Never before has our need for hygiene been so great and yet there is a little uncertainty, especially when dealing with cleaning staff, as to whether we should hire someone to clean at all. If so, how can risks be avoided so that everyone is safe?
The health and safety of our customers and cleaning staff is our top priority. That is why we have answered the most important questions for you here and presented our best practices.
Cleaning staff in particular are better able to implement the measures than in other sectors. This reduces concerns about health risks.
You may continue to allow domestic help to work in your home as long as the measures prescribed by the federal government are observed. These include: keeping sufficient distance, observing hygiene regulations, staying at home if you feel ill and wearing masks. If these rules are observed, there is no major health risk.
Special care should be taken when cleaning elderly people. If possible, visits should be minimised.
Best practices for dealing with domestic help and cleaning staff during Covid-19:
- It is best to try to be out of the house when your domestic help visits. This will help you avoid unnecessary risk and contact.
- Make sufficient disinfectant available. This is not only for sanitising hands, but also for frequently used surfaces. This will also provide your cleaning staff with a safe workplace.
- Ventilate the home thoroughly before and after cleaning. This also helps to minimise the risk.
- Clarify the use of cleaning equipment. What utensils will be brought along and what will be provided? It may make sense to use disposable cleaning cloths or to ask the cleaner to put used cloths in the washing machine immediately after cleaning.
- We advise cleaners to wear a face mask and gloves when working. Of course, you can also support your domestic help by making them available. However, this is not mandatory.
- Communicate with each other. Set out your ideas and needs clearly in advance so that there are no misunderstandings. Open communication helps everyone involved to deal with the situation better. If, for example, you would like to have areas cleaned particularly thoroughly that require more attention in view of the current situation (e.g. door handles, window handles or the flush button on the toilet), you can point this out to your cleaner.
Continue to follow the guidelines of the BAG
Source: Federal Office of Public Health, as of 17 October 2020
It is a difficult situation for everyone. Cleaning staff in particular have been hit hard by the crisis and often want to continue working. If you have any concerns, clarify them. However, continue to be aware of your obligations as an employer.
In our article on the rights and obligations of domestic helpers and employers, we provide information on various legal issues.
How we support you
As a new customer, we will give you a voucher worth CHF 49 for your first cleaning. If you have been unsure so far, this is your chance to test our service practically free of charge. Click on the button and follow the instructions in the link to benefit from this voucher.
Suuber.ch supports you by giving you enough time to find a suitable cleaner so that you don't have to decide immediately. We also have no ongoing costs after registration. You only pay when you have found someone suitable.
Registration and use of our platform is completely free of charge for cleaning staff.
If you have any questions or queries, please contact our Customer service.