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Pro Tips, Security

Safety And Security In Retail During The Holiday Rush

by The Pros
November 17, 2023

The holiday season is upon us, bringing not only joy and festivities but also an increase in retail activity. About 54% of business owners report more theft than usual around the holidays. Investing in enhanced business security measures is a good choice if you’re looking to safeguard your business this season. Let’s review about a few strategies to keep your customers, employees, and merchandise safe and secure.

Safeguard Your Inventory

The first note may seem obvious, but now is a good time to remind yourself to prioritize your most expensive inventory. High-ticket items like electronic devices, jewelry, and designer products carry a disproportionate level of risk. A single instance of retail theft could cost you thousands. That’s why it’s important that you lock up your most expensive inventory. Creating specific security measures for these items in particular is not a waste of time. Using padlocks, dedicated cases with thick plastic, or assigning staff or guards to monitor particular items will make it more difficult for shoplifters to access expensive items and can pre-emptively combat theft.

Set Up Cameras Around Your Shop

Cameras can act as a deterrent for those who would consider shoplifting from your store this holiday season. When criminals see cameras around inventory that they’re looking to snatch, they’ll think twice before trying to steal it. After all, no one wants their face associated with shoplifting. Make sure the cameras cover key areas such as entrances, exits, and high-traffic zones. Those signs indicating that the premises are under surveillance aren’t just legal disclaimers; they also add effectiveness to the system by making it more visible. If someone does manage to steal something, cameras can show you exactly who did it. You can show these videos to the police as evidence of the theft and evaluate the incident for opportunities to improve security.

Invest In Visible Human Security Presence

Security cameras are a big help, but studies show that only 44% of thieves are deterred by security cameras. However, that number almost doubles when you have visibly attentive employees, especially security guards. Adding the presence of security guards inside and outside the store makes it clear to customers and potential thieves that you take safety and security seriously. Parking lot patrols are also a good idea when creating an all-encompassing security plan.

Test All Security Equipment

Cameras, manual locks, electronically controlled locks, and tag sensors that safeguard inventory require regular testing. Management should ensure that these tools work as intended, or they will be ineffective. Cameras should be checked for obstructions, locks should be tested to ensure that they are in full working order, and the tag sensors at entrances and exits should be tested to ensure they sound the proper alarms. It’s also important to take extra time to ensure that holiday decorations and additional shelving have not been placed in front of cameras or in high-traffic areas.

Perform Background Checks on Seasonal Employees

The holidays in retail come with seasonal employees. You’ll be giving a whole new set of people access to your inventory. Performing thorough background checks may seem like overkill for a temporary employee, but, in reality, it may be more important. Someone with a criminal history may apply for a seasonal job with the intention of stealing merchandise via authorized access. There are a number of online professional background check tools these days. Find one and start using it to ensure you only hire trustworthy employees.

Enhance Your Holiday Business Security

While the holidays can be a time of great profit, they also invite more theft than other times. Securing your retail store during the holiday season requires combining technology, training, and a proactive approach. By implementing these measures, you will protect your assets and create a safe and enjoyable shopping experience for your customers. A secure store is not only a deterrent to potential criminals but also a testament to your commitment to the well-being of your customers and employees alike.

Now that you know how to promote your business security and safeguard your inventory, it’s time to take professional loss prevention measures. Contact BlueChip to learn more about how we can help you protect your retail property today.

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Pro Tips

9 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Janitorial Company for Your Office

by The Pros
July 18, 2023

A sparkling clean office makes a positive impression on your customers or clients. Your employees appreciate a clean work environment too.

Janitorial services for your office take the stress off of you. You don’t have to worry about day-to-day cleaning when you have professional commercial cleaners handling the job.

Before hiring a janitorial company, it’s important to know you’ll receive a high standard of service. Do your research and don’t hesitate to interview potential office cleaning candidates.

Here are nine questions to ask before hiring commercial janitorial services.

1. What is Your Experience Providing Office Cleaning Services?

It’s a good idea to choose a cleaning company that has years of experience in the industry. An experienced janitorial service is likely to have its processes down, so you’re more likely to get good results.

Ask if they have experience working with businesses like yours. Janitorial services aren’t all the same. A company that specializes in large industrial facilities may not be the best choice for small offices or other business sites.

Although a new cleaning service may do a good job, you can’t go wrong with an experienced janitorial service with trusted employees and excellent customer reviews.

2. Can you Provide References?

Before you hire a commercial cleaning company, you want to know how other clients feel about their services. Ask if they can provide references, testimonials, or client reviews.

Check out their business website. Search online for reviews of the company.

The more you know about them, the better you’ll feel about trusting them with your office space. Clients who have had very good or very bad experiences with a company often leave reviews.

One or two poor reviews may not be a problem if the majority of reviews are favorable. If you notice a pattern of negative reviews, steer clear and find another cleaning service.

3. Do You Screen Your Employees?

Commercial cleaners are often in your building when no one else is around. You have to trust the company before you allow strangers into your office.

Ask if they do background checks and how they screen employees. Ask whether the same cleaners will come to your business each time.

Knowing that they take pride in their hiring process will help you feel more confident having their employees on-site.

4. Are You Insured?

Insurance is a must for any business. It’s essential that a cleaning company has the proper insurance in case there’s a mishap on your property.

Your company’s insurance protects you to a certain extent. But you need to be sure a commercial cleaner has their own insurance, including worker’s compensation and liability coverage.

Ask to see proof of certification and insurance. You can often find this information on their business website.

5. Do You Offer a Contract?

Some businesses don’t want to sign a contract for cleaning services, while others do. Consider your office cleaning needs and whether a contract will offer the flexibility and protection you need.

Before you sign a contract, ask questions and read the fine print. Ask whether the cleaning service offers a satisfaction guarantee.

Make sure you know if they’re available for emergencies and how long it would take for someone to arrive. Have a clear understanding of their fees and the types of services they do and don’t provide.

Make sure they have high standards of cleanliness to keep your employees and customers safe and healthy.

6. What is Your Employee Turnover Rate?

Some cleaning companies have high employee turnover rates. Ideally, you want to choose an established company with a loyal group of established employees.

It’s better for your business if there’s consistency in who is coming in and out of your office building. They’re more likely to know your specific cleaning needs and respect your property.

Request to be notified when there are staffing changes. Hiring a company that has pride in its employees will give you peace of mind.

7. Do You Have Quality Control Checks?

Quality assurance in the cleaning industry is essential. When hiring a janitor, you want to be sure they provide cleaning services engineered for a healthy and sanitary work environment.

They should provide regular inspections to ensure that safety standards are met. A professional commercial cleaning company has cleaning processes in place that meet high standards.

They should be able to make cleaning adjustments as needed and communicate this information to you.

8. Do You Use Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Products?

When you hire a janitor, it’s a good idea to ask about the types of products they will use in your building. You want to make sure they aren’t using extremely harsh or toxic chemicals.

Some cleaning companies offer eco-friendly products as an option. These types of cleaning products are better for the environment and can save you money.

Harsher chemicals do not always equal a cleaner building. Today’s environmentally friendly cleaning products are highly effective and safer for people and pets.

9. How Do You Handle Floor Care and Germ Hotspots?

Different types of floors require different cleaning processes. The needs for bathrooms, office spaces, entryways, and kitchen areas may be completely different.

High-traffic areas need special attention. A professional cleaning company understands that cleaning isn’t a one-size-fits-all process.

They should have a plan to make sure common areas and germ hotspots are properly cleaned and disinfected. Before you hire office cleaning services, make sure they plan to address your specific cleaning needs.

Hire the Best Janitorial Company for Your Business

Running a business is more than a full-time job. You have so many responsibilities and people that depend on you.

You probably don’t have time to worry about cleaning your office. The good news is a professional janitorial company can handle all your cleaning needs.

You want the healthiest and safest office possible for your customers and your employees. At Blue Chip Pros, we are committed to offering our customers outstanding, personalized cleaning services.

We focus on our clients’ core cleaning needs, providing the highest level of service and integrity.

Contact us today to learn more.

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Pro Tips

Warehouse Cleanliness Plays Vital Role In Keeping Businesses Running

by The Pros
July 26, 2022

A messy warehouse can result in downtime of warehouse operations, which not only affects the company’s bottom line but also makes the area a hazardous place for workers or anyone who enters the facility. This is why regular warehouse cleaning is an important part of a company’s safety program.

Here are reasons a clean warehouse can help boost employee productivity and workplace safety.

ENCOURAGES EMPLOYEES TO WORK METICULOUSLY

When a company’s leadership invests time and resources on keeping warehouses clean, it delivers a positive message to the people working on the floor. Employees will feel that management looks after their health and safety, hence, employees are motivated to keep their areas tidy and clutter-free. This way it will be easier for employees to find the supplies and equipment they need. A clean warehouse reduces stress, allowing workers to focus on completing their tasks faster and more efficiently.

INCREASES ACCURACY IN INVENTORY MANAGEMENT

A messy or dirty facility can bog down operations and sometimes lead to costly mistakes. Clean warehouses can help lower costs related to inventory management. The cost that a company spends on commercial cleaning services translates to increased profitability and lower inventory management costs. Having an organized warehouse enables a company to have better control of its warehouses processes, such as checking the shelf-life of products, managing stocks for write-off, and monitoring inventory levels to prevent overstocking or stock outs.

PREVENTS ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES

Companies are required to comply with federal and state occupational health and safety regulations, which include keeping a clean and organized working environment. Slips, trips, and falls as well as falling objects from shelves and racks are some of the most common causes of accidents and injuries in the workplace. They can result in sick days and hospitalization which affects the employee’s productivity. When a warehouse is kept clean, organized, and free from obstruction, it leads to better ergonomics and increased visibility, hence, reducing risks and hazards.

Conveyors, pallets, lifts, and other productivity tools are a common sight in warehouses. These machines and equipment must be kept free from dust and debris that may damage or affect its operational efficiency. Regular warehouse cleaning helps in prevent dirt build-up, shielding parts like bearing and motors from dirt that if left uncleaned or unmaintained, may lead to costly repair or replacement.

REFLECTS PROFESSIONALISM

A clean working environment reflects the company’s values. Nowadays, warehouses are not just used as storage facilities but also as distribution centers where warehouse employees interact with suppliers and customers. If a company keeps its warehouse clean, it creates a professional image and leaves a positive impression. When customers and business partners see that a company puts great effort in keeping their facility clean and organized, they will continue to trust the company and not take their business elsewhere.

As described above, having a clean warehouse is an integral part of a company’s strategic operations. Clean and organized warehouses ensure safety compliance, boosts productivity, and efficiency.

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Uncategorized

Security Guard Services: What Should Your Security Guards Actually be Doing?

by The Pros
July 14, 2022

Over one million people work as security officers in the United States, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. And rightly so. Commercial, residential, and government sites need security guard services to keep people safe.

Security guards have to be familiar with local laws, have a good relationship with emergency services, and be keenly observant. Their job is socially demanding and requires constant focus.

But which responsibilities actually come under their title? And how can your business benefit from having them on site?

Safety and Security

The primary responsibility of officers is to keep people and facilities safe and secure. Several daily routine activities make this happen. They also equip the staff to better deal with occasional, larger issues.

Deter Crime

Just the presence of a security team decreases criminal incidents. You are less likely to be targeted if your facility has a visible security presence.

Conducting Rounds

Security guard services actively patrol their entire sites. Focusing on entrances and exits, they investigate anything that appears out of place.

Monitor CCTV

While some patrol the site, other staff monitor CCTV feeds as an extra safety measure. This ensures that issues will be detected even if a security officer isn’t physically present in that area.

Write Reports

Every day, security officers write reports about their shifts. What seems trivial can later be instrumental in figuring out a problem. Therefore, they keep a record of everything.

Dealing with Emergencies

While we all hope that no emergencies will happen on site, security staff are there to step in if they do. They are trained for all manner of incidents, including fires, explosions, and robberies.

They maintain order and carry out evacuations. Officers are also trained to stop incidents from escalating until emergency services arrive. 

The More Subtle Responsibility: Managing People

Security guard services don’t just come into play during an emergency. Day to day, they keep your facility running smoothly. During busier periods, security guards maintain the order of vehicular and people traffic. Their traffic control directions are optimized for each facility. They ensure even the busiest or more important days go smoothly.

Crowd management comes into play at all times. But busier days at your site should require extra vigilance from trained personnel. Security guard teams communicate across the site to spot any unexpected patterns or causes for concern. They then address them before they become a problem.

First-time visitors may need help finding their way around, so security teams should also be approachable. Professional and friendly officers keep people safe and moving. They also share safety information when needed.

Invest in Security Guard Services

Security officers are an invaluable investment. They protect people and inventory, all while reducing the likelihood of crime. Plus, they’re the first port of call to maintain order in an emergency.

BlueChip’s security guard services are the best out there. Let us handle finding the best people for the job. All you have to do is get in touch, and we’ll send them your way. Talk to us today for a security services quote for your facility.

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Pro Tips

How Hiring a Facility Manager Can Save You Time, Energy, and Money

by The Pros
June 10, 2022

Businesses are increasing their space as people return to in-person work, with leasing for Q1 this year up 19% over 2021. Whether to offices or other facilities, the “Great Return” is well underway.

For staff, it’s a shock to the system. The financial and time cost of commuting are taking their toll.

For managers, getting a barely-used facility operational is a daunting task, on top of maintaining morale.

Contracting a facility manager is now more crucial than ever. They lighten the load on business owners and improve morale by maintaining facilities to a standard worth commuting for.

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Uncategorized

Top 5 Factors to Consider When Choosing Commercial Cleaning Services

by The Pros
January 12, 2022

During the pandemic, people have become more aware of and concerned with the overall cleanliness of the businesses that they visit. It’s more important than ever to have a business that’s hygienic and safe. 

This means that you need to hire professional cleaners to get the job done right. Choosing commercial cleaning services, however, isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. 

"Professional
COVID-19, Pro Tips

Disinfecting the Work Place From the COVID-19 Delta Variant

by The Pros
October 13, 2021

By now, we all know pretty much everything there is to know about COVID. We know how it spreads, what the symptoms of the virus are, and how the vaccine works to keep us safer. We’re a world of COVID experts!

But, what people still aren’t sure about is how they can clean workspaces to stay safe from the virus, especially with the Delta variant. As something that’s highly transmissible, how do you keep it out of your work place?

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Pro Tips

Five Reasons to Outsource Facility Management

by The Pros
September 22, 2021

Business operating expenses can be as much as 80 percent of a business’s gross revenue If your company is looking for a way to save money and increase productivity, then outsourcing facility management may be the answer.

Outsourcing has a lot of benefits, and if you choose the right facility manager you and your staff will save a lot of valuable time. This time can be channeled into other areas of your business.

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COVID-19, Pro Tips

Best Disinfecting Services to Keep Your Business Safe during COVID-19

by The Pros
September 10, 2021

Do you own or manage a business? Are you wondering about disinfecting practices necessary for keeping your building safe while COVID-19 is still a concern?

Traditional facility cleaning services won’t get your building as clean as it needs to be when germs are such a serious threat. It’s critical to take every precaution possible in order to ensure the safety of your employees, clients, and customers.

Here are the disinfecting services you’ll need for your business.

Disinfecting Practices

Your regular disinfecting routine will need to get stepped up during these times. This is especially true if there are high rates of COVID-19 infections in your community, or if there are low vaccination numbers.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a list of disinfectants that are effective at removing the COVID-19 germs on surfaces. When using them, it’s critical to use any Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) recommended on the label. These include goggles, masks, and plastic gloves.

Your label will also tell you how long a product needs to remain on a surface in order to be effective. Make sure to read it thoroughly.

It’s important to wipe down frequently touched surfaces regularly in your place of business. These could include door handles, keyboards, and light switches. Phones, countertops, and facuets will also require extra attention.

Public areas should get cleaned four times a day and meeting rooms should get disinfected after each meeting. Bathrooms and kitchens should get wiped down twice a day.

If necessary, hire a qualified cleaning service to make sure that your place of business is properly disinfected each day. This will give you and your staff a chance to focus on other business matters as they arise. 

Desktops

If you’re managing an office space, employees can be responsible for the wiping down of their own desktops at the end of the day. You can also hire a service to make sure everything is properly sanitized.

Employees should clean their desk surfaces, as well as any personal items on their desks that they touch frequently. These could include pens, tape dispensers, and staplers.

If your employees use individual phones, they should get unplugged and disinfected. This includes the chords and buttons.

Keyboards can get wiped down with disinfectant wipes that have been squeezed to wipe out excess moisture. The mouse should get unplugged and completely wiped down, including the scroll and sides. If your employees use laptops, they can swipe a disinfectant wipe across the touchpad as long as there is no excess moisture.

Computer screens should get wiped down with a microfiber cloth. You can also use a use a diluted solution of warm water and a mild dish soap. You’ll need to wipe off any soapy residue to avoid damaging the machine.

Floors and Carpets

Disinfect floors using an EPA-approved cleaner each day, and more often if someone has been sick. Be sure to use proper PPE.

If your place of work has hardwood floors, begin by using a vacuum with a soft-bristled floor brush attachment to clean up dust and debris. You can then mop using a disinfectant made specifically for hardwood floors since you don’t want to damage the surface.

If you have carpeting, make sure you vacuum slowly and pick up the dirt in all of the corners of the space. If necessary, lift furniture to make sure you don’t miss any dust or dirt.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are a popular place for germs to hang out. And a global pandemic is a good reason to go beyond wiping down the surface.

Sinks should get sprayed with disinfectant spray and wiped out with a cloth or sponge. Spray down faucets and mirrors and be sure to leave disinfectants on for the appropriate amount of time.

Toilets should be cleaned out regularly with a generous amount of toilet bowl cleaner. This has to sit for at least five minutes before you clean out the toilet with a stiff-brustled brush. Wipe down the toilet seat and wipes with disinfectant spray.

Tiles around the bathroom should also be disinfected regularly. You can clean out the grout with a mix of clorine bleach and water. Scrub this away using a stiff brush or toothbrush.

In addition, dust may need to be removed from the grill of your bathroom fan. Be sure to remove it in sudsy water and replace it regularly.

Personal Hygiene Reminders

During such a sensitive time, it can help to have signs around that remind your employees and clients to use proper hygiene.

For example, hands should be scrubbed regularly for at least 20 seconds. Employees should lather their hands and be sure to scrub the backs of their hands as well as their fingernails. Everyone should be reminded to wash their hands after they cough, sneeze, and blow their nose.

In addition, you can make hand sanitizer available at various spots within your establishments, reminding staff members and patrons to sanitize whenever possible.

Some establishments also provide disposable masks to those who enter. These can help protect against droplets and sprays that may spread germs. It also lets others know that you’re taking measures to protect their health.

Disinfecting Services During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has made cleanliness and hygiene extremely important in our places of business. With the right disinfecting services, you could be keeping your building as healthy as possible in no time.

Don’t stop getting smart about your employee health now. For professionals who specialize in business disinfecting services, contact us today.

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