((People + Value) × (Consistency – Fuzzy Pricing) + (Budget Concerns + Responsiveness)) = ???

Does finding the right office cleaning company feel like trying to solve a complicated algebra equation? Too many variables, too many unknowns, and no clear solution in sight? You’re not alone—many Facility Managers feel overwhelmed trying to identify office cleaning providers that deliver real value.

The good news? You don’t need an advanced degree to solve this equation. There *is* a reliable formula for identifying a great office cleaning partner, and once you understand the key variables, the answer becomes clear.

"With a few key variables uncovered, you can find office cleaning companies that offer effective service with numbers that add up to real value for your facility."

Don’t Let Your Office Cleaning Give You Fuzzy Math

Are your janitorial bids full of unclear pricing, vague scopes of work, or numbers that simply don’t add up? If your prospective office cleaning company can’t provide transparent pricing, a major red flag is already waving.

Why is transparent pricing critical?

• You can accurately compare bids “apples to apples.”
• You understand what you’re paying for—and what you’re not.
• You can hold your provider accountable to specific deliverables.
• You avoid low-price traps that deliver low-value service.

Remember: Price is what you pay, value is what you get.

"When it comes to office cleaning, price is what you pay, value is what you get."

The best office cleaning companies don’t hide behind fuzzy pricing. They want you to clearly understand their proposal because clarity ensures alignment, trust, and measurable success.

Without Good People, the Numbers Never Add Up

In every service business, people are the foundation—and office cleaning is no exception. The most effective commercial office cleaning companies invest heavily in finding, screening, training, and retaining the right people.

Want to know whether a prospective cleaning company truly understands this? Ask them:

• How do you recruit quality cleaners?
• What does your screening and background check process look like?
• Do you drug test all employees—every time?
• What ongoing training do your teams receive?
• How do your managers support cleaners in the field?

If the answers are vague or inconsistent, walk away.

Uneven hiring practices, skipped background checks, or weak training standards always lead to:

• poor service
• high turnover
• security risks
• apathetic, disengaged cleaners

A strong company culture and consistent people-first processes ensure the cleaners in your building are capable, invested, and reliable.

"No business just divines the right answer to the people problem—they must do the work of finding, screening, hiring, training and managing employees who are a good fit."

You CAN Find an Office Cleaning Company That Has the Answer

Finding the right office cleaning partner doesn’t have to feel impossible. The best companies follow a simple formula:

• Great people
• Strong training
• Clear communication
• Responsiveness to issues

Responsiveness is especially critical. Even the best cleaning teams will occasionally need feedback or clarification. What matters is how quickly and effectively your provider responds.

A trustworthy cleaning company has a documented communication and issue-resolution process that ensures concerns are addressed promptly and professionally.

"It isn’t IF your commercial cleaning company is going to make a misstep—it’s what they DO when it happens."

Looking for the Easy A?

Wish there were a shortcut to finding a great office cleaning company? In this case—there is.

One of the easiest ways to filter your shortlist is to rely on industry certifications like ISSA CIMS. CIMS-certified companies consistently meet high standards in:

• quality systems
• service delivery
• human resources
• health & safety
• management commitment

These are the A-students of the cleaning industry—companies committed to excellence, professionalism, and continuous improvement.

Don’t struggle through complex equations trying to figure out which office cleaning provider is the right choice. The solution is simpler than you think.