When EVS departments embrace innovation at every level, they become indispensable partners in delivering safer care, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing patient experiences. Every improvement, whether technical or cultural, ripples outward to benefit patients, staff, and the broader community.”
To maximize impact on patient satisfaction, innovative leaders:
● Prioritize high-touch surfaces and patient-facing areas, always ensuring visible cleanliness
● Train EVS team members in compassionate, patient-centered communication, equipping them to interact warmly and respectfully with patients and visitors
● Regularly review and respond to HCAHPS cleanliness scores, acknowledging that these metrics directly influence reimbursement and reputation
● Use feedback mechanisms, such as patient surveys or suggestion boxes, to continuously refine service delivery In doing so, they help foster a healing environment that promotes well-being, instills confidence, and supports swift recovery.
Embracing Data-Driven Decisions In the era of big data, EVS directors must be adept at collecting, interpreting, and acting on a wide array of performance metrics. Harnessing analytics enables them to make evidence-based decisions, demonstrate their department’ s value, and advocate effectively for resources. Key strategies include:
● Measuring productivity through metrics such as square footage cleaned per full-time equivalent( FTE), room turnover times, and chemical usage per patient day
● Tracking patient satisfaction and correlating findings with cleanliness audits
● Utilizing dashboards to identify trends, resource needs, and areas for intervention
● Sharing data transparently with hospital leadership to build support for investment in EVS
Data-driven leadership transforms the EVS department from a cost center to a strategic asset, integral to the hospital’ s success.
Making Sustainability a Core Value
Environmental stewardship is a growing priority for healthcare institutions seeking to reduce their footprint and fulfill ESG( Environmental, Social, and Governance) commitments. Innovative EVS directors are leading the charge by:
● Transitioning to green-certified cleaning agents that are both safe and effective
● Implementing dilution control systems to minimize chemical waste
● Designing comprehensive waste segregation and recycling programs to cut down on landfill and boost recycling rates
● Partnering with supply chain and procurement teams to source sustainably manufactured products and reduce unnecessary packaging
● Exploring energy-efficient equipment and practices to further minimize environmental impact
These efforts not only help protect the planet but also position the organization as a responsible leader in the community, attracting eco-conscious patients and staff.
Empowering and Developing the Workforce
True innovation in environmental services starts with people. Progressive EVS directors are deeply invested in the growth and development of their teams. They:
● Provide ongoing training, certification opportunities, and upskills to keep staff current with best practices and emerging technologies
● Establish recognition platforms to celebrate milestones, achievements, and innovative contributions
● Design career pathways that transform entry-level roles into meaningful, long-term careers
● Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose
An empowered workforce is more engaged, resilient, and motivated to deliver exceptional care.
Leading Across the Organization and Beyond
Today’ s EVS directors are strong collaborators, regularly participating in strategic planning meetings and serving as key voices in cross-departmental initiatives. By working closely with facilities, nursing, infection prevention, and supply chain teams, they:
● Ensure environmental services are fully integrated into organizational goals and patient safety initiatives
● Educate clinical leaders and executives about the vital role of environmental hygiene in preventing infections and supporting patient outcomes
● Contribute to policy-making and long-term planning that shapes the future of healthcare delivery
Their influence extends beyond their own department, helping to drive holistic improvements throughout the organization.
Looking to the Future: The Next Frontier of Innovation The EVS directors of tomorrow will continue to push boundaries by:
● Embracing automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence to streamline operations and enhance precision
● Adopting predictive analytics to identify risks before they become problems
● Championing empathy and vision in leadership, inspiring teams to strive for excellence
As healthcare evolves, so too will the standards and expectations for environmental services leadership.
Innovation as a Catalyst for Excellence Ultimately, innovation in environmental services is about more than adopting new technologies, it’ s about a holistic transformation of healthcare itself. When EVS departments embrace innovation at every level, they become indispensable partners in delivering safer care, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing patient experiences. Every improvement, whether technical or cultural, ripples outward to benefit patients, staff, and the broader community.
This ongoing evolution is driven by leaders who are willing to take risks, champion new ideas, and nurture a culture where everyone feels empowered to contribute. By fostering creativity, leveraging data, and committing to continuous improvement, innovative EVS directors are shaping the future of healthcare one clean, safe, and welcoming environment at a time.
Michael Parker, CMIP, T-CHEST, T-CNACC, T-CSCT, is chief operating officer of P & P Consulting.
40 • www. healthcarehygienemagazine. com • jul-aug 2025