They show up before you do. They stay after you leave. And honestly? We’d be lost without them.
October 2nd is National Custodial Workers Recognition Day, and if you’ve never heard of it, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing—maybe that’s exactly the problem.
The Real MVPs of Every Building
Think about the last time you walked into a clean bathroom at school, grabbed lunch in a spotless cafeteria, or worked late in an office that didn’t smell like yesterday’s trash. You probably didn’t think twice about it, right?
That’s the invisible magic of custodial workers.
These are the people who:
- Keep us healthy by sanitizing high-touch surfaces and preventing the spread of germs
- Create safe spaces by ensuring hallways are clear, spills are cleaned immediately, and potential hazards are eliminated
- Make first impressions possible because let’s be real—a dirty entrance says everything
Beyond the Mop and Bucket
Here’s what most people don’t realize: custodial work is skilled work. We’re talking about expertise in:
- Chemical safety and proper cleaning techniques
- Equipment operation and maintenance
- Time management across massive facilities
- Problem-solving when things go wrong (and they do)
Many custodial workers are also masters of efficiency, often responsible for thousands of square feet of space with tight deadlines and limited resources.
The Respect Gap
Despite being essential workers—a term we throw around a lot these days—custodial staff often face low wages, minimal benefits, and even less recognition. They’re the backbone of schools, hospitals, offices, and public spaces, yet their contributions frequently go unnoticed.
It’s time to change that narrative.
How to Show Appreciation (Today and Every Day)
Small actions, big impact:
- Say thank you when you see custodial workers in action
- Learn their names—they’re not invisible
- Don’t make their job harder (trash in the bin, not on the floor)
- Advocate for better wages and working conditions in your community
- Share their stories on social media using #CustodialWorkersDay
The Bottom Line
Every clean space you’ve ever enjoyed exists because someone cared enough to make it that way. Custodial workers don’t just clean buildings—they create environments where we can learn, work, heal, and thrive.
So this National Custodial Workers Recognition Day, let’s do more than acknowledge them. Let’s see them. Let’s valuethem. And let’s make sure they know that their work matters—because it absolutely does.
Who’s a custodial worker that’s made a difference in your life? Drop their name in the comments and give them the recognition they deserve. 👇
National Custodial Workers Recognition Day is observed annually on October 2nd. Learn more about supporting essential workers in your community.
Salt + Cedar Collective 