Many people outside our profession don't understand what we do: We Guard the Treasures! I've been in the cleaning profession for thirty plus years. I often hear from cleaners, supervisors and managers that they don't always feel appreciated for their efforts.

Some people in the cleaning profession do not understand what we our real jobs are. Although the equipment, chemicals and techniques have changed, the role of a cleaning professional is still the same as it's always been: We Guard the Treasures!

These treasures are the health of the people in our buildings, the image of our organizations, the value of the infrastructure, and the productivity of the workers. Without the services of the cleaning profession, our organizations and companies would not survive. The word custodian means keeper or guardian. Janitor comes from the word Janus, a Roman god who guarded the treasures for the rest of the gods. As members of the cleaning profession, we provide the services that keep schools, offices, factories, hospitals, and other businesses moving forward.

The next time, you don't feel appreciated, Educate others as to what your real job is as a member of the cleaning profession: We Guard the Treasures!