Maintaining a clean business is important for both the people who visit your establishment and the ones who work there. It’s crucial not only for aesthetics but also for employee productivity and mental health. But if you’ve just taken over this part of your business or had issues with janitorial services in the past, you may have a tainted view of the industry. Rest assured, there are great ones out there. And if you stick to these key considerations, you’ll probably be pleasantly surprised at the outcome.
1. Experience & Knowledge of the Business
First and foremost, the cleaning service you hire should have plenty of experience in the business. The most obvious way to find this out is to ask them how long they’ve been in business. But you can also check their website, the county courthouse, or the Better Business Bureau to see if their incorporation date is listed.
They should also have a good grasp of the various cleaning solutions for all types of businesses. For example, we’d rarely use a portable steamer in a warehouse, but it’s unthinkable to work without it in a healthcare setting. Ask what kind of products will be used in your office or facility.
2. References & Reviews
Checking references is possibly the most telling task of finding out about your service. And you don’t have to just take the word of the references they give you.
The kinds of questions you ask during a reference check are key. Often times asking whether they like the company will elicit a “yes.” Instead, ask more detailed questions like:
- Was the quality of service consistent?
- Did they comply with specific needs your business had?
- Were they easy to contact and communicate with?
- Were they clear about who you should communicate with when you had questions or concerns?
Most commercial cleaning services will also have an online presence. Check sites like Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau to fully understand their reputation.
Also, if your business will be assigned a supervising janitor, don’t be afraid to ask for references specific to them as well.
3. Communication
Communication is key to a successful partnership and janitorial services program. And this is where some businesses fail. You should be able to communicate your needs to the service and have them respond accordingly. This is something you can usually assess during your first meeting. Find out who you’ll be communicating with directly and make sure it’s a good fit.
Ask questions like:
- If I have a service need, what are my options for communicating – a ticket system, phone calls, emails?
- How do you track service requests and how can I be sure that requests are honored even with changes in your staffing, schedule shifts, etc.?
- How long will it take your team to respond to my request?
4. Employee Vetting & Training
When you interview a janitorial service, be sure to ask them how they vet their employees. A reputable company should conduct background checks and implement a training program upon hiring their staff. They should also have a system in place for quality control so that you know their employees have some accountability for their work.
For example, many cleaning services implement hard and fast rules for employee attendance. Calling in sick is, of course, acceptable in most cases, but skipping work without a phone call is not. It’s important that the janitorial service you hire has clear rules for their janitors and a no-tolerance policy for behaviors like stealing or not showing up.
5. Technology, Equipment & Chemicals
One of the main reasons you keep your buildings clean is to provide a safe and healthy environment for everyone who enters. That means your janitorial service should use only the highest quality chemicals and equipment available.
It’s also important to make sure they’re using the latest technology at their disposal. This could include sanitizing systems, effective products, and thorough processes.
6. Service and Value Add-Ons
You have a choice in the janitorial service you choose, so find out what add-on services they can provide. For example, if you require periodic carpet or high-rise window cleaning, find out if that’s something they do and how much they charge.
You can also ask about any other providers they might network with to cover all your building maintenance needs. These might include HVAC repair services, plumbers, or electricians.
Bottom Line
Keep in mind exactly what you need in a commercial cleaning service and find one that meets as many of those needs as possible. We’re here to help!
