A new school year brings new routines, new messes, but the same number of hours in a shift. The secret to keeping things running smoothly? A workflow that actually works. 

Now’s the time to revisit your plan. What worked last year? What fell apart by October? A few smart tweaks before students return can make the whole year easier, for your team and your school. 

Start with zoning. Break the building into clear sections, whether by floor, task, or team member. This system keeps everyone accountable and avoids overlap or missed areas. If you have rotating shifts or coverage gaps, good zoning helps keep the quality consistent no matter who’s on duty. 

Inventory is another big one. Take stock of supplies now (paper products, liners, soap, sanitizer, floor care chemicals) and set up reorder reminders or auto-stock systems wherever you can. Running out midweek is more than just annoying, it slows down the whole operation. 

Next, check your equipment. Give vacuums, autoscrubbers, and dispensers a once-over before the real rush hits. Replace worn pads, charge batteries, and schedule any needed repairs with Spruce. A broken scrubber on the first week of school? That’s a nightmare you can avoid by preparing now. 

It’s also a good time to update or revisit cleaning checklists. Schedules shift, classrooms move, new construction gets in the way – don’t assume last year’s plan still fits. And if you’ve got new staff, written checklists can be the difference between a consistent clean and total guesswork. 

Lastly, talk with your team. What do they need to succeed this year? Are there time crunches or trouble zones you haven’t accounted for? A quick huddle in August can surface small fixes that pay off all year. 

When your workflows are dialed in, your team can focus on doing the job, rather than chasing supplies, wrestling with broken gear, or cleaning the same spot twice. It’s not just about working harder; it’s about working smarter from the get-go.