Man arrives early to clean the office before coworkers get in — and the reason is heartbreaking

In a clip shared on Instagram by The Morning Shift (@themorningshiftshow), a podcast hosted by Jordan Vahaakolo, Brook Ruscoe, and Marc Peard, a man explained why he arrives at work before anyone else. Every morning, without being asked, he takes time to clean the office, focusing on the areas his coworkers are particular about. He’s never mentioned it to them, but the reason he does it carries deep emotional weight. His story was the response to a question asked by Ruscoe, "What’s the kindest thing you do that people might never see?"

"Mine is, I'm the first to get into work every day," he said, adding, "My coworkers don’t get in till later, and when I first started, everyone would complain about our cleaner not doing a good enough job." At the time, he said, those complaints hit closer than anyone realized. "It would hurt me inside because I come from a long line of cleaners," he said. He described his early memories of accompanying his grandfather to buildings in Auckland City, where they would clean late into the night. He still remembers how people treated his grandfather, and that experience shaped his response. "It’s been a year since I’ve heard a complaint about the cleaners, because before I start my eight hours, I clean the parts of my office that my coworkers are very particular about," he said.

He made it clear that this part of his day is not about guilt, adding, "It’s genuinely the only part of my day where I feel connected to my grandparents," he shared. He also said, "Perhaps the kindest thing I can do today is not only remember their sacrifice, but honor it." That connection echoes what researchers have found about the emotional power of grandparental bonds. A 2007 study of young adults discovered that those with close relationships to their grandparents reported fewer symptoms of depression and higher self-esteem, regardless of their family situation. The hosts responded with deep respect for what he shared. "Oh my days. That was so beautiful, to honor his grandparents." Vahaakolo said, visibly touched. 

Ruscoe said, "And to do it in silence. There are some beautiful people out there." Vahaakolo added, "We are pieces of s***, Brook," to which Ruscoe jokingly replied, "I have to agree with you." People who watched the video online also left heartfelt responses, recognizing the meaning behind his actions. @brook_ruscoe commented, "If you're lucky enough to still have your grandparents here, this is a beautiful reminder to call them." @naitejnr wrote, "Can 100% say hand on heart — this guy is one of the most powerful, thoughtful, and selfless people I know."

@junnue.zarrouk said, "He resolved the complaint, honored his family, and led by example. That's a great leader and human being." @lanah_92 added, "I'm always so grateful to our cleaners anywhere I go, and I always do the most if it means they don't feel the need to come in after me. So glad others also recognize how important they are to our environments—our wonderful cleaners." @polynesian_ironman_ shared, "That's the bro Vince, aka Mitts bro. He's the man. First one in, last to leave. He even cleans the toilets. Also wears these special pink gloves when cleaning. We call him Mittens."

You can follow The Morning Shift (@themorningshiftshow) on Instagram for more podcast content.