Keeping your work environment clean is something every business owner expects to have to invest in, with corporate cleaning services often top of the list for getting the job done. But where do you start in your search for the right cleaning partner?
As with any professional service, selecting the right firm to work with you is an important decision.
Business Cleaning Checklist
Their expertise, flexibility and attitude are amongst the things to look out for; here’s our checklist to help as you explore your options:
Are they really professional cleaning suppliers?
Firstly, it’s important to check that any firm you’re looking at actually has experience in dealing with corporate premises, which is quite different to looking after residential properties. Not only do you need cleaning staff who understand how to deal with things like high-footfall areas and commercial cleaning products, but also a team that have discretion when it comes to seeing the inner workings of your business as they go about their tasks.
How flexible can they be?
Now more than ever businesses are being creative with their operational hours, meaning it’s no longer enough to have the cleaners in before 8 am or after 6 pm and assume there’ll be no one around. Make sure your prospective supplier can work with you and adapt to the quieter times in your working schedule, which may even vary from week to week.
How do they treat their workforce?
In any job, employees need to feel valued, fairly treated and appropriately paid for the work they do to drive productivity and loyalty. Cleaners should be well paid. Enquire about any employee engagement data available or take a look at their welfare policies to understand how cleaning providers are treating their staff and don’t be afraid to ask about staff turnover. You need consistent, quality service from staff who are engaged in their work so these are important questions.
Cleaners should be well-trained. A good cleaning company will emphasise training their cleaners and provide continuous development opportunities.
Don’t forget cleaners are heroes!
How broad is their service offering?
Whether it’s a regular daily/weekly/monthly schedule you’re looking to implement or something incorporating more specialist services such as deep cleaning, carpet and upholstery maintenance or full window cleaning, it’s helpful to understand the possible breadth of services you may require and how important it is to get this from a single partner. Ask about the full range of services available and discuss any bespoke requirements upfront to make sure you get the outcomes you’re looking for.
What’s their approach to health and safety?
As well as having the appropriate insurance policies to safeguard their workforce and yours, a professional cleaning services provider should also be able to demonstrate an exemplary record of managing the health and safety of their employees and within the premises, they look after. From chemical cleaning products to manual handling, the right policies should be in place to ensure everyone’s wellbeing whilst delivering a great service.
Having a clean, hygienic and well-maintained office is more important than ever, with employees increasingly conscious of the role this plays in their overall wellbeing. Selecting the right cleaning services partner will do more than just ensure you achieve this; you’ll also benefit from a more engaged and productive workforce with increased employer loyalty. It’s a double win!
Talk to RFM today to explore how we can keep your spaces safe and spotless.
A full glossary of cleaning terms can be found in RFM Group’s Industry Terms in Cleaning Glossary.
