Why Multitasking Can Diminish the Effectiveness & Consistency of Your Office Cleaning
Multitasking sounds like a good idea, but research tells us it really isn’t. Humans don’t perform well when we constantly juggle multiple tasks at once.
Sure, sometimes it’s unavoidable. And the more skilled the job is, the more it requires people to wear multiple hats (we’re talking to you, Facility Managers).
But whenever possible, specialization produces more consistent, higher-quality work, with fewer mistakes and missed details.
Studies show again and again that productivity improves when people stay focused on specific tasks instead of switching constantly.
That’s why the old way of cleaning large buildings is being phased out.
Traditionally, one person handled a specific zone and performed many different cleaning tasks using different equipment, products, and methods.
Today, many facilities are shifting toward team cleaning for better results and more efficiency.
So what is team cleaning, what is zone cleaning, and how do they compare when evaluating commercial office cleaning companies?
In zone cleaning, each cleaner needs their own set of tools, equipment, and cleaning products.
This creates costly duplication, plus ongoing storage, maintenance, and replacement issues.
Zone cleaning also takes more time because cleaners are constantly task switching. That slows productivity and increases labor hours.
When one individual handles all duties in a zone, it also increases the margin for error.
It can require specialized equipment for every zone, and training becomes more involved, more expensive, and harder to manage.
So what is the alternative?
In team cleaning, each office cleaner has specific assigned duties that connect together.
For example, one person may vacuum throughout the building, while another handles restrooms, and another collects trash.
When each team member knows exactly what needs to be done, how it should be done, and who is responsible, the job gets completed faster.
The end result is typically better quality, better consistency, and fewer missed details.
Team Cleaning Outperforms Zone Cleaning In Commercial Office Cleaning
There are office buildings where it makes sense to have a single cleaner.
But in many larger facilities, team cleaning can offer major advantages over zone cleaning.
What kind of advantages will Team Cleaning offer?
- Specialists and generalists offer a strong mix of precision and flexibility.
- Faster, simplified training helps office cleaners do THEIR job well.
- Streamlined supervision and easier replacements improve consistency.
- Workloads are better balanced, creating stronger team cohesion.
- Consistently high results become easier and more likely.
- Higher cleaning quality in less time reduces labor hours and cost.
- Lower training costs are often passed on to customers.
- Workflows can be customized to the needs of YOUR facility.
- Reduced equipment costs and servicing means lower overall costs.
- More efficient labor hour usage reduces total spend.
- Programs like Cleaning for Health and Smart Cleaning are easier to implement.
- Better financial outcomes for both janitorial companies and customers.
When Cost Cutting Is a Necessity, Team Cleaning Comes Through
Nearly all Facility Managers we speak to are looking for ways to trim building maintenance costs.
But cost reductions can’t come at the expense of an acceptable level of clean. The key is saving money without sacrificing service.
Team cleaning can reduce office cleaning costs without disrupting your facility’s overall maintenance.
With team cleaning, office cleaners learn specific tasks and perfect them by repeating the same job across the entire facility.
For example, a light duties specialist typically dusts and cleans surfaces, wipes windows and doors, empties trash, and stacks it for pickup by another team member.
Office cleaning teams may also include a vacuum specialist, utilities specialist, restroom specialist, and more.
With task specialists, you gain real benefits in both quality and efficiency.
First, you significantly reduce the risk of cross contamination.
Second, specialized cleaners are more likely to clean the right way, every time.
Third, quality assurance becomes simpler because responsibilities are clear and accountability is built in.
When there is no confusion about who owns which tasks, it becomes harder to “pass the buck” and easier to maintain standards.
Factoring Rising Janitorial Costs Into the Equation
Janitorial costs are rising, and one major reason is increases in legal minimum wage.
Because labor is the biggest cost for a janitorial services provider, wage changes have a direct impact on pricing.
Major wage increases in Michigan, along with healthcare requirement changes, have contributed to higher commercial cleaning costs.
After labor hours, equipment costs are often the next major expense for an office cleaning company.
When commercial office cleaning companies can reduce labor hours and equipment duplication, they can often pass savings on to customers.
Team cleaning helps manage labor and equipment costs without compromising quality.
With fewer total janitorial hours required, team cleaning can lower costs for both the service provider and your facility.
Ready to Get Better Office Cleaning Services At a Better Value?
The effectiveness and consistency of your office cleaning services can make a huge difference in your workload as a Facility Manager.
It also impacts the overall appearance, performance, and perception of your facility.
Don’t let inefficient office cleaning services keep you stuck in a rut.
If you aren’t satisfied with the quality or value of your current provider, it may be time to look for a better solution.
You can find office cleaners who prioritize best practices, efficient service, and cost-saving measures without creating new complaints.
You can trim costs while still maintaining a facility that looks professional and operates smoothly.
Here at Stathakis, we deliver consistent, responsive service and solid value to businesses across Southeastern Michigan.
With more than thirty years in business, we have built a proven service delivery model. Just ask our customers.
We work hard to create lasting partnerships and offer the cost-effective janitorial services Michigan businesses deserve.
If you are a Facility Manager in Ann Arbor, Detroit, Royal Oak, Farmington Hills, Farmington, Dearborn, Livonia, Troy, Auburn Hills, Novi, Plymouth, Downriver, or surrounding areas, we can help.
For commercial cleaning, office cleaning, school cleaning, industrial cleaning, medical cleaning, or a trusted janitorial partner, contact us to learn more.
