How to Hire and Screen Commercial Cleaners: A Guide for Business Owners

Maintaining a clean and organized workspace is essential for any business. It not only creates a pleasant environment for employees and customers but also contributes to the overall productivity and success of the business. However, finding and hiring the right commercial cleaning company can be a daunting task. In this guide, we will discuss how to hire and screen commercial cleaners to ensure that you make the best choice for your business.

1. Define Your Cleaning Needs Before you start looking for a commercial cleaning company, you need to identify your cleaning needs. What areas of your business need cleaning? Do you require daily, weekly, or monthly cleaning services? Are there any specific cleaning requirements or challenges that the company needs to address? Defining your cleaning needs will help you narrow down your options and find a company that meets your specific requirements.

When defining your cleaning needs, you should also consider your budget. Commercial cleaning companies offer a range of services at different price points. Therefore, it's essential to have a clear understanding of how much you can afford to spend on cleaning services. You can then compare the prices of different companies to find one that offers the services you need within your budget.

2. Research and Verify Credentials Once you have identified your cleaning needs, it's time to start researching potential commercial cleaning companies. Look for companies that have experience in your industry and are reputable in your local area.

To ensure that the company is legitimate and trustworthy, you should verify its credentials. Check if they have a valid business license and insurance. A business license is a proof that the company is authorized to operate in your area, while insurance protects you from any liability in case of accidents or damages during the cleaning process. You should also check the company's references and reviews from previous clients to gauge their level of service and professionalism.

3. Assess Cleaning Methods and Equipment Every commercial cleaning company has its own cleaning methods and equipment. Therefore, it's crucial to assess their cleaning techniques and tools to ensure that they are suitable for your business's needs.

Ask the company about their cleaning methods and products. Are they using environmentally friendly products? Do they have specialized equipment for cleaning specific areas, such as carpets or windows? Do they have a quality control system in place to ensure consistent cleaning standards?

A good commercial cleaning company should be willing to answer these questions and provide you with information about their cleaning methods and equipment. This will help you determine if the company is capable of delivering the level of cleaning that you require.

4. Inquire About Employee Screening and Training When hiring a commercial cleaning company, you are essentially entrusting them with the keys to your business. Therefore, it's essential to ensure that their employees are trustworthy and properly trained.

Inquire about the company's employee screening and training processes. Do they conduct background checks on their employees? How do they train their employees on cleaning techniques and safety procedures? What is their employee turnover rate?

By asking these questions, you can gauge the level of professionalism and quality of the company's employees. A good commercial cleaning company should have a rigorous screening and training process in place to ensure that their employees are reliable and competent.

5. Discuss Communication and Customer Service Communication is key to any successful business relationship. When hiring a commercial cleaning company, it's essential to establish clear communication channels and expectations from the start.

Discuss how the company will communicate with you and how frequently they will provide updates on their cleaning services. Will they provide a point of contact for you to address any concerns or issues? What is their policy on addressing customer complaints or feedback?

A good commercial cleaning company should have a responsive customer service team and be open to feedback and suggestions. Establishing clear communication.

Source facts about hiring and screening commercial cleaners:

1. According to a survey conducted by ISSA, the leading trade association for the cleaning industry, 60% of business owners outsource their cleaning services to professional cleaning companies. Source: issa.com (September 15, 2020)
2. In a study conducted by the Cleaning Industry Research Institute (CIRI), hiring a professional cleaning company can result in a 24% reduction in sick days taken by employees due to improved indoor air quality and reduced allergens and bacteria. Source: ciriscience.org (no date given)
3. A report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that the employment of janitors and cleaners is projected to grow 4% from 2019 to 2029, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. Source: bls.gov (September 1, 2020)
4. A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that the training of cleaning personnel is crucial to maintaining effective cleaning practices and reducing the spread of infections in healthcare facilities. Source: mdpi.com (February 23, 2021)
5. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends that employers screen potential cleaning staff for their ability to perform essential job functions safely and effectively, including the proper use of cleaning chemicals and equipment. Source: osha.gov