From sanitation to innovation: with so many diverse roles in cleaning and hygiene, what can we do to make the industry more attractive?
The cleaning and hygiene sector offers a broad range of career opportunities, yet many people still only associate it with frontline operative positions. Joanne Gilliard, CEO of Jangro, shares her insights on how the industry fosters a supportive culture and offers long-term career growth.
The cleaning and hygiene industry is one of the biggest sectors in the UK, contributing nearly £59.8 billion to the economy - yet the recognition of the diverse roles and career development within it often goes under the radar.
Not only does our sector offer outstanding job opportunities, but it also has a strong sense of community, as demonstrated by events like The Cleaning Show. However, we need to do more to highlight this to attract talent into the industry.
As the backbone of public health, the cleaning and hygiene sector plays a critical role in society. But how can we attract the next generation to be a part of it and shape its future?
Inspiring the next generation
There’s no getting around it: attracting new people into the industry is tough. With only nine per cent of the workforce under 25, we must do more to attract younger talent. I never planned on working in cleaning and hygiene, but I quickly discovered something that made me want to stay: the enduring demand for our services, paired with the incredible support for personal and professional growth.
When we spot new talent, we must offer guidance and opportunities to help them reach their full potential. Events like The Cleaning Show play a key role in this, providing a space where young professionals can network, explore career options, and see firsthand the innovations and technological advancements shaping the industry’s future.
The diverse roles available within the industry
When people think of the cleaning and hygiene industry, they often focus on traditional frontline operative roles. While these remain essential, many other vital positions are often overlooked, such as those in marketing, sales and finance.
Beyond these established roles, new and emerging positions are becoming increasingly important. Roles that didn’t exist when I first started are now integral to the industry, such as sustainability and ESG leads. Positions like social media managers and AI specialists are driving innovation. To attract fresh talent and continue evolving, we must embrace these roles and support their development.
Opportunities through exploration
One of the key reasons I stayed in the industry was the chance I had to explore different roles and discover my passion. If we want to attract more young people, we must offer them the same opportunity. Research shows that younger generations, particularly Gen Z, are changing jobs more frequently than older colleagues, with Gen Z averaging just 1.7 years in each role compared to Baby Boomers who stay for 5.7 years.
To retain young talent, we need to offer job rotations and expose them to various roles within the industry. This not only helps them find what they’re passionate about but also ensures we don’t lose valuable employees.
Being a part of a community
Beyond job role diversity, one of the most rewarding aspects of the cleaning and hygiene industry is the strong sense of community. Unlike other industries, collaboration is encouraged- even among competitors. This willingness to share knowledge and support one another creates a unique, inclusive culture that makes the industry incredibly fulfilling to be part of.
Networking is another key strength that sets our sector apart. Events like The Cleaning Show and the CSSA provide opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas and explore innovative solutions that drive the industry forward.
To attract the next generation, we must offer mentorship and be open to new ideas. By embracing change and showcasing the sector's diverse roles, we can inspire young talent to join and play a key part in the industry’s evolution.
Joanne Gilliard is one of the Ambassadors for this year’s Cleaning Show.
The exhibition will take place at ExCeL London from 18 – 20 March 2025. Registration for The Cleaning Show 2025 is now open. Entry remains free, but visitors should pre-register online.
To register and find out more about this year’s event, visit https://cleaningshow.co.uk/london/