How to Choose Dependable Commercial Cleaning Services
Whether you are an experienced Facilities Manager or a business owner, finding and hiring dependable, expert commercial cleaning services can be a tall order.
It can be all too easy to choose the wrong cleaning company because anyone can say anything about their services, true or not. Perhaps you are thinking about outsourcing the commercial cleaning services in your facility.
How do you figure out who is actually capable of delivering on their promises of great service and who is not? No matter what you might hear in a sales pitch, there’s one vital component to any commercial cleaning services company: people.
Rule #1: Commercial Cleaning Companies Aren’t in the Vacuum Business, They’re in the People Business
All too often, cleaning companies focus on the wrong things and underestimate the critical role employees play in delivering quality service.
Sometimes companies struggle to find and retain good employees, and the emphasis on equipment and products becomes a way to hide a revolving door of mediocre staff.
Consider a scenario many Facilities Managers recognize. Al is a Facility Manager looking to hire a commercial cleaning service. He gathers recommendations, calls a few companies, and schedules meetings.
Pete from ABC Commercial Cleaning Services meets with Al and provides a quote. Pete is friendly and punctual.
He talks about green cleaning products, new floor machines, vacuums, and other equipment.
However, Pete never explains what truly makes his company better. Al realizes the equipment does not operate itself.
Pete never once mentions the people who will be working in the building at night.
Pete has forgotten Rule #1: commercial cleaning services are not in the vacuum business—they are in the people business.
If a cleaning company fails to recognize that people are the most important factor, it does not matter how advanced their equipment is. Service quality will suffer.
Good people are the cornerstone of every service company.
When searching for the right provider, look for companies that understand how to recruit and retain excellent employees.
Commercial cleaning services vary greatly in quality. The industry has a wide range of experience levels and qualifications.
Because the startup costs appear low, many new operators enter the industry each year—and many disappear just as quickly.
Successfully recruiting, training, supervising, and motivating employees is much harder than it may seem.
Equipment and products matter, but ultimately a person operates the vacuum, cleans the windows, and checks the work at the end of a shift.
Employees who are fairly compensated and properly trained consistently perform better work.
Workers who feel respected, supported, and recognized bring the right attitude and work ethic into your facility.
Rule #2: Great Employees Create Great Results in Your Facility
Employees who are well trained, treated respectfully, and encouraged to grow professionally bring strong work habits and positive attitudes into your facility.
So how do you identify a company that understands the importance of people and consistently delivers excellent cleaning services?
Ask the Right Questions to Find the Right Commercial Cleaning Services
When evaluating cleaning companies, start by asking colleagues or other Facilities Managers for referrals.
If referrals are limited—which is common—prepare to ask direct questions such as:
- How do you verify employee work eligibility?
- Do you subcontract any portion of your services?
- What screening processes do you use when hiring employees?
- Who supervises the staff working in my facility?
- Who should I contact if there is an issue?
- How many other facilities does that supervisor manage?
- How do you view and support your employees?
- What steps do you take to recruit and retain high-quality employees?
- Do you have a formal system for handling service complaints?
- What exactly is included in your quote?
Is There an “Easy” Button for Finding a Solid Commercial Cleaning Service?
Although firsthand evaluation is important, industry associations can help narrow the search.
CIMS Certification is available through the ISSA , the global cleaning industry association.
CIMS stands for Cleaning Industry Management Standard and sets criteria companies must meet to demonstrate industry best practices.
The six critical best-practice areas include:
- Quality systems
- Service delivery
- Human resources
- Health, safety, and environmental stewardship
- Management commitment
- Green building
Companies that invest in these best practices demonstrate a strong commitment to service quality.
Businesses that meet certification standards are more likely to proactively manage service issues and continuously improve operations.
Ask questions, verify credentials, and focus on companies that recognize the importance of great people in delivering great service.
Doing so will greatly increase your chances of finding a commercial cleaning partner you can trust.
