Professional janitor services are often a lifeline for keeping many businesses functional. Especially in modern times, with preventing the spread of germs as a goal of any office environment, janitors provide essential services. However, this profession is often misrepresented and doesn't get the respect that it deserves. There are many misconceptions about what these professionals do, how they do it, and the role that they play in society. Read on for eight common myths related to this field.

1. Janitorial Work Is Unskilled Work

Do you understand what it takes to properly clean and sanitize your business? Needless to say, the janitors and maids who undertake this type of work are far from unskilled. These professionals have had to learn various skills and techniques to ensure that schools, churches, industrial plants, and other facilities remain clean and sanitary environments for anybody who works in them or visits them. They know how to handle regular trash as well as hazardous waste and recycling bins. Janitor services work with different types of cleaning equipment, ranging from brooms and mops to more industrialized machines. Constant trends are going on in the cleaning industry, and these professionals stay on top of them for the benefit of the clients.

2. Janitors Work Only at Night

Some janitors only work the night shift since sometimes that will be the best time to clean an entire facility from top to bottom without worrying about people getting in their way. In reality, janitors have different shifts similar to any other profession. The type of shifts they work depends on the type of facility they're in and how big it is. A janitor may work a regular nine-to-five shift, the swing shift, or a weekend shift. In other words, if somebody works in janitorial services, they do have flexibility depending on what their preferred needs are in terms of scheduling.

3. Only Bathrooms Need Regular Cleaning

Having a clean toilet and floor is important for anybody. However, janitors do more than that. They work throughout any facility that they're hired for. Janitors can work on the walls, carpets, appliances, furniture, windows, and more. Their job, in addition to cleaning and polishing the floors, involves sanitizing other surfaces and disinfecting them. They make sure to get rid of any dirt and debris from common areas. Some janitors are also skilled in performing minor repairs.

4. Poor Pay Is the Norm

Many people assume that janitors are poorly paid. Well, sure, some janitors may make minimum wage, but that's not the case for all of them. The average hourly wage for janitors in the United States was $13.47 in 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Like any other field of work, their final take-home pay relies on their qualifications, performance, skill level, and overall experience. Their location, such as their state or the type of industry they're working in, also plays a role in their salary. Their company of employment may provide a better benefits package than people think. They also have rights to workers' compensation insurance, health insurance, as well as overtime, and any other protections under the state or federal government.

5. It’s an Invisible Profession

Janitors are a vital part of the ecosystem of just about any industry. After all, proper sanitation and cleanliness are a must, especially as we continue to thrive in a post-pandemic world. As the world continues to live with COVID-19 and other diseases, it's now more understood the role that janitorial services play in keeping everyone safe. Your janitors are some of the people who put up those signs in bathrooms and other areas of the facility that remind people of how they should practice the best sanitation services, such as how to wash their hands properly.

Like any other professional, janitors receive evaluations, recognition, feedback from supervisors, and tips from grateful clients. Many people recognize their value to society and know them by name. Especially in more tightly knit places such as churches and schools, the janitors may often become a big part of that community and sometimes join in on events.

6. Janitors Are Lazy

Many sitcoms, and even some films, have depicted janitors as being lazy, often for comic relief. In reality, janitors often work very hard, especially if they're in charge of an entire facility or are the only ones working undesired shifts. According to Statista, 824,960 janitors and cleaners are employed to provide services to buildings and dwellings in the United States. Based on this statistic alone, it's clear that buildings need janitors in large numbers, and they wouldn't be hiring so many of them if they were so lazy and unreliable. Janitors don't have a lot of time to sit down when it comes to their job. Their job often involves walking and carrying things during the majority of their shift as they must clean the floors, sanitize surfaces, and take out the trash. They may have to go up and down the stairs or take things in and out of elevators. In other words, the job itself doesn't lend itself to laziness.

7. Dirty Uniforms Are the Norm

One of the worst stereotypes about janitors is that they are dirty. Sure, they work around dirt and trash since they're responsible for keeping things clean. However, they're just as likely to shower and take care of their hygiene as any other adult. Many often wear masks, goggles, gloves, protective shoes, and a protective pair of overalls or a uniform. Having the right protective gear helps prevent as much exposure as possible to bacteria, dirt, germs, and chemicals. They understand how to wash their hands and any exposed parts of their skin during and after work.

8. They Don't Deserve Appreciation

As mentioned, janitors do a great job of keeping the public as safe as possible. After all, your safety starts with your health, and you should feel confident that when your kids go to school, you go to work or you're sitting in a restaurant, you’re sitting in a clean and sanitized environment. When these hard-working individuals create an environment that's safe for people to operate in, they deserve all the appreciation and respect other people may also get for their jobs. So there's nothing wrong with telling a janitor thank you and giving them compliments to them or their supervisors. When the holidays come, many people take the extra step of giving a bonus to the janitor or cleaning service people in their facility. These are just some of the ways you can show appreciation for your local janitor and all that they do.

This list will go a long way in helping to dispel some of the very unfair myths out there about professional janitors. Your local janitor is one of the hardest-working people around. They move around all day, ensuring facilities and businesses remain clean and pathogen-free. They sort trash and recycle. They clean surfaces and keep your company floors sparkling clean. Due to janitorial services, businesses are able to continue to operate without thinking about germs, trash, or anything else already taken care of.

Is your business in need of commercial cleaning services? Look no further than BCI Janitorial. Our experts have served the local community for over 30 years. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and estimate!