Orion Facilities Management to set benchmarks in commercial cleaning

By Shabiya Ali Ahlam

Q: What is Orion FM all about?

A: Simply put, Orion FM is a company that offers commercial cleaning services. We started our operations towards the end of 2011 and since then we have come a long way by having leading corporates such as Goodhope Holdings and Natures Secret, to name a few, in the bag.

Orion FM is also a member of the Orion Services Group (OSG) of Australia which commenced its operations in 2004 in Melbourne. Being successful in providing janitorial services, OSG now offers its commercial cleaning services in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Hobart where it caters to a large number of federal, state and private sector organisations. Wanting to achieve the same in Sri Lanka, we intend on setting a benchmarks for the local commercial cleaning sector.

Q: What are commercial cleaning operations all about?

A: As the name probably indicates, commercial cleaning is cleaning performed by professional and trained cleaners, for commercial properties which include corporate, industrial, retail, educational, medical, and similar institutions.

Q: Where does the commercial cleaning service stand in the industry lifecycle?

A: In the scenario of Sri Lanka, despite various companies offering professional cleaning services for quite some period of time, in my view I would say that commercial cleaning in the country is in its early growth phase and has a long way to go to reach maturity. The industry has grown from a couple of providers to a couple of hundred, but mature industry characteristics are yet to be witnessed in the local commercial cleaning service. However in Australia, commercial cleaning is matured to an extent that, as you would see magazines for marketers and chartered accountants available here, back there are specialised magazines catering specifically to the commercial cleaning industry. I would like to stress that Orion FM is operating in Sri Lanka after having its experience in such a developed market and environment.

Q: How important is this service?



A: I would say cleaning is important for three reasons, which are client impression, employee work experience, and safety. The first is important as a dusty and unclean looking office would not only reflect negatively on the quality of a company but would also turn away business. The second is important since just as a clean office makes work more enjoyable, it makes a safe environment as well. And the last aspect I mentioned is highly imperative as it is the responsibility of employers to provide a hygiene workplace for employees which is germ and dust free, preventing the sickness and the spreading of diseases and allergies.

Q: How competitive is the commercial cleaning service in Sri Lanka?

A: It is highly competitive. However the competition is based on price instead of quality and in difficult economic times clients tend to go along this direction as well. Commercial cleaning is not perceived important in Sri Lanka by many clients so when it is time for cost cuts, cleaning service is one of the first to be slashed. While it may seem harmless, the overall negativity of not having a clean and hygienic workplace would eventually outweigh the money that is thought to be saved.

Q: In your opinion, what is the professional standard of commercial cleaning in Sri Lanka?

A: It is sad to say that the commercial cleaning arena in Sri Lanka seriously lacks professional attributes.  This industry is labour intensive and machines and chemicals have a limited role. Training is highly important not only for direct cleaning related aspects but for others such as personal hygiene, occupational health and safety, and communication skills as well. In Sri Lanka however it is thought otherwise. Treating this service as a profession, in Australia the Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institute which is equivalent to technical collages in Sri Lanka, offer certificate recognition up to level three on asset maintenance and commercial cleaning, whereas for cleaning supervisors diploma programs are offered. Such study programs allows one to be equipped with proper techniques which would eventually result in higher productivity. I feel that it would certainly help if programs as those offered in Australia be made available in Sri Lanka as well since it would help to uplift professionalism in this area.

Q: How does Orion FM contribute to help increase the standard of professionalism?

A: We have an in-house training centre and to my best of knowledge Orion FM is the only commercial cleaning service provider in Sri Lanka that has one. It is imperative to understand that majority of the cleaners are from lower social backgrounds and need to be groomed before they are thrown to the high end corporate environment. Bearing the same in mind, we train our entire workforce on personal hygiene, social etiquette, language, and correct methods and techniques of cleaning.

Q: In a global perspective, what are the trends in this arena?

A: Gong green is certainly the new trend. While some companies have incorporated green cleaning into their contract, many have started using environment friendly chemicals and water efficient machineries and equipment for this purpose. In certain economies where there is a carbon tax in place, companies as well as clients have started taking measures to reduce their carbon footprint.

Q: Are there any barriers faced when trying to render commercial cleaning service in Sri Lanka?

A: There certainly are and companies like Orion FM that tries to introduce new standards feel these barriers very much. The prime constraint we face is that some clients only look at the amount they would be spending by ignoring the quality of service they receive. This I believe is attributed to the fact that most clients do not understand the importance of the standard of cleanliness they should maintain. Barriers from the side of cleaners also prevail as many do not want to show that they are engaged in the cleaning profession because they feel it is a low rated and demeaning job while most also feel and are reluctant to undergo training due their firm opinion that there is nothing new to learn about cleaning.

Q: What makes Orion Facilities unique over other players in this arena?

A: First of all, we are a professional outfit. We have gained our experience and expertise from renowned commercial cleaning companies well established in America and Australia that are in the cutting edge of this industry in terms of professionalism, technology, systems, and procedures. We try to meet the standards of those companies and I am certain that there are no service providers in Sri Lanka who even attempt to do so.

Q: Are there any new services that would be added to the list of services?

A: We have started providing tea services along with our regular commercial cleaning service. By mid this year we hope to introduce garden maintenance services as well.