3 Ways Technology Can Optimise Your Cleaning Business and Boost Competitiveness

Juggling the daily operations of a cleaning business while striving to enhance efficiency and strengthen competitiveness can be challenging.

In this brief overview, I'll focus on three common challenges cleaning businesses often face and show how implementing technology solutions can help you overcome these hurdles and gain a competitive edge.

Challenge 1: Customer Complaints

It’s frustrating when customers complain - especially when you know the job was done as agreed.

A typical complaint might be, “It’s not properly cleaned here.” Your initial reaction may be to say, “It looked good when we left.”

But what if you could document the work with a photo? Sending an image can prove the cleaning was completed as agreed, building trust.

Even better, what if you could prevent complaints by sending documentation immediately after the cleaning is done?

While price was once the primary factor in choosing a cleaning provider, we’re seeing a trend where documentation is increasingly in demand by customers.

Imagine being able to send images instantly after the cleaning as proof of completed work. This creates transparency and satisfaction for clients.

By implementing a digital documentation system, you can both prevent complaints and enhance your competitiveness.

Challenge 2: Absences and Shift Reorganisation

You know the drill - it’s Monday morning, and the first call of absence comes in. The rota collapses, and you need to quickly reshuffle and reach out to staff.

With a digital scheduling system, you can swiftly get an overview of available staff and automatically send notifications about changes.

This reduces the administrative burden and makes managing absences easier. But what if you could also reduce the number of absences?

Challenge 3: Staffing Issues

The labour shortage in the cleaning industry is a growing problem, hindering both productivity and growth. The lack of hands means many businesses can’t reach their full growth potential.

Cleaning robots may offer a partial solution to the industry’s labour shortage. Does this mean robots should take over employees’ work? Not at all—they can assist with strenuous tasks, allowing your employees to focus on more engaging work.

For example, robots can vacuum large areas and handle heavy lifting, leading to fewer sick days and a better work environment.

Implementing technology like cleaning robots can also help attract a new type of worker and make your business more appealing to applicants interested in tech.

Unsure how to get started?

Begin with a simple technology that suits your business needs. For example, you could start with a digital documentation system or a single cleaning robot. Test it out, make adjustments, and then consider expanding your tech investments.

While new technology can be costly initially, it can save you money in the long run. Technology can work longer and more efficiently, meaning less overtime and fewer sick days.

Now you know a bit more about how technology can support your business. The first step is to identify which tasks in your company could be simplified with technology. Start small and build gradually.