Spotlight: Leslie Cross – Management Support

Welcome to our Spotlight series, where we delve into the stories of our Alsco Uniforms employees; exploring their experiences, career trajectories, and the unique insights they’ve gained along the way. This interview features Leslie Cross, our Management Support at Alsco Uniforms. We sat down with him recently to unpack his time within the company and gain valuable insights into his professional journey.

How long have you been at the company and when did you start?

I initially started in the Service Department as a Service Delivery Person in 1979. When I left Alsco in 1981, I had become a Service Delivery Manager. My partner had to attend a course of training that was only available at RMIT in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. I worked for Princes Fabricare Services in Melbourne, a private laundry business, on a personal recommendation of the Auckland Branch Sales Manager, as he knew the Princes family. That company was eventually acquired by Alsco, has become Alsco Mulgrave.

I was contacted in the last month I was staying in Melbourne by both the Auckland Service Manager and the Auckland Production Manager to see if I was interested in coming back to Alsco. On returning from Melbourne in 1981, I decided to try the Production Team environment as I’d only ever seen this aspect of our business as an outsider when working in the Service Department. I then proceeded to garner experience by working through the soil checking in area, the washroom section, where my trainer had been there 10 years already and is still with Alsco today. I then progressed to the finishing area and became a production supervisor. I stayed in the Production Team for approximately three years before moving back into the Service Team for another six years, then moved to the Textile Manager role for another six years. I finally moved to our Head Office as a Support Person for the IT Projects Manager in 1996 and have been at our Support Centre for the last 28 years.

There have been many exciting changes in our business operations, in our team structure and in technology during that time. We basically are the same service company, but business aspirations and methods have evolved so much in 40 years, and that’s what makes Alsco Uniforms such an interesting company to stay at long term. The chances to be involved in changes and making an aspirational choice for success of those changes and growth in yourself.

What advice would you give someone considering a career at Alsco?

There is the opportunity to learn from so many experienced and passionate people. Those who start at Alsco tend to stay for a long time. We’ve had people start as an entry level employee and progress to many different managerial roles such as Branch General Manager and even as far as becoming the CEO. We’ve had people move to Alsco operations in other countries because the opportunity exists when we are a company that spans 5 continents.

What’s your favourite part about working for Alsco?

It is a cliché, but people are my favourite aspect of working for Alsco. Your day goes so easily when the colleagues you work with excel at what they do and extend their knowledge and use that to become gold bricks where they are, or to gather experience to grow in the company as leaders and examples to everyone that’s here and everyone who wants to know what Alsco is about.

Have you received any training or qualifications through Alsco?

Yes, I have received training. In the simplest example of training received for something we take for granted today. When I started at Alsco, we did not have desktop computers. We had dumb terminals, and when I got my first desktop computer, I was sent on courses on how to start one! And simple things in Excel and Word. Amazing today looking back on such simplistic things.

What would you say your biggest achievement has been in your career with Alsco?

Actually, I have two achievements I will mention:

1. I never expected to be here this long! But the work life has been so interested that the work itself has been so much fun that it doesn’t feel like work at all.
2. Working on projects and processes that will leave a legacy for success of Alsco and its people, now and into the future.

Ready to kickstart your career?

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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

Defibrillator Success Saves Alsco BGM

On a cold winters evening on July 18th 2016, at the gym inside the Avantidrome Cycling Velodrome in Cambridge, Ron Kemp (me) suffered a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).

This in layman’s terms essentially means I was “dead” on the floor.

I had been exercising at the gym for around 20 minutes when the SCA occurred. Another gym occupant hit one of the fitted “panic buttons” and laid me in the recovery position. When the panic alarm sounded, the emergency procedures kicked into gear and people came running.

The Fastest Way To Save A Man’s Life

One of the people to get to me immediately was Talya Thomas, who works in the café attached to the Avantidrome Cycling complex.

Talya, who has been accepted to begin training in 2017 as a paramedic, recognised from the symptoms that this was a cardiac issue and that my heart had gone into fibrillation (not beating but electrical pulses going crazy) and was immediately able to organise CPR and get me hooked up to a defibrillator that had been brought to the scene as part of the “panic alarm” procedures.

Within a short time, Talya had administered three shocks in addition to performing CPR and my heart started back in rhythm prior to the ambulance arriving. An ambulance arrived within 12 minutes and I was transported to Waikato Hospital still in an unconscious state.

The Recovery Period

I spent the next 3 days on life support in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) at Waikato Hospital where I was diagnosed, after an angiogram, to have major restrictions in several of my heart arteries. While in ICU I was on a ventilator, as well as all the other whiz-bang gadgets they could find to plug into me and my body temperature was kept very low to aid in recovery.

On Thursday I had recovered sufficiently to be transferred to CCU (Cardiac Care Unit) to await the procedure recommended by the Cardiologist. On Monday, 7 days after my SCA, I had 3 stents inserted into my heart arteries under a procedure called an angioplasty.

Fortunately, this is a fairly non-invasive way of fixing the immediate heart issue.

Due to other injuries sustained when I collapsed while having a sudden cardiac arrest, I remained in the hospital for 3 additional days.

Recovery has been a slow affair as I needed to take the time to understand what happened and what changes needed to be made immediately.

Slowly Going Back To Normal Life

It was around 10 days before I could speak with any confidence, probably a result of having a ventilator down my throat.

The part of the body to take the longest to recover has been the chest cavity as the CPR done correctly often cracks or breaks ribs.

It has taken around 6 weeks for my chest to heal sufficiently to be able to contemplate a return to work.

Some history regarding the Avantidrome – In 2012 when the Avantidrome was being constructed, Alsco submitted a proposal for a level of sponsorship in addition to the supply of washroom dispensers, consumables, First Aid, Civil Defence and a Defibrillator.

This sponsorship package, worth a considerable sum per annum to the Avantidrome, was agreed, and all dispensers were fitted by myself and Peter Martin (now Business Manager, Napier).

The defibrillator was installed and Alsco ran several training sessions for staff in the operation of the defibrillator, in addition to organising multiple First Aid Training for staff since 2013.

To be the first person to have needed the defibrillator at this site is kind of crazy.

The Real Deal About Sudden Cardiac Arrest

There are many stories of people surviving an SCA but the survival rate is approximately 6% of people who have a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital and approximately 24% of people who are in hospital at the time of their SCA.

It needs the right people at the right time, with a defibrillator, for this to happen. There are on average 10 SCA’s in NZ daily. In most incidents, there is no warning an SCA is about to happen. I am now on a graduated return to work plan, still aware that I have been incredibly lucky to have survived.

My story has been great for our Sales Executives as a sales tool and as you can imagine I have become an ambassador for the placement of as many defibrillators in the market as possible.

Ron Kemp, BGM, Alsco Hamilton NZ

Flying Start for Alsco Kingsland Design Project

An exciting project to enhance an area of unused open space on New North Road is off to a flying start.

An enormous mural has been painted on the wall of the Alsco building by Auckland artists Charles and Janine Williams. The artists chose two Putangitangi ducks moving forward in unity to symbolise the lifelong partnership between Maori and European.

Paradise ducks

First discovered by Captain Cook in Dusky Sound in the 1770s and known as Paradise ducks, Putangitangi stay together for life and they would have been endemic in swampy parts of Auckland in colonial days.

Often working till midnight to complete the project, the well-known artists completed the mural in 5 days straight in the hot January sun. The challenging project involved painting over brick, corrugated iron, drainpipes and guttering on the building frontage.

Neighbour Dulux NZ provided paint for the dramatic transformation, Albert-Eden Local Board funded the artwork and Kingsland Business Society managed the project.

Cabbage Tree Swamp

Inspiration for the design came from the painting Cabbage Tree Swamp c1880 from the sketchbook of John Backhouse. Cabbage Tree Swamp was an early name for the suburb of Kingsland, including the area which now houses Eden Park. Triangles showing pieces from the Cabbage Tree Swamp watercolour represent windows into the past showing a snapshot of past interaction between the two cultures, including the exchange of land, trade and purchases.

Gavin Smith from Alsco said the artwork is already attracting a lot of attention and positive discussion. “We see heaps of cars slowing down to look too.”

Blessing ceremony

A blessing ceremony was held on January 19th at 9.30 am and over the coming months, a pocket park currently being developed for the site in a private/public partnership will be installed.

Exciting New Range Launched!

The Cutting Edge range has been designed for ‘today’s’ chefs in ‘today’s’ kitchens. Comfortable to wear over long, hot periods and strong enough to withstand the rigours of daily laundering, this range also complies to strict hygiene regulations.

The Cutting Edge range

The Cutting Edge range of jackets, pants and aprons are lightweight and comfortable. The chefs’ jackets are available in both contemporary and classic designs.

The Cutting Edge range is available in a choice of styles that can be personalised with trims and embroidery whilst also meeting food industry hygiene regulations (HACCP).