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Beyond the Stereotypes: Women Leading the Way in Specialist Cleaning

Posting date: 05/58/25

Beyond the Stereotypes: Women Leading the Way in Specialist Cleaning

"Forget the feather dusters and mops," laughs Karen Murray, an Area Operations Manager at Rentokil Specialist Hygiene (RSH). "This isn't your average cleaning job." With 17 years of experience under her belt, Karen's career trajectory shatters any preconceived notions about women in the cleaning industry. She and other women at RSH, like Specialist Cleaning Technician Michelle Coulson, prove that this field of work is filled with opportunities for those seeking a challenging and rewarding career.

As we celebrate International Women's Day on 8th March 2025, it’s essential to recognise the women breaking barriers and leading the charge in industries traditionally dominated by stereotypes. Women like Karen and Michelle are not only excelling in their roles but are also reshaping what it means to work in specialist cleaning. Their passion, expertise, and leadership are paving the way for future generations of women to thrive in diverse and impactful careers. This International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate their achievements and continue to support women who are helping to redefine success in every field.



Breaking the Stereotypes

Historically, cleaning jobs have been stereotyped as low-skilled, domestic work, predominantly performed by females. But the world of specialist cleaning flips this script. It demands a unique blend of technical expertise, problem-solving and management skills, and emotional resilience, qualities women often possess in abundance.

Karen Murray: A Career Built on Expertise

Karen's journey exemplifies this shift. Starting as a Sales Consultant, she steadily climbed the ranks, mastering the intricacies of biohazard remediation, trauma cleaning, and large-scale decontamination projects.

Her dedication, sharp intellect, and unwavering commitment to safety propelled her to a leadership role, where she now oversees operations and mentors a diverse team.

"It's incredibly rewarding to see how far I've come," Karen reflects. "I've faced my share of challenges, but each one has made me stronger and more determined to succeed." Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring female leaders, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, the sky's the limit.

Michelle Coulson: A Keen Eye for Detail

Michelle Coulson, another shining example of female empowerment at RSH, echoes this sentiment. "There aren't many women in my role," she comments, "but I'm proud of what I do. I can point out things my male colleagues don't see." Michelle's keen eye for detail and compassionate approach have proven invaluable, particularly when dealing with sensitive situations like trauma cleaning and hoarder house clearances.

More Than Just Cleaning

These women are not just cleaners but problem-solvers, innovators, and compassionate caregivers. They handle everything from crime scene clean-ups and biohazard remediation to pest infestations and industrial deep cleaning, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of countless individuals and communities.

Paving the Way for Future Leaders

Their success stories challenge outdated stereotypes and pave the way for a new generation of female leaders in this dynamic and essential field. At Rentokil Specialist Hygiene, we champion diversity and inclusion, recognising that a diverse workforce brings a wider range of skills, perspectives, and experiences to the table.

We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees and fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive. Our comprehensive training programmes, mentorship opportunities, and flexible work arrangements support our employees' professional development and personal wellbeing.

Join Our Team

If you're a woman seeking a challenging and rewarding career that breaks the mould, consider joining the RSH team. We are always looking for talented individuals who are passionate about helping others and making a difference in the world.

Visit our careers page to explore current job openings and discover how you can join our dynamic and growing team.


Rebecca Waters our consultant managing the role
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