Investing in Housekeeping is Investing in Infection Control

Jose L. Feliciano is a seasoned operations leader specializing in healthcare support services with extensive expertise in strategic planning, financial acumen, and performance optimization. Currently serving as System VP at Advocate Health Midwest division, he oversees environmental services, patient transportation, and linen distribution for one of the nation’s leading health systems, managing a team of over 1,800 members and a $176M management volume. With a track record of transformative leadership, Jose has successfully driven cost reductions, operational efficiencies, and customer satisfaction improvements throughout his career. His notable achievements include facilitating complex mergers, implementing policies to ensure patient access to care, and optimizing labor and supply costs.

The often-unsung heroes of the healthcare industry, housekeeping staff, play a critical role in infection control, patient safety, and overall facility reputation. Yet, this vital workforce faces a unique set of challenges that significantly impact their ability to perform effectively and the industry’s capacity to maintain high standards of cleanliness.

Staffing Shortages and High Turnover: Perhaps the most pervasive challenge is the persistent staffing shortage coupled with high turnover rates. The demand for skilled housekeepers in healthcare often outstrips supply, leading to overworked teams and a constant churn of employees. This is exacerbated by the perception of housekeeping as an “unskilled” labor, often resulting in lower pay and benefits compared to other healthcare roles. When experienced staff leave, it places a heavier burden on remaining employees, contributing to burnout and further departures, creating a detrimental cycle. This directly impacts efficiency, drives up costs, and makes it increasingly difficult to uphold crucial cleaning standards.

Demanding Nature of the Work: Housekeeping in healthcare is far more than just “cleaning.” It’s a physically demanding job requiring meticulous attention to detail, adherence to strict infection control protocols, and the safe handling of hazardous materials. Staff are constantly on their feet, lifting, bending, and exposed to various chemicals and biohazards. The work is repetitive and often carries a low level of professional recognition, leading to feelings of a lack of dignity and respect. The physical toll, coupled with the emotional demands of working in an environment where patients are often vulnerable, contributes significantly to stress and burnout.

Training and Skill Development: While sometimes overlooked, the specialized training required for healthcare housekeeping is extensive. Staff must be proficient in infection control, proper use of a wide array of cleaning agents and equipment, health and safety protocols (including PPE and waste management), and patient sensitivity and confidentiality. The continuous evolution of infection prevention guidelines necessitates ongoing training, which can be challenging to deliver effectively, especially with language barriers within diverse workforces. Inadequate training can lead to compromised cleaning, increasing the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

Workplace Stress and Mental Health: The COVID-19 pandemic shone a harsh light on the immense stress and burnout experienced across the entire healthcare workforce, including housekeeping. Fear of exposure and transmission, coupled with increased workloads, significantly impacted the mental well-being of these essential workers. Even in post-pandemic times, the inherent pressures of maintaining a sterile environment, often understaffed and with limited resources, contribute to high levels of anxiety and depression. A sense of not feeling valued further exacerbates these issues, leading to decreased job satisfaction and a higher propensity to leave the profession.

Addressing the Challenges: To overcome these hurdles, the healthcare industry must adopt a multi-faceted approach. This includes:

• Investing in competitive compensation and benefits: Performing an annual compensation analysis is essential for maintaining market competitiveness, which plays a vital role in attracting top talent and enhancing employee retention.

• Prioritizing comprehensive and ongoing training: Robust training programs, incorporating diverse learning methods and addressing language barriers, are essential to equip staff with the necessary skills and knowledge.

• Fostering a culture of respect and recognition: Acknowledging the vital contribution of housekeeping staff to patient safety and the overall healthcare ecosystem can significantly boost morale and reduce feelings of being undervalued.

• Implementing strategies to mitigate burnout: This includes ensuring adequate staffing levels, promoting work-life balance, and providing access to mental health support.

• Leveraging technology: Innovations in cleaning equipment and smart systems can increase efficiency, reduce physical strain, and allow staff to focus on high-priority tasks.

By addressing these challenges, the healthcare industry can ensure a stable, well-trained, and motivated housekeeping workforce, ultimately contributing to safer, cleaner, and more positive environments for patients and staff alike.