Are any of these issues familiar to you when it comes to dealing with Commercial Cleaning Companies

I would like to go through some of the common issues that I hear about within the cleaning industry. I believe that most of the following problems can be solved with a little more attention to detail and a little more management input.

1.      Operatives being provided with incorrect or lack of equipment/supplies

This is a simple mistake to make, but if the cleaner arrives without the correct, functioning equipment that they need to complete their allotted tasks then they might as well have stayed at home! A problem that is easily overcome by ensuring that good communication is maintained between operatives and management and ensuring they have the right equipment and materials to do the job.

2.      No quality control / Attention to detail

Despite the emphasis placed on quality and details when it comes to cleaning, a lot of cleaners can become complacent over time. Operatives can reach a stage where they have become comfortable repeating the same cleaning tasks over and over again that they forget the smaller details that others will notice. Seemingly innocuous issues such as these can soon develop into an ongoing problem. This type of problem can be easily resolved by periodic management supervision and/or site visits, it’s vital that the work is checked by a fresh set of eyes from time to time.

3.      Too Expensive / Unclear pricing

It is often reported that some cleaning companies struggle to provide clear and understandable pricing structures. This can be caused by a number of factors, such as: trying to price the works without proper understanding of the specification, using out-dated pricing structures, not developing a proper understanding of the site, etc.

4.      Disruption to business

Cleaners arriving at the wrong time or attempting to access areas that have been deemed out of bounds is a common problem within the cleaning industry. This is another issue that results from of a lack of communication (I think there’s a pattern developing here!).

Not following instruction, neglecting additional/requested works

5.      Operatives that are insufficiently trained or can’t communicate

Untrained or poorly trained operatives can be a danger not only to themselves but to those around them. Focus must be placed on safe working practise above all else. This also encompasses a need for proper communication between operatives, management and customers.

6.      Rude operatives

It’s rare to find someone with a love for cleaning, cleaners can often become fed up with the day-to-day grind of the job at hand. This is where good management comes in to play, it’s important to keep staff motivated and try to ensure they are made to feel like they are a key part of an organisation.

7.      Rushing - lack of time

Cleaning is notoriously time-sensitive. It is the responsibility of managers to ensure that customers’ expectations are met but also that operatives are given a reasonable amount of time to complete their tasks in the time allocated. This is an issue that can arise on day one of a new job, it is vital that proposed works are properly assessed and realistically priced by an experienced individual.

8.      Operatives don’t turn up / Don’t arrive on time and-or Leave early

We hear all too often from companies looking to change their current cleaning service providers that their old cleaners would never work their full hours. This can be incredibly frustrating, especially combined with an overall lack of quality. Look after your staff and they will look after you and our clients.