From large retail chains to office rental companies, our cleaning customers in Singapore trust us to keep their premises clean, tidy and ready for business, 365 days a year. This requires tight routines, the latest technology and experienced staff – as well as a responsiveness that goes beyond standard office hours.
Things can go wrong – a burst waterpipe or leaking sink might require quick clean-up. In these situations, a customer needs us to act fast, so their business can continue without interruption, as Simon David, Assistant General Manager for ISS Singapore’s Cleaning Division, explains.
“Customers want us to be price competitive, but they also need us to be on call 24 hours a day. If a customer has an issue, day or night, we have to be there fast to make sure it doesn’t become a problem.”
Leading by example
Simon has been with ISS since 1998, when he began managing a team of around 50 employees. Today, his team counts around 1,000 colleagues and together they look after a large portfolio of clients, ranging from big retail furniture stores to small offices. As Assistant General Manager, Simon ensures these clients always have what they need. His leadership style is simple: Lead by example and empower people to deliver their best.
“I treat my job as if I was running my own business, with that level of ownership and responsibility,” he says. “And I encourage my people to do the same. I empower them to make decisions, because that’s when they are most effective and engaged.”
A big part of this is communication. Simon’s door is always open for both customers and employees, and he encourages anyone in his team to come to him if they need advice or assistance – at any time.
