ISSA and Tork Launch Bilingual Training Program

ROSEMONT, IL -- In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, and as part of its ongoing commitment to workforce development, ISSA and Tork have launched a new online bilingual course developed for frontline cleaning professionals.

Entitled “Frontline Excellence: Delivering Clean, Safe, and Welcoming Spaces via the Inclusive Hygiene Framework,” and available in English and Spanish, the 30-minute, self-paced course fills an important need by providing training that reflects the realities of today's diverse workforce and recognizes the essential role cleaning professionals play.

The course equips frontline cleaning pros with practical skills and confidence to deliver hygiene services that go beyond appearance, helping create environments that are clean, safe, accessible and welcoming for everyone who uses them.

Designed for today's diverse workforce, the course provides practical, real-world guidance that cleaning professionals can immediately apply in the facilities they service.

The launch also aligns with ISSA's continued investment in professional development through its VEO Conference, taking place September 28–29 in Dallas. By offering the course in both English and Spanish, ISSA and Tork are expanding access to high-quality education while supporting one of the industry's most diverse and essential workforces.

"Frontline cleaning professionals have never played a more important role in protecting public health while creating positive experiences in the built environment," said ISSA Executive Director Kim Althoff. "This new training reflects ISSA's commitment to providing practical, accessible education that helps professionals build confidence, strengthen their skills, and elevate the important work they perform every day. Offering the course in both English and Spanish allows us to reach even more of the dedicated professionals who keep our facilities healthy, safe and welcoming."

This enhanced course integrates key insights from the Tork Inclusive Hygiene Playbook to provide a more holistic approach to hygiene – one that recognizes that people experience and access spaces differently.

Built on the expertise of the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a Division of ISSA, the training empowers cleaning professionals to deliver more consistent, high-quality hygiene outcomes that benefit both facility users and employers.

The course includes five interactive learning modules:

• Infectious Disease & Workplace Hygiene
• Cleaning, Disinfection & Chemicals
• Risk Assessment & Personal Protective Equipment
• Equipment & Tools
• Communication, Training & Validation

The course is well suited for onboarding, upskilling and continuing education programs.

Tork research highlights a clear opportunity for facility managers to better support and empower cleaning professionals. With 70% of cleaners reporting inadequate employer support and 38% leaving roles due to burnout or a lack of recognition , investing in training and professional development can have a meaningful impact.

Helping cleaners build new skills while strengthening their connection to the purpose and value of their work can increase engagement, improve retention, and support more consistent, high-quality hygiene outcomes for building occupants.

"Cleaning professionals are essential to the health, safety and experience of every facility they serve," said Amy Bellcourt, VP of Communications at Essity. "Inclusive hygiene is about designing and maintaining spaces that work for as many people as possible. By partnering with ISSA to deliver this comprehensive training, we're equipping frontline teams with the tools to succeed—improving retention, raising cleaning quality, and creating better experiences for facility users.”

The course is available through the ISSA Academy and is free for ISSA members. Nonmembers can also complete the course for free with the promotional code NMFREE.

For more information or to enroll, visit the ISSA Academy at issa.com. Organizations can also learn more about building a comprehensive approach to inclusive hygiene at torkglobal.com/us/en/about/inclusive-hygiene.