March marks the 1-year anniversary of the Covid-19 outbreak. It also represents the time our operations went into high gear. As an essential service, we ramped up our level of support to accommodate our clients’ needs – whether that was for cleaning and disinfection, repair and restoration or security services – we delivered business continuity during a period of unprecedented uncertainty.

While we’re not out of the woods just yet, we thought we’d mark this anniversary with a reflection of highlights, lowlights and lessons learned from a year experienced like no other.

Greater market awareness

The Covid-19 pandemic has enhanced awareness and appreciation for essential services, and especially for cleaning and disinfection. The services we deliver are part of society’s fabric, however have often gone unnoticed in the daily grind. Now in the limelight, our industry is recognized for more than just visual cleaning. Our rapid response teams have been working around-the-clock disinfecting traces and confirmed cases of Covid-19 across industrial, commercial, institutional, and multi-residential real estate as well as critical infrastructure. Based on our prompt, professional response, we have strengthened our relationship with current clients and have gained the trust of new ones.

All hands on deck

This crisis has brought us closer together as a team and taught us to adapt in ways we never thought we could. It has also taught us resiliency. Like many essential services, not all team members have the option to work from home. Instead, we provided our front-line members with accurate and timely information about new processes and protocols, equipped them with personal protective equipment and applied new workplace measures involving shift changes and social distancing as added measures of protection. Our team members are working in facilities known and unknown to be contaminated with Covid-19.  They are demonstrating courage and commitment, and are working tirelessly behind the scenes through this pandemic, keeping people and property clean, safe, and secure.  Other colleagues are tirelessly scheduling shifts, addressing absenteeism, conducting wellness checks, and expressing constant care and concern for one another.

“While a crisis can sometimes bring out the worst in people, our team has really been exceptional. We are especially grateful to Heather, Sandra, Mary, Pam and Jackson for their support during the toughest of times.” — Ross Manley, ICS Chief Operating Officer.

Disruption, fear, and loss

With crisis comes disruption. Panic and fear are very real and as Covid-19 aggressively spread, employee absenteeism became an understandable reality. We worked hard and fast at covering shifts to ensure our services were being delivered in a safe and responsible manner. Unfortunately, the reality of the situation faced by our industry received rare expressions of sympathy and understanding.

Our front-line team members are people too and our business was not immune to the effects of Covid-19.  Some of our team members were affected by this virus. Thankfully, they have recovered. Unfortunately, some have experienced loss within their immediate and extended families. Our hearts go out to them and to our entire network who have experienced tragic losses during this challenging time.

Agility in a rapidly evolving industry

Like everyone, we have been navigating our way through this pandemic. We’ve had to apply agile decision making and anticipate the right course of action in a rapidly evolving industry.

“Having a robust Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan had us ready. We were able to adapt, modify and activate right away.” — Ross Manley, ICS Chief Operating Officer.

Our prompt and professional response has strengthened our relationship with current clients and gained the trust of new ones. We value positive working relationships and appreciate our supplier network that kept us well stocked. We know that hygiene will play an important role in restoring confidence and that cleaning-for-health is a non-negotiable element. Safeguarding facilities and employees involves assessing risk, thorough training, timely two-way communication, and proper personal protective equipment.  We remain committed to keeping on top of industry changes, maintaining proper processes and protocols and being prepared for any new and emerging concerns.

Now that vaccines are being administered around the world, we are hopeful that this time marks the beginning of the end of the Covid-19 pandemic.

For more information about our disinfection protocol and safety measures, or to learn more about the ICS Building Protection Program, please email us at info@icsfacilityservices.ca and a member of our communications team will respond right away. Alternatively, if you need rapid response disinfection services, please email: rapidresponse@ICSfacilityservices.ca.

ICS Facility Services  |  Innovative Solutions for the Built Environment