“The pandemic has highlighted the role of housekeepers more than ever” wrote France’s Christian Bouzols in an excellent article in the European Cleaning Journal.

The cleaning of our premises and public spaces has never seemed so important as today according to Pascal Gahery, general manager of cleaning company Espace 72. This is because of the renewed expectations of clients who, since the pandemic, need their premises to be completely safe. This means in effect that the term “housekeeping” can be equated with that of “hygiene”.

Not so long ago housekeepers were hardly to be seen. They arrived at the crack of dawn or at sunset, working in deserted buildings. But all this has changed and the return of the virus has suddenly shed a new light on the vital role of these contingents of invisible workers. “Housekeeping” no longer seems like a secondary activity because it has taken on the enlarged and vital dimension of a crucial tool for the maintenance of public health. This has led to a remarkable change of attitude towards housekeeper.

Pascal Gahery says the pandemic has at least had one positive aspect – a better appreciation for the work of housekeepers and for the housekeepers themselves. Expectations have changed considerably.

“Previously, we were considered as providers of a convenience service. We just had to make sure premises were left nice and clean. But since the first Covid-19 wave, we’ve become the guardians of impeccable hygiene in all the premises we clean, so the people who work there can feel completely safe. We’ve had to adapt our protocols accordingly.”

This change of strategy has involved staff re-training so the housekeepers could learn how to work both safely and efficiently. Their employers have had to research products and practices in order to ensure the protection of its housekeepers, who are given masks, overalls and goggles.

Clients’ perception has changed. As their requirements have increased, housekeepers have become seen as professional people, able to implement adapted responses. These clients have come to understand housekeeping isn’t so simple and it requires distinct competencies.

The increased consideration surrounding housekeepers has impacted them directly. A first requirement is to reassure them about the safety of their respective tasks – requiring training in some areas.

In this new context, it’s important to recognise the efforts made by the housekeepers.

Housekeepers have themselves noticed a change. One recently pointed out: “Beyond the changes in procedures, Covid-19 has changed the way people see us. One senses a feeling of gratitude we never noticed before.”