When cleaning became socially critical

As a consequence of the pandemic, workplaces across the country have really become aware of the importance of good cleaning.

“I usually say that ‘we don’t wash for fun’”, says Patrick Malnes, director of Eir Renhold in 4Service. With extensive experience from the cleaning industry, he knows the importance of a healthy economy.

“We always focus on quality, efficiency and opportunities. This makes us an attractive service provider, which in turn allows us to prioritize the purchase of the best equipment and necessary internal development. Thus, we also become an attractive workplace full of committed people.

As senior manager in charge of cleaning, Malnes has a lot to be proud of in 2020. In a challenging period for the group, his service area delivered far above what was expected. A combination of courage and cooperation has been crucial.

Our staff have gone to work every morning and evening throughout 2020 to keep society clean and less prone to infection. I am incredibly proud of the effort that has been put in.

Malnes is enthusiastic when he talks about the efforts made during a year that will forever be remembered for the pandemic.

“Nobody wants 2020 back! Not even us with record sales. At the same time, we have grown tremendously during this period, not only financially, but also in terms of culture and staff. We are stronger on all fronts. As a leader, it has therefore been a year of enormous differences.

In 2018, 4Service won the cleaning contract for Oslo Central Station. 12,000 people pass through the main entrance in a 90-minute period every morning, and the task of keeping the station clean is formidable. At the beginning of 2020, a large European survey was conducted on the operation of train stations. One of the areas covered by the survey was cleaning, and Oslo Central Station came out best of all the 50 stations covered.

“Naturally, this is extremely gratifying”, says Jamal Almasbahi, regional manager in Oslo with responsibility for Oslo Central Station, enthusiastically. He cannot praise his colleagues enough:

“It's all about the right person for the right job. With good follow-up and training, there are no limits to what we can achieve together.

Almasbahi is in charge of training and is constantly out in the middle of the night to meet those on duty. His efforts are praised by director Malnes:

“Jamal and his staff are a brilliant example of the value of quality and efficiency. The work they put in at Oslo Central Station is something that inspires us all. That makes it even more gratifying to see that the contract is constantly growing in scope and economy.