ICHAF Training Institute and Bidvest Presclean Forge a Path of Professionalism and Dignity

In a historic stride towards professionalization and dignity, hundreds of cleaners across the nation are celebrating a transformative achievement—the successful completion of an NQF1 SETA Accredited Qualification in Hygiene and Cleaning. The ICHAF Training Institute, a SETA Accredited Training Provider, in collaboration with Bidvest Presclean, has orchestrated a monumental shift that reaches far beyond the classrooms, elevating an entire industry.

A Vision Unveiled: ICHAF Training Institute’s Commitment to Excellence

At the forefront of this ground-breaking initiative is the ICHAF Training Institute, a beacon of educational prowess dedicated to reshaping industries and nurturing talents. Devan Moonsamy, the CEO of the ICHAF Training Institute, expresses the institute’s unwavering commitment to excellence: “Education is the cornerstone of empowerment. Through this qualification, we aim to not only impart knowledge but instil a sense of pride and professionalism in every graduate.”

Devan Moonsamy’s words echo the sentiment that education extends beyond the acquisition of skills—it’s a transformative journey that empowers individuals to take charge of their destinies.

Partnership for Progress: Bidvest Presclean’s Vision for the Future

Bidvest Presclean, a leading force in the corporate arena, joins hands with the ICHAF Training Institute to pioneer this endeavour. Their collaboration signifies a shared vision for the industry—a vision of professionalization and the dignification of essential roles within it. “Bidvest Presclean is proud to contribute to the elevation of the cleaning profession. Our partnership with the ICHAF Training Institute reflects our commitment to investing in the skills and capabilities of our workforce,” affirms an executive from Bidvest Presclean.

The synergy between corporate giants and educational institutions demonstrates a holistic approach to industry advancement, where corporations actively participate in shaping a skilled, professional workforce.

Transcending Expectations: Graduates Redefining the Cleaning Narrative

The completion of the NQF1 SETA Accredited Qualification marks a turning point for the graduates, transforming them into professionals equipped with a deep understanding of hygiene protocols and industry best practices. These individuals are not merely cleaners; they are architects of change, ready to dismantle stereotypes and redefine the narrative surrounding their profession.

As one graduate, Andiswa Vinjiwe, from Khayelitsha enthuses, “This qualification has given me the tools to not only excel in my role but to challenge the misconceptions about our industry. We are professionals, and it’s time for the world to see us as such.”

Devan Moonsamy’s Insight: Shaping a Professional Landscape

Devan Moonsamy, the visionary CEO of the ICHAF Training Institute, shares his insights into the significance of this achievement: “The completion of this qualification is not just a personal accomplishment for the graduates; it’s a collective triumph for the industry. We are witnessing a paradigm shift where cleaning professionals are recognized, respected, and valued for their expertise.”

His words encapsulate the broader impact of this initiative—a transformation that extends beyond individual careers to shape the professional landscape of the entire hygiene and cleaning sector.

National Implications: A Ripple Effect of Professionalism

The graduation of hundreds of cleaners nationally with SETA accreditation sends ripples throughout the country, touching not only the lives of the graduates but also inspiring a new wave of professionalism within the industry. “The impact of this qualification goes beyond individual success stories; it has the potential to revolutionize the entire industry,” affirms Devan Moonsamy.

As these graduates step into the workforce, they carry with them not just a certificate but a newfound sense of pride, professionalism, and the potential to influence positive change in workplaces nationwide.

A New Chapter Unfolding

The graduation of hundreds of cleaners with an NQF1 SETA Accredited Qualification is more than an academic achievement—it’s a testament to the power of collaboration, vision, and education in transforming industries. The ICHAF Training Institute, in association with Bidvest Presclean, has laid the foundation for a new chapter in the hygiene and cleaning sector—one marked by professionalism, dignity, and a workforce ready to meet the challenges of the future.

As these graduates embark on their professional journeys, they carry with them the collective hopes of an industry undergoing a profound transformation. The sky is not the limit; it’s a canvas awaiting the strokes of their collective success, shaping the legacy of a cleaner, more professional future.

Graduates Propel Cape Town’s Corporate Cleaning Sector to New Heights

From Brooms to Boardrooms – Corporate Cleaners Rewrite the Narrative

In the heart of Cape Town, against the backdrop of its iconic skyline, a group of dedicated individuals is poised to redefine the corporate cleaning landscape. Breaking barriers and transcending limitations, these cleaners have just graduated with an NQF1 Hygiene and Cleaning Qualification from the esteemed ICHAF Training Institute, a SETA Accredited National Training Provider. Their journey is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the transformative power of education in the corporate cleaning sector.

A Paradigm Shift: Corporate Cleaning with a Difference

Traditionally confined to the periphery of corporate spaces, cleaners are now emerging as educated and empowered professionals. The ICHAF Training Institute, recognized by the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA), has played a pivotal role in this transformation. Their NQF1 Cleaning Qualification is not just a certificate; it is a symbol of expertise and a gateway to a new era of corporate cleaning.

Equipped with a comprehensive understanding of hygiene protocols, cleaning techniques, and professional ethics, these graduates are ready to elevate the standards of cleanliness in the corporate world. The institute’s accreditation ensures that their education aligns with industry standards, providing them with a competitive edge in the job market.

From Classrooms to Cubicles: The SETA Accredited ICHAF Qualification Advantage

Devan Moonsamy, the CEO of ICHAF Training said; “the Qualification goes beyond traditional education. It offers a holistic learning experience that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills. The graduates are not just proficient in textbook cleaning methodologies; they have hands-on experience that prepares them for the dynamic challenges of corporate environments”.

Devan added, “Corporate spaces demand a level of professionalism and attention to detail that goes beyond conventional cleaning practices. The curriculum recognizes this need, instilling in its graduates a sense of pride and responsibility in maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of corporate settings”.

Cape Town’s Corporate Renaissance: Opportunities Abound

Cape Town, a city known for its economic vibrancy and diverse business landscape, provides an ideal backdrop for these graduates. As corporations increasingly prioritize a clean and sanitized work environment, the demand for skilled and educated cleaning professionals is on the rise.

Overcoming Stereotypes, Embracing Success: A Collective Triumph

The journey of these corporate cleaners is not merely personal; it is a collective triumph over stereotypes and preconceived notions. By empowering these individuals with education and skills, has not only opened doors for them but has also challenged the outdated perceptions of the cleaning profession.

As these graduates step into the corporate world, they carry with them not just brooms and mops but a wealth of knowledge and a commitment to excellence. The sky is not the limit; it’s a vast expanse of possibilities waiting to be explored.

Elevating the Corporate Cleaning Standard

Bidvest and The ICHAF Training Institutes graduates in Cape Town are not just cleaning professionals; they are ambassadors of a new standard in corporate cleanliness. Their NQF1 qualification is a symbol of their dedication to their craft and their readiness to redefine the role of cleaners in the corporate realm. As Cape Town’s corporate spaces welcome these educated and skilled professionals, the narrative of corporate cleaning is being rewritten, one graduate at a time. The sky is not the limit; it’s a starting point for a journey towards excellence in corporate hygiene and cleanliness.

Devan Moonsamy

Workload anxiety, often referred to as “work-related stress” or “job-related anxiety,” is a condition where an individual experiences excessive worry, tension, or unease due to their work-related responsibilities, tasks, and demands. It can result from a variety of factors, such as a heavy workload, tight deadlines, a lack of control over one’s tasks, a challenging work environment, and a fear of underperforming. If left unmanaged, workload anxiety can lead to burnout, physical health problems, and diminished job satisfaction. Here’s how to deal with workload anxiety:

1. Identify the Sources of Stress:

   – Determine the specific aspects of your workload that are causing anxiety. Is it the volume of tasks, unrealistic expectations, interpersonal conflicts, or something else?

• Set Realistic Expectations:

   – Make sure your workload and goals are achievable within the given time frame. Be honest with yourself and your superiors about what you can accomplish.

• Time Management:

   – Use effective time management techniques to prioritize tasks and allocate your time efficiently.

• Break Tasks into Manageable Steps:

   – Divide large or complex tasks into smaller, more manageable subtasks. This can make the workload feel less overwhelming.

• Delegate and Collaborate:

   – If possible, delegate tasks to colleagues or collaborate with them to share the workload.

• Communication:

   – Openly communicate with your supervisor or manager about your workload and any challenges you’re facing. They may be able to provide support or redistribute tasks.

• Learn to Say No:

   – Politely decline additional responsibilities when you are already stretched thin. It’s essential to set boundaries.

• Take Regular Breaks:

   – Schedule short breaks during your workday to relax and recharge. This can help prevent burnout.

• Self-Care:

   – Prioritize self-care activities, such as exercise, relaxation, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle outside of work.

1. Mindfulness and Stress-Reduction Techniques:

    – Practice mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or progressive muscle relaxation to manage stress.

1. Seek Support:

    – Talk to friends, family members, or a therapist about your feelings and anxieties related to your workload.

1. Professional Help:

    – If workload anxiety is chronic and affecting your daily life, consider seeking the help of a mental health professional who can provide strategies for coping and managing anxiety.

1. Evaluate Your Career and Work Environment:

    – Assess whether your current job or workplace is the right fit for you in the long term. Sometimes, a change in job or career might be necessary.

1. Maintain Work-Life Balance:

    – Ensure you have time for activities, hobbies, and relaxation outside of work. A healthy work-life balance is crucial in managing workload anxiety.

Workload anxiety is a common issue in the modern workplace, but with proper strategies and support, it can be managed effectively. It’s essential to take proactive steps to address and alleviate the stress associated with your workload to maintain your overall well-being.

Join Devan Moonsamy on a journey to a healthier, more resilient you. “The 8-Step Guide To Modern Mental Health” is now available on Amazon and from the Publisher The ICHAF Training Institute. For more information about the book and the author, please visit www.devan-moonsamy.com or www.ichaftraining.co.za

About the Author:

Devan Moonsamy is the CEO of ICHAF Training Institute, a South African Corporate Training Provider & National Learning Institute. He has also graduated with his Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Majoring in Psychology and Counselling)

Practice/Registration Number: CO30161 – Devan is a CCSA Registered Counsellor, Executive Coach and Psychological Safety Wellness Consultant.

The ICHAF Training Institute offers SETA-approved training in business skills, computer use, and soft skills. Devan and his team specialises in NQF1 to NQF5 Learnerships, conflict and diversity management training, and ICHAF regularly conducts seminars on soft skills issues for corporates.

Contact ICHAF Training on

info@ichaftraining.co.za

or +27112622461

www.ichaftraining.co.za

www.devan-moonsamy.com  

www.wellness.ichaftraining.co.za

Devan Moonsamy 

In our workplace there are a spectrum of people. The people who work for us come from different backgrounds, ethnic groups, cultures, religions etc. Besides where people come from, there might be others who work with us that come with more differences than others. 

For example, our call centre agents might come from a different country in which there is ongoing conflict or our cleaner might be disorientated due to devastating news of a death of a loved one in a different region. This means that everyone has an ongoing issue that we know nothing about. It is for this reason that we need to practise empathy as a leader. 

So often during our customer service training, we embark on lessons to demonstrate understanding and the ability to show empathy to customers. This becomes a fundamental skill when assisting customers. For example, if an agent is on the phone with a customer who just had an accident or has lost a loved one, they will need to demonstrate empathy and extreme sensitivity when speaking out to the customer. It is important for us to maintain the correct tone and mannerism when speaking especially in the time of crisis. 

Now, if this is necessary for our agents towards customers, then it must be made necessary for management as well. How often do we ignore the view a staff member telling us that they are unwell or their child is unwell as a liability in the workplace? Our reaction to their time of crisis is what shapes the working relationship between us and them. 

As a manager and a leader, it is crucial to manage staff and customer relations with empathy. We need to be more present and participating in our staff’s well-being. Showing interest in their issues will only help us build a good and strong working bond with them. 

Here are 3 ways to help leaders showcase empathy and understanding when assisting staff with their personal issues 

– Start by showing interest and being present in the conversation being held. When your staff or clients are engaging with you, actively listen. Respond and participate in the conversation. Demonstrate your ability to see what they are going through. At the same time try to avoid multitasking. If you are on the phone with the customer or even if they are face to face, they will pick up on your lack of interest if you are doing other things while talking to them. It is important to engage and be present in the conversation to ensure the effective demonstration of empathy. It is also a great technique to practise with staff. Give them your undivided attention so that they may also feel valued and a priority for you as their manager. 

– Adjust your mindset. Not everyone will have the same issues. We all come from different walks of life. Ideally we do not all have the same issues. It is important to remember that when it comes to managing the workplace, we should be open to learning and understanding the different cultures or background of our staff. If a staff member needs to pray on a Friday we can learn more about that. Likewise if a staff member is in need of time to seek spiritual guidance from their elders and they are taking leave, sit them down and learn more about it. This will allow us to expand our knowledge and aid in the process of better understanding the employee’s cultures and needs within the organisation. This will open more channels for diversity and communication to your team. 

– Try to remain open and flexible. When we are able to work a schedule that works for your staff, you are winning over their commitment to their role in the business. By remaining open to their needs and being able to allow the work from home or even time off to managing personal issues, it can help build their development and dedication to the organisation. If a team member has a crisis and has to rush off, pop them a follow up text to see if everything is alright on their side. If they say they will catch up the hours at home, be open to this. 

One of the reasons that the workplace sees large staff turnover is due to the lack of empathy and care shown by management. Having a mindset that staff members are not robots, but human beings with emotions and families will allow us to be better in our leadership. Embarking on leadership training and having constant upskilling is key to transform the way managers lead in the workplace. 

Devan Moonsamy is the CEO of ICHAF Training Institute, a South African Corporate Training Provider & National Learning Institute. He is the author of Racism, Classism, Sexism, And The Other ISMs That Divide Us, AND My Leadership Legacy Journal available from the ICHAF Training Institute. He has also graduated with his Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Majoring in Psychology and Counselling) Practice/Registration Number: CO30161 – Devan is a CCSA Registered Counsellor, Executive Coach and Psychological Safety Wellness Consultant.

The ICHAF Training Institute offers SETA-approved training in business skills, computer use, and soft skills. Devan specialises in conflict and diversity management, and regularly conducts seminars on these issues for corporates. To book a seminar with Devan or for other training courses, please use the contact details below.

References: 

ICHAF Institutes training manuals on conflict management

ICHAF Institutes training manuals on communication

ICHAF Institutes training manuals on customer service.

Devan Moonsamy

Are you anxious at work around deadlines and the quality of your work when talking to your boss? If you are feeling or having thoughts of dread, distress and fear when completing work for your boss, then you are severely compromising your mental health. Research has shown that a toxic boss can play a significant role in damaging your mental health.

If you are someone who already has anxiety and you are exposed to an environment that amplifies or flares up your anxiety, it can become challenging to get through the work day. Infact, the impact from having to be anxious all day might even make its way to your personal life. Studies conducted have shown research that indicates that a toxic boss can be the reason for chronic depression, lowered immune system as well as severe conditions like suffering a stroke, heart attack or other cardiac conditions. 

There might even be those who don’t know their anxiety is being flared up by their boss. Do you feel stomach aches, perhaps chest tightness or other physical symptoms when you think about your boss? These are some of the changes we experience in our body during a feeling of anxiety. Sometimes one might feel agitated, on edge and irritable at work. Anxiety can also be when you wake up and feel dread to go to work. It might also be the inability to fall asleep at night due to anxiousness of going to work the next day. 

The anxiousness associated with the toxicity of a boss might easily be solved by finding work elsewhere, but the solution is not as easy. Many individuals are working for businesses that they love, however they are only on edge due to the management they work under. As a result, they might not want to leave the workplace because work is good but the boss is not. This might also be the reason that you would avoid your boss. If you need leave or time off, due to the feeling of anxiety you might not want to speak to your boss. 

This is unhealthy and unproductive for your experience in the workplace. Below are a few ways to address and work on the impact having a toxic boss has on your anxiety: 

• Take a step back and assess where your boss might be coming from. As much as a toxic boss might cause one to doubt self-worth and self-esteem, it is crucial to remember not to take it personally. Chances are their behaviour towards you is due to their own ongoing inner conflict. Sometimes a boss that micromanages, can be a person who has their own issues with matters of control. Even though their toxicity might affect you, it is not about you as a person. 

• Consider speaking to your manager about the impact of their behaviour on your well-being. This might seem like an impossible approach which might cause alienation or isolation from them, but discussing how you feel might help address the toxicity and improve the working relationship. Chances are the manager might not be fully aware or even if they are aware they might be oblivious to the impact their behaviour is having on your anxiety. If this approach seems daunting, seek advice from other individuals in your circle on how to tackle this. 

• Try to find something to do that sends positive hormones and chemicals through your body. Take a walk, connect with nature or even exercise to help focus and channel your energy on something more rewarding. This will significantly impact your mood and help manage the triggers to anxiety. If there is a deadline or meeting coming up with your boss, try to work on breathing techniques and even exercises to help manage the levels of anxiety you feel around this. 

• If nothing seems to be improving you frame of mind and assisting you in managing your anxiety, consider quitting. The reason for this is not that you have accepted defeat, but rather that you have prioritised your mental health and wellness over being in an environment that is negatively impacting you. If it helps look around for alternative work spaces, or request a transfer – if quitting isn’t the option right now, try to find ways to limit the contact with your boss to improve your wellness. 

Devan Moonsamy is the CEO of ICHAF Training Institute, a South African Corporate Training Provider & National Learning Institute. He is the author of Racism, Classism, Sexism, And The Other ISMs That Divide Us, AND My Leadership Legacy Journal available from the ICHAF Training Institute. He has also graduated with his Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Majoring in Psychology and Counselling) Practice/Registration Number: CO30161 – Devan is a CCSA Registered Counsellor, Executive Coach and Psychological Safety Wellness Consultant.

The ICHAF Training Institute offers SETA-approved training in business skills, computer use, and soft skills. Devan specialises in conflict and diversity management, and regularly conducts seminars on these issues for corporates. To book a seminar with Devan or for other training courses, please use the contact details below.

References: 

1 – https://hbr.org/2023/03/how-high-achievers-overcome-their-anxiety

2- https://www.freepressjournal.in/weekend/7-signs-of-a-toxic-boss-and-how-to-deal-with-them

3- https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinecastrillon/2019/07/21/why-your-bad-boss-could-literally-be-killing-you