group
• Instep
• Squash NZ
• Crestclean
• Jensen NZ Ltd
• Niche Consulting
• Jane Latimer Law
• 3 Piece Sales
• Astrolift
• Asaleo Care
• Goodson Architechts Ltd
• Asaleo Care New Zealand

[/b3_column]
[b3_column lg=”3″ md=”12″ sm=”12″ xs=”12″ ]

• Pacific Hygiene
• Kemsol
• Ange Brown
• Sharlain Vieviorka
• Barry Watson
• Helen Kemp
• Craig Douglas
• Tokyo Bay Takapuna
• Tim Regan
• Jill  Roebuck
• Margaret Roberts
• Stephan Baele
• Gary Whall
• James Brand Training and Consultancy Services
• Graham Notman
• Tony Colenso
• George Rowe
• Central Group Forklinks and Trucks
• Action Manufacturing

[/b3_column]
[b3_column lg=”3″ md=”12″ sm=”12″ xs=”12″ ]

• Peter Dean
• Daniel Smith
• Wendy Harvey
• Paul Ladbrook
• Jason Kay
• Cris Cooper
• Johnson Family
• Hickey Clan
• Scott Kittelty
• Cameron Rout
• Dave G
• Paul Gardiner
• Leane Roberts
• Devon Roberts
• Roy
• Charlene and David Woodhead
• Warren Wishnowski
• Steve Barden
• Brett Roberts
• Dean and Tracey Jones
• Peter Masefield
• Mike Bernath

[/b3_column]
[b3_column lg=”3″ md=”12″ sm=”12″ xs=”12″ ]

• Yunqi Deng
• Hendra Sukardi
• Tom Som
• Mike Compton
• Catherine Charteris
• Richard and Jessica Mahood
• Lynne and Gavin Smith
• Rebecca Rabson
• Spencer  Tait
• Aby Castady- Kristament
• Danielle Vercoe
• Sue Ren
• Kurt Petherbridge
• Jared McGregor
• Scott Bason
• Bronwyn Write
• Pat Munro
• Blundy
• Doug Graham
• John Gibbs
• Matthews Packaging and Hygiene

[/b3_column]
[/b3_row]

The fact that numbers were rising at a rocketing rate prompted Mark to reevaluate the target, extending his goal from $20,000, $25,000 until it reached $32,816.22. When the target funds reached $32,816.22, he did not reset the target anymore. These were Mark’s words upon realising how numerous and generous the contributions were:

“Woohoo! – the generosity of all contributors is overwhelming. When I started I never dreamed we would get to $32,816.22. It just demonstrates that goodwill and caring are innate qualities in Kiwis – not going to reset the target but will continue collecting for this wonderful organisation that doesn’t judge – they simply help those in less fortunate circumstances. Please don’t stop just because my campaign has met the goal!

A special mention to the Suppliers of Alsco that have really made the difference – unbelievable – you have been fantastic. I believe the strength of our Supply partnerships, the loyalty and honesty in our relationships has made it easy for you to say yes, and for that I sincerely thank you.”

In a little over a month, Mark managed to raise over $32,816.22 with the help of contributors. And the Auckland City Mission has managed to reach 30% of their total fundraising target so far.

How can you help?

Alsco greatly appreciates all the support received to date for the CookOff event and encourages anyone who hasn’t already joined to visit our fundraising campaign page!

Jump on board and donate to this worthwhile cause!

The CookOff on 7th March is just around the corner! Be there for those that have nowhere else to turn. With your help, we’re sure we’ll be cooking with gas!

And as far as our CEO is concerned, we bet he is getting his Alsco Chef’s garment ready!

Photo courtesy of Flickr Images by DC Central Kitchen

5 Office Recyclables That May Surprise You

When talking about the recycling of office supplies, everyone thinks of paper and plastics as the most common recyclables.

Documents, waste paper, stiff cardboard boxes used for wrapping sandwiches and other food, are only a few items on the long list of office recyclables.

If we add to the list of plastic bottles and wrapping, we get the usual contents of an average recycling bin in an office. But have you ever thought of adding more to the list?

Here are some of the common office items you should consider recycling.

1. Mobile Phones

With the ever-growing demand to always be up-to-date and get the newest model of a particular mobile phone, old ones are left in our back drawers at home, only to be looked at as memories of something old and obsolete.

Set up a phone recycling bin at work and ask your employees and coworkers to bring their old mobile phones. This way, you can contribute to reducing e-waste which has become one of the growing problems in the modern world.

Apart from this, there are big recycling initiatives you can take part in that encourage people to donate or recycle their old phones. Autism NZ has teamed up with the mobile phone recycler Swapkit NZ in their joint project of swapping old phones for new technology.

2. Eyeglasses

When you get a new pair of eyeglasses, you never even take a look at your old ones, let alone use them. But, as a matter of fact, they can be reused. Lions Club International collects old eyeglasses, which are tested, packaged and sent for distribution to those with poor eyesight in the Pacific Islands.

Why not set up an eyeglasses box, and ask staff members to donate their old eyeglasses? Before you know it, the eyeglasses will be on their way to Fiji, Samoa or Tonga, where they will be used by those who need them and might not be able to afford them.

3. Broken And Damaged Gadgets

Have you or anyone you know ever accidentally dropped your mobile phone in the water or spilt hot coffee over it? Probably yes.

At work, employees use different gadgets, such as desk phones or calculators, that they can accidentally drop, crush or destroy by spilling drinks over them. Most of them cannot be used again so you may as well get rid of them by placing them in a special recycle bin for office gadgetry.

4. Umbrellas And Rainwear

How many times have you seen your colleagues tossing their broken umbrellas in the rubbish at work after a windstorm? Most people still don’t know about umbrella and rainwear recycling. The same goes for raincoats, and any waterproof clothing made of polyester.

So, rather than throwing away valuable recycling material, simply place a box for collecting broken umbrellas and torn rainwear and hand it over to your local recycling company. You may need to contact your local Chamber of Commerce to find out which companies take them.

5. Packing Peanuts

These are not your edible peanuts, but polystyrene packing peanuts that come with new electronics goods. Made of polystyrene, it can take them hundreds of years to decompose. Scary, right? This is what you can do with them instead after you have collected them in a box that you had set up in your office:

• Ask companies to take them back
• Donate them to shipping companies
• Send them to a recycling centre
• Give them to a nearby school or community centre for crafting projects
• Put them in the bottom of a planter as they will allow your plants to drain properly

Creating and implementing a comprehensive recycling program is an important step towards a greener workplace.

If you add to your recycling habits other simple steps such as using floor mats made from recycled materials and continuous cloth towel for hand drying, you can rest assured that you’re doing your best to help protect the environment.

Recycle – Go Green!

Recycling is one of the best ways for you to have a positive impact on the environment. Alsco offers a range of solutions to help you make your workplace a green environment, such as Ecosafe Washers, Evolution Mats and Continuous Towels.

Our Ecosafe Washers use water-based solutions with the power of cleaning greasy and dirty places within seconds. The revolutionary Evolution Mats are made from recycled eco-friendly materials, and our Cloth Towel offers significant environmental benefits since it represents an environmentally safer option than paper.

Want to make a difference in protecting the world we live in? We at Alsco are there to help you.

Photo courtesy of Flickr Images by Montgomery Cty Division of Solid Waste Services
Follow

Cloth Towels vs. Hand Dryers: Which One is Better?

Paying attention to hygiene has always been an effective method of preventing bacteria and infectious diseases from spreading.

Recently, the importance of hand drying has become clear and it is now considered an important part of hand hygiene habits.

The reason for that are studies which show that bacteria are less likely to be transmitted from dry skin than it is from wet.

There is more than one way of hand drying. We are all used to seeing both towel dispensers and warm air hand dryers in public bathrooms and at work.

But have you ever wondered which option is the better one? Keep reading to find out.

Research done by the University of Westminster has shown that using warm air hand dryers can actually lead to even more bacteria on your hands. Using cloth towels, however, reduces the number of bacteria on your hands.

The purpose of continuous cloth towel dispensers is to isolate bacteria, and the unused towel section is safely separated from the used part until it needs to be removed for cleaning. Unlike cloth towel dispensers, warm air hand dryers are capable of spreading the bacteria even up to two meters away from the dryer.

There is also an environmental aspect to be considered. Cloth towel dispensers don’t need electricity, so they definitely preserve energy more than warm air dryers do. Also, cloth towels are not only cleaned and reused many times but also recycled as a washcloth, which makes both the production cost and the environmental impact much lower.

It’s needless to say that keeping your hands clean is important. And when it comes to drying them, using cloth towels seems to be a better way.

With all that in mind, if you are looking for a hygienic, soft, and, most importantly, eco-friendly way of hand drying at your workplace, all you need to do is contact the professionals at Alsco and they will be more than happy to help you find a solution that fits your needs best.

Is Making Your Green Office Paper Free A Good Idea?

Are you completely sure that your office is green enough?

Does it have all kinds of different recycling bins, such as bins for paper, plastics, glass and food? It has energy-saving light bulbs, too?

Well done if so, but you shouldn’t stop there!

There is a way to turn your office into a perfect Green Office. To do that, its carbon footprint has to be reduced to null by getting rid of all the paper possible.

Not only is this kind of office green, but it is also deemed an extremely work efficient environment.

Practical And Financial Benefits

Of course, changing to a paper-free system has many positive practical and financial aspects.

It’s not a secret that storage issues are actually not issues anymore. For that, we can thank storage on hard drives, discs, USB devices and servers. Thus, we are able to fill the room with some office trees, otherwise meant for filing cabinets.

There is no need to print paper and then store it in an actual administrative folder on some shelf. This frees us from paper consumption, so paper supplies are no longer needed.

Statistics from the US show that an average office worker spends around 10,000 paper sheets over a year. The actual cost of using the paper can be up to 31-times the cost of purchasing the paper. Moreover, the international financial services corporation Citigroup has made an interesting estimation – according to it, they would save $700,000 per year if all their employees saved at least one paper from getting damaged per week.

Environmental Benefits

The main goal of going Green is improving the environment and lowering carbon footprint in your office. In fact, the greenest thing you can do is to be a 100% paper-free office.

The reason is simple: the impact is much greater.

Over time, statistics have shown that cardboard products and paper take up the largest part of landfill refuse.

In 1994, the paper was 40% of total solid waste accumulated in the US, but it has decreased to only 28%, according to the EPA. Once the paper is in the landfill, it takes a significant amount of time for it to decompose (15 years). That creates a gas called methane, which is one of the most devastating greenhouse gases. Methane gas is around 21 times powerful in heat preserving than CO2.

If you go paper-free, the trees will surely like you! Why? Well, even though we can recycle unnecessary paper, some trees still need to be cut down. That is because there is still a need for a particular virgin wood pulp in paper production.

Despite people being very aware of global deforestation, its rates have risen up to 400% over the last 4 decades.

According to environmentalprofessionalsnetwork.com, around 4 billion trees are used in the paper industry. That makes 35% of worldwide harvested trees.

Needless to say, if we were to reduce paper dependency to zero in every office, the rate of tree-felling is sure to, well… fall down!

And yes, trees will absolutely love you because of it!

Dispensers For Cloth Towels

Now that you’re familiar with the benefits of going paper-free, we at Alsco can help you easily achieve it.

It has been shown that most people prefer air drying their hands to using cloth towels.

However, when it comes to continuous cloth towel, there are considerable environmental benefits.

Out of all hand drying systems, it has the lowest environmental influence. It has also been shown that, when it comes to hand drying, cloth towels are the most efficient in removing bacteria.

Hygienic hand drying is a crucial element in having your hands actually clean.

If you’re interested, Alsco’s friendly representative will be pleased to be of assistance.

Photo courtesy of Freepik Images by peoplecreations

11 Tips for Running A Successful Café

Opening a café and making it successful is many people’s dream, and it’s easy to understand why.

Seeing people at your café chatting with their friends, drinking coffee, having a snack, or simply relaxing from a long day at work or a busy day in the mall is certainly more satisfying than a full-time job that often implies being stuck in an office all day.

Cafés offer a feeling of familiarity and comfort, but in reality, running a café is far from easy.

If you want to make your dream of running a café come true, you have to be ready to face the competition.

Statistics show that the majority of new cafés fail, 70% of them closing within their first year. Moreover, the average holding period of a café is two to three years before a new buyer is found.

However, even with all the risks that come with owning and running a café, the benefits of this challenge – both personal and financial – are numerous.

So, what do you need to ensure your café’s success? What are the common mistakes you should avoid and the strategies you should adopt?

We’ve come up with a list of 11 tips for running a café that will definitely set you off on the path to success.

1. Don’t set your standards too high – nobody is going to just give you a perfect café to run. Good deals are not easy to find, and they are definitely not cheap. If something seems too good to be true, the real reason will come up sooner or later. The best thing you can do is leave your emotions out of the picture and forget about the appearance – you can take care of everything later. Asking for too much and being too emotional can only be an obstacle to your dream.

2. Plan ahead – when it comes to being objective, it’s also important to come up with a good business plan before you actually buy a café. Think about marketing strategies and all the other responsibilities that will await you as the manager. Another important reason for having a good business plan is that you won’t be able to ask banks for a loan or get decent funding without it.

3. Take care of the details – don’t forget to deal with all the legal matters beforehand. You need to have all the necessary insurances, business permits, and alcohol licences before opening your café.

4. Choose a theme – creating a place that is comfortable, safe and familiar-looking is not exactly hard, but truth be told, that sort of place is not going to draw much attention. Having a theme will help you stand out among all the other cafés. Also, apply the theme to the menu as well, not just to the appearance.

5. Stay professional – if you want your café to be successful, you should maintain a certain level of professionalism. Train your staff properly so they know how to handle all possible situations, make sure your presentation standards are high (including the look of your menu), and create a website that is both attractive and informative.

6. Put yourself in your customers’ shoes – think about what your customers would expect from your café. Trying to see your place from their perspective could help you find any potential issues and fix them in time.

7. Provide clear instructions – never forget the importance of communication. There shouldn’t be any policy inconsistencies, especially since they can lead to customer dissatisfaction. So if you want your café to become successful, make sure everybody is on the same page.

8. Appreciate your suppliers – maintaining a positive relationship with your distributors and suppliers is essential. This means that they will be more likely to help you out in case of an emergency – and there will be emergencies if your café becomes successful.

9. Don’t be afraid of a change – experienced café owners will tell you that change is never a bad thing. Running a café is a flexible type of business, which means that you have to be able to adjust to the needs and desires of your customers.

10. Marketing is always important – staying popular is always a challenge, especially when it comes to running your own café. Regardless of how unique and amazing your offer is, the word-of-the mouth will simply not be enough. This is why you need to invest in good marketing, which includes both digital and traditional marketing strategies.

11. Retaining customers – as important as your relationship with your supplies is, developing a base of loyal customers should be your priority. In that sense, you should consider offering loyalty programmes. For example, rewarding your customers by giving them a free coffee after they punched out all the spots on a card can sometimes be more than enough to make them return.

Where Does Alsco Fit In?

Alsco provides convenient and economical solutions for maintaining the highest linen standards for your business. Our fully-managed tea towel rental service is no exception: we provide quality fabrics, sizes and colours with no up-front capital outlay; regular pick-up and delivery; and a flexible inventory management system.

Take advantage of our tea towel trial – one week free – and find out how it feels to have an endless supply of clean linen.