Today, we are so accustomed to having “them”, keeping everything clean and hygienic at our workspaces. The “back of the house workers”, “janitors”, “contract labourers” or simply “cleaners” is what defines “them”. Many organisations have “annual days” dedicated to “them”, where “behind the scenes” workers join with their families for a day of entertainment and recognition. This possibly is the only day when they are all acknowledged.
“But why only one day? They are working all days. Then why acknowledge “them” only once a year?” ponders Niyati Purohit, CEO of Megamorph Marketing Pvt. Ltd, parent company of CareClean. She has set out with a conviction to transform the tireless dedication of these workers into a visual ode, with a yearly calendar showcasing the unsung heroes, through the lens of hard work and humility.
Niyati embarked on her journey along with the CareClean team in South India. The team was driven by the guiding principles of Self Care for the product handler, Surface Care for the product application and Enviro Care for the overall wellbeing.
It was best to meet the ground-level workers on site at hotels, hospitals, workspaces and so on. CareClean team set the camera rolling while interacting with Ratnamma, Basanti, Dhurvi, Lokesh… at work.
“Most people keep photos of their dear ones on their desks. With this calendar, we can create a bond with our ground-level workers and let them know that #WeSeeYou. We value your contribution… we thank you. This calendar is not just another desk accessory but a tangible display of pride in what we do.
“It has been a heart-warming experience sealing those smiles and laughter in photographs. In collaboration with many of our customers, we are putting together the calendar — #WeSeeYou –featuring nameless faces on their jobs, smiling, cheerful and proud of their contribution.”
It has not been easy getting them to face the camera. “Initially, they were a bit surprised with all the attention. That is but natural as they have never experienced all this before. It was all new to them. They were so shy yet full of enthusiasm. Even though it took a while, to capture those feelings of delight and happiness of getting featured on a calendar has been a memorable moment.”
#WeSeeYou conveys acknowledgment, recognition, validation… “It is a way to let someone know of their presence, actions, efforts… It also carries a deeper meaning, suggesting that someone’s contributions or qualities is appreciated or understood, even if they have not been explicitly stated.”
CareClean recently revealed two photos of the housekeeping staff (featured in the photo along with their bosses who provided them with this unique opportunity and experience of a lifetime) during the Kerala Professional Housekeepers’ Association meet.
The calendar is set to adorn the desks of every space where these dedicated ground-level workers make our lives “Cleaner, Safer & Better.”