Someone above you makes a decision you do not agree with. A direction changes. A policy lands that does not sit right. And you feel it. That immediate internal resistance.
Category: Ideas
The buttermilk problem in EVS leadership looks like this: a supervisor spends the same amount of time and attention on the employee who does the minimum as on the one who quietly exceeds expectations every single day. The one who asks the right questions. Who comes in early when the floor is short. Who takes feedback on Tuesday and comes back Thursday doing it better. Who watches how things work and wonders how to make them work better.
There is no shortage of data in healthcare. Audit scores. ATP readings. HAI rates. Discharge turnaround times. Supply consumption reports. If you lead an EVS department, you are swimming in numbers.
And yet, most of us are not getting the full value out of any of them.
I want to talk about four ways we consistently get data wrong in Environmental Services. Not because we are bad at our jobs, but because nobody taught us to think about data as a leadership tool. We were taught to report it, defend it, and chase it. That is not the same thing.
In the first post in this series, I laid out four variables that drive smart disinfectant selection: microbial targets, contact time, chemistry, and EPA registration. Each one deserves a deeper look. This post focuses on the first and most foundational: knowing exactly which organisms you are targeting and why that determines which disinfectant belongs in your team’s hands.
Choosing the right disinfectant is a critical decision for environmental services (EVS) professionals, impacting patient safety and infection control. Selection involves understanding microbial targets, proper application practices, chemical properties, and regulatory compliance.
What is the first thing you notice when you enter a hotel or hospital room? I believe, most people register a simple impression: it is either clean and smells fresh, or it isn’t. This feeling of cleanliness gives us a sense of safety and comfort, a sign that professionals have worked tirelessly to prepare the space just for us. But what if that sterile scent masks an invisible world with a dramatic history of its own?
In a world increasingly dominated by online shopping, the convenience of ordering cleaning supplies from a big online distributor can be tempting for both businesses and individual consumers.
As Environmental Services (EVS) professionals, we play a crucial role in healthcare beyond just cleaning rooms and disinfecting surfaces. We are often the first and last hospital staff members a patient sees each day, and the way we carry ourselves can significantly impact their experience. A clean room provides comfort, but a kind interaction can bring true peace of mind.
Research to look at the efficiencies of using the traditional 36″ dust mops versus battery powered wide area vacuums for cleaning our hospital hallways.
As a leader, your communication sets the tone for interaction among your people. This simple yet profound truth underscores the importance of clear, consistent, and intentional communication in shaping the culture and success of any team. Leadership is not merely about issuing directives or setting goals; it’s about fostering connections and empowering others to contribute their strengths to a shared vision.
Improving inpatient satisfaction with housekeeping services is essential for creating a positive and comfortable healthcare environment. Patients who feel well-cared
Development matters. It matters to you, personally, your team, your leader, and our organization overall. If you are growing in