As many FMs know, custodians have been among our most ardent protectors as the coronavirus has plagued the country for the past year. Armed with their solutions, tools and technologies, custodians have maintained facility cleanliness and elevated sanitization practices to help ensure facilities are safe and hygienic for building occupants.
Recognizing the critical role of custodians in the fight against COVID-19, GP PRO conducted a June 2020 survey to determine if consumer regard for custodians had increased since the start of the pandemic. At that time, 56% of respondents said their perception of custodians had, in fact, increased in recent months, parents and students have organized gift bags for school custodians, business owners have posted odes of gratitude to their office custodians on social media, and the national media has put custodians in the spotlight as unsung heroes of the pandemic.
GP PRO wanted to see if these moments of goodwill suggest consumer regard for custodians remains high. According to a February 2021 GP PRO survey, it does. While COVID-fatigue has become a growing sentiment in communities across the country, it has not hampered how consumers regard custodians. This most recent survey found that 55% of respondents perceive custodians more highly than they did at the pandemic’s start.
“Hooray for custodians and all those incredibly hardworking men and women who are maintaining schools, hospitals, office buildings, and all facilities during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic,” said Michelle Auda, senior director of insights with GP PRO. “These individuals are among the most deserving of our recognition and gratitude as they continue to put themselves on the frontlines to help ensure our safety. This pandemic at times seems never-ending, so it’s incredibly uplifting that many consumers value those who are helping us all make it through.”