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Always a bit of fun for everyone, Workplace got festive with our Christmas jumpers and raised some money for Save The Children in the process. Not only did many of our on site Operatives and Managers get into the spirit but all of us in the office (and their dog!)..... plus those who work from home joined in to support Save the Children UK. Save the Children are also one of the charities that we service in London so we are very happy to be involved in this great cause.

We are delighted to announce the Winner of Workplace’s Employee Excellence Award for November, Site Supervisor Edwar Jativa Munoz at our prestigious client, Northacre – The Broadway! Edwar is extremely committed and manages the team and clients’ expectations at Corporate Level. He never says no, is always one step ahead and is extremely honest. He recently went Above and Beyond his role whilst his Line Manager was on leave and he has used great initiative to make things work effectively on the clients’ premises. Edwar was thrilled with his gift and certificate as you can see here. When he was told he had won our Employee Excellence Award, he expressed his gratitude. “Thank you, thank you so much for this. This means a lot to me. I have to say this will not stop, every time I will give my best and improve even more. Thank you.” COO, Martin Wells commented, "Edwar performed such a quick turnaround to a last-minute request and our client was delighted at the result. There was no hesitation in Edwar’s response, and this is a credit to his dedication and commitment”. We really love it when our clients take the time to nominate a member of staff who has gone the extra mile for them. Please feel free to let us know by emailing helpme@workplace.co.uk

The nights are drawing in and it’s definitely getting colder out there, so let’s remember to look after ourselves when we are out and about. Don’t forget to wrap up warm and drink plenty of warm fluids. Here at Workplace HQ, we are keeping ourselves warm in the office with plenty of hot drinks and not staying still for too long. It’s so easy to stay rooted to our desks but we are all ensuring we don’t forget to stand up and move around regularly. Our Teams out in the field may be warm moving around our many clients’ premises, but they have to be careful too. It’s so easy to forget to wrap up warm going from a nice cosy building to the cold outside. Our priority is the safety and welfare of all our staff and one thing to remember these days is that heating ventilation systems are on high at many workplaces, thus airborne contaminants may be present. We recommend the following; clean and change filters, clean air ventilation grills regularly and switch air handling units with recirculation to 100% outdoor air. You can see more here: Post | WORKPLACE Picking up an unwanted bug isn’t fun for anyone and the cold weather can make some health problems worse. The NHS has produced a useful factsheet with Winter Wellness tips to support those most at risk and it includes plenty of information about staying healthy and keeping your home warm. Don’t forget those simple things that can help, a hot-water bottle at night-time or just remembering to keep internal doors closed can keep everyone a little bit cosier. Flu jabs are still available and although autumn is the preferred time to get one, it’s still not too late. Access the NHS helpful factsheet here How to stay well in winter - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

The real Living Wage is a baseline for what’s needed to live a decent and dignified life. There are still 4.8 million UK workers earning below the real Living Wage. In these difficult times, our commitment to the real Living Wage is “more important than ever”. Paying employees a wage that meets the cost of living every year and recognising “in-work” poverty is highlighted by Living Wage Week 2022. Living Wage Week | Living Wage Foundation So why have a week to identify the Living Wage when this issue is ongoing? Because this one week will highlight the importance of employers’ commitment to raising awareness, this week will address the in-work poverty that still exists and this week will address the fact that employers need to provide staff with security and a long-term commitment to a wage that always meets the rising cost of living every year. Here at Workplace, we chose to sign up to the campaign, (currently calculated at £10.90 per hour, and £11.95 per hour in London). Our subsidiary company, Enhance Facilities Services, were Recognised Service Providers Award Winners and as such we will continue to proudly display the Living Wage Foundation logo. We are committed to raising awareness of the Living Wage on our website and social media and we will proudly and actively support our staff with a decent wage for a decent life. It is paramount that employers identify everyday living costs, factoring in different household types and taxes and benefits. 93% of businesses say the Living Wage has benefitted their business. Staff are motivated and retention rates are better than ever. The Living Wage Foundation is fundamental in Workplace’s commitment to our staff and as they say, “it isn’t just good for workers, it’s good for business too”.

We have a positive ethos here at Workplace. We aim to reduce the stigma of asking for help and we encourage our staff to reach out. We have five fully trained Mental Health First Aiders. They are trained to spot signs and symptoms of mental health issues. They can also provide early intervention for someone who may be developing a mental health issue and offer initial support and guidance always in confidence. It’s quite normal to experience a small amount of anxiety in our everyday lives, it can even give us an edge to our day, motivating us and keeping us enthusiastic. How many of us know someone who seems to thrive on an element of tension? They appear to operate more effectively when they have deadlines to reach or a heavy workload, but there are many forms of stress, and it can affect everyone differently. According to the Mental Health Foundation, 74% of us have felt unable to cope due to stress in the past year and too much can have adverse effects. There are so many different causes of stress and often these are unavoidable. The important thing to do is to keep an eye on the signs, which commonly range from physical problems such as headaches, sweating, dizziness or dry mouth to mental issues like money worries, lack of concentration and feeling low. Never underestimate situations that may be easy to deal with for some yet frightening for others. Remember, if you feel overwhelmed, don’t suffer in silence. Speak up, seek advice and never be afraid to ask for help. There is always someone who will listen.

Every year the WORKPLACE elves get to work on supplying beautifully decorated Christmas trees for all types of premises. Whether you are already one of our existing clients or you just want to decorate your workplace for the festive period, we are here to help. WORKPLACE has selected a stunning range of Christmas decorations, enabling you to choose from a range of styles and colours that will complement your company’s brand identity. Over the years, we have supplied plants and trees for offices, shopping centres, schools & universities. We supply both real and artificial trees and we can also provide some glittering extras such as wreaths, garlands or table centres. Just check the full brochure here: Christmas Trees | UK | WORKPLACE Our festive services include delivery, decoration, removal and recycling. Prices start from just £230 for a 6ft Low-Drop Tree and we offer discounts for multiple orders and early orders. Just contact us at services@workplace.co.uk if you wish to place an order.

THE DEDICATION of so many of our colleagues has been widely praised by our clients especially during the pandemic, which is why we believe in celebrating and recognising best practice and the achievements of our team. By issuing Employee Excellence Awards we can say thank you to those who have gone the extra mile. This month Sigita Valyte, our supervisor at one of our valued clients, was put forward for her professionalism, courtesy and patience. Our client was very impressed by how Sigita managed a situation that was outside of her responsibilities, this displayed Sigita’s dedication to our client and its customers. She really did go above and beyond her role in the Company. COO, Martin Wells also commented, "difficult situations do occur every now and then and Sigita was able to step in, it’s a credit to her integrity and professionalism.” We really love it when our clients take the time to nominate a member of staff who has gone the extra mile for them. Please feel free to let us know by emailing helpme@workplace.co.uk

Wednesday 19th October 2022 marked a very important date in the Cleaning Industry Calendar – Thank Your Cleaner Day 2022. Workplace marked the day with all our staff receiving recognition for all their hard work which is often out of hours. Our Account Managers made it paramount that no member of staff was left out and everyone was recognised for their dedication to their vital roles. However, here at Workplace, we believe we shouldn’t have just one day a year to say Thank You to our hard-working heroes, who often work behind the scenes cleaning toilets, washing floors and vacuuming carpets. Workplace make a point of thanking our operatives on a regular basis, recognising hard work, dedication, patience and attention to detail whenever possible. We particularly encourage our clients to put forward Workplace staff who have gone Above and Beyond their roles. Our appreciation goes out to all the Workplace shining stars out there and for all the effort put in to look after our clients to the highest of standards. Keep up the great work. Home | Thank Your Cleaner Day

The 11 most effective ways for people to protect their mental health are revealed in a guide by the Mental Health Foundation. The free guide, Our Best Mental Health Tips is based on the Foundation’s own ground-breaking study on what protects people from common problems such as anxiety and depression. The innovative study on which the new guide is based combined existing evidence about how we can protect our mental health with experts’ views, alongside the opinions of members of the public. Dr Antonis Kousoulis, who led the research and is a Director of the Foundation, said: ‘Our new guide encourages us to take care of the fundamentals of life – our relationships, our experiences, our bodies and our finances. ‘The evidence shows that this is far more likely to keep us mentally healthy than the gimmicks and miracle cures promoted by some in the ‘wellness’ industry, who prey on our vulnerability. ‘The truth is, there are no quick fixes for good mental or physical health. What works is developing healthy habits in our daily lives, that help us to feel OK and able to cope with everything. ‘For example, in our new guide we talk about getting more from our sleep, learning to understand and manage our feelings, planning things to look forward to and getting help with money problems.’ The full list of mental health-promoting actions suggested by the new guide is as follows: Get closer to nature Learn to understand and manage your feelings Talk to someone you trust for support Be aware of using drugs and/or alcohol to cope with difficult feelings Try to make the most of your money and get help with problem debts Get more from your sleep Be kind and help create a better world Keep moving Eat healthy food Be curious and open-minded to new experiences Plan things to look forward to Most members of the public involved in the study had experienced their own, or family members’ problems with mental health, so had the benefit of hindsight when assessing what helps most with prevention. The study was published in the peer-reviewed American Journal of Health Promotion (PDF available on request). The new guide (and the research on which it is based) acknowledges that people may be unable to follow some of its suggestions, for instance because the place they live makes it impossible to sleep well or spend time close to nature. Dr Kousoulis added: ‘Enjoying good mental health should be an equally accessible goal for all of us, yet it is often out of reach for many. Government action is needed to create the circumstances that solve problems that are beyond individuals’ reach and help prevent people having problems with mental health in the first place.’ People can download the new guide free of charge from the Mental Health Foundation website. They can also order hard copies by post, with a small charge to cover post and packing. Read the report First published by the Mental Health Foundation July 2022

The British Cleaning Council (BCC) has issued a warning about an imminent staff shortage crisis in the cleaning and hygiene sector. With winter flu and a potential surge in COVID-19 cases on the horizon, the BCC fears that the lack of personnel could compromise the cleanliness and safety of public spaces. Despite efforts to engage with the government, the BCC's concerns have been largely disregarded. In this blog post, we delve into the potential challenges of a "twindemic" and the ongoing staff shortages in the cleaning sector. 1. The Threat of a "Twindemic": The UK Health Security Agency has already raised concerns about the combined impact of widespread flu and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Lower levels of natural immunity due to reduced exposure to flu over the last few years, coupled with the emergence of COVID-19 variants, could create a potentially severe situation in the coming months. 2. Ongoing Staff Shortages: The cleaning sector has been grappling with staff shortages for some time. Recent data shows a significant increase in job postings for cleaning staff, surpassing rates in other essential sectors. Immigration rule changes classifying cleaning and hygiene operatives as low-skilled have made it challenging for overseas staff to find employment in the industry. Additionally, the industry has historically relied on employees from various nationalities, making it difficult to fill vacant positions with UK nationals. 3. Implications for Cleanliness and Hygiene: Skilled and professional cleaning staff play a crucial role in maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in hospitals, healthcare facilities, public transport, workplaces, and more. The lack of personnel puts the cleanliness and safety of these spaces at risk, potentially leading to the transmission of viruses and compromising public health. 4. Government Inaction: Despite the BCC's attempts to engage with the government on the issue, their concerns have been largely ignored. This lack of attention raises questions about the government's priorities and the impact it may have on public health and the economy. As winter approaches and the threat of flu and COVID-19 looms, the cleaning industry faces an impending staff shortage crisis. The lack of personnel poses significant challenges to maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards in public spaces. Urgent action is required from the government to address the staffing issues and prioritize the importance of the cleaning and hygiene sector in safeguarding public health and the economy. #CleaningIndustry #StaffShortageCrisis #Twindemic #PublicHealth

In response to Chancellor Kwarteng's mini budget announcement, the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) acknowledges the government's intention to boost the growth of the UK economy. However, the IWFM highlights the need for more immediate relief for those impacted by the energy and cost-of-living crisis. While certain measures have been introduced, there are concerns about their adequacy and timeliness. In this blog post, we delve into the IWFM's response and explore the potential implications for businesses and individuals in the FM sector. Limited Immediate Impact: While today's announcement is significant, the IWFM emphasises that it may not bring immediate improvements to those most affected by the energy and cost-of-living crisis. The organization calls for greater clarity on how the intended support will be distributed and the extent to which it will benefit those in need. Emergency Energy Price Cap: The IWFM acknowledges the six-month emergency energy price cap for businesses starting from 1 October. While this measure provides temporary relief, it is important for organisations to effectively manage their energy usage to remain operational during the winter. The IWFM is committed to providing its members with guidance on energy management and efficiency to navigate these challenges. Real Living Wage Rates: The recent announcement by the Living Wage Foundation regarding increased real Living Wage rates is seen as a positive step. However, the IWFM questions whether these measures go far enough and soon enough to address the needs of those employed in the FM sector. The organization encourages its members to support their frontline staff by paying the real Living Wage and highlights a webinar hosted by the Living Wage Foundation for further information. While the IWFM appreciates the government's efforts to stimulate economic growth, there are concerns about the immediate impact of the announced measures on those affected by the energy and cost-of-living crisis. The organization emphasizes the need for greater clarity and support to ensure the effective distribution of relief. As the FM sector grapples with ongoing challenges, the IWFM remains dedicated to providing guidance on energy management and promoting the adoption of the real Living Wage. #IWFM #ChancellorKwarteng #MiniBudget #EnergyCrisis #CostofLiving #LivingWage

Friday 16th September 2022 marks ʻi-Recogniseʼ day. Cleaning operatives worldwide are at the forefront of creating cleaner, healthier spaces and safer environments for everyone. Post pandemic, cleaning operatives are more crucial than ever, with many working long hours to keep hospitals, supermarkets, and schools clean, so every individual feels safe in these environments. i-Recognise encourage businesses to dedicate this day to recognise these unsung heroes who deliver an invaluable and essential cleaning service to keep all environments clean and, therefore, safe. And i-Recognise Day is proud to be endorsed by BICSc (The British Institute of Cleaning Science). They chose this date as it falls alongside World Clean Up Day (Saturday 17th September), whereby everyone globally is encouraged to get involved to do their bit and clean up the environment around them. This year i-Recognise is celebrating its 3rd year of global recognition. They are delighted to say a large number of international organisations are actively supporting i-Recognise, including Workplace! How to take part! On Friday 16th September 2022, we would like to encourage all businesses to actively promote this day of recognition by using #iRecognise2022 on social media, displaying posters and showing the i-Recognise banner on your website. These are downloadable free of charge from the i-Recognise website: www.i-recognise.com. We also know that a simple "Thank You" goes a long way, so please remember to show your appreciation to your hard-working cleaning operatives.