Find the facilities services workers you need with our expert tips
“Where do I find the best cleaning workers?” “How can I hire janitorial workers near me?” If you’ve asked yourself either of these questions, you’re in the right place. In this article, PeopleReady highlights qualities that we look for in facility services workers like cleaning workers and janitors when hiring. Plus, we show you why a cleaning staffing agency is your best option for finding reliable workers to fill your open roles.
What a cleaning staffing agency considers when hiring cleaning crew
Reliability
According to Cleaning & Maintenance Management magazine, the cleaning industry has one of the highest turnover rates — up to 300% for some companies. In fact, CleanLink’s 2021 Facility Cleaning Decisions Management Survey notes that 40% of employers say absenteeism is their biggest staffing challenge. They also noted staffing retention (29%) and staff tardiness (26%) as other significant challenges.
Based on these responses, reliability is one of the most important skills for cleaning workers to have. Also keep in mind that cleaning workers might have to access secure buildings or sensitive areas after hours or work alone for entire shifts. When you can count on your team, the everyday duties and responsibilities of the job can be accomplished with ease.
Flexibility
High turnover rates aren’t the only cleaning staffing challenge that companies face. In the 2021 Facility Cleaning Decisions Management Survey, 52% of respondents said they needed more cleaning workers to keep up with increased workloads. That trend has persisted over the past couple of years, especially as client expectations have continued to rise.
Another thing to note is that cleaning projects often require nontraditional hours, including night and weekend shifts. So, having workers who can step in at a moment’s notice and show up on time for hard-to-fill shifts is crucial. When you need to hire cleaners quickly, this flexibility is your number one asset.
Positive attitude and friendly personality
Facility services workers such as cleaning workers or janitors play a key role in creating a pleasant environment for anyone who enters a business or event space. They need to be friendly and approachable and maintain a positive attitude. This is especially important in hospitality companies like restaurants or hotels where guests expect both a clean space and personable cleaning staff.
Whether they’re spending extra time cleaning guest rooms and common areas or helping guests when they have a special request, facility services workers are the friendly faces that represent your business. Workers who go the extra mile will make a great impression and help you create a first-rate experience.
Time management
Cleaning workers must often complete a set number of cleanings or projects during their shift, putting their time management skills to the test. They will likely need to stick to a schedule to ensure cleanings are completed on time. This includes their ability to stay focused so that all tasks are given the time and effort they require.
If you expect your workers to arrive for a scheduled shift or your team has been given a certain timeline to complete their tasks, time management skills become even more critical.
Attention to detail
The frequent mentions of attention to detail in job descriptions for cleaning positions indicates how important it is in this field. From streak-free windows to organized shelves and spotless floors, your workers will need strong attention to detail to perform expert, top-to-bottom cleanings.
With a keen eye for detail, your workers can complete successful cleanings without any hang-ups. This can also help enhance your reputation, promoting a positive brand image.
Communication skills
When you need to hire cleaning workers, keep in mind that communication is key for any cleaning project. When your workers lack strong communication skills, important parts of a project may be overlooked. This can lead to dissatisfied clients and cancelled cleanings, two things your business would rather avoid.
Your team members must be able to communicate effectively with coworkers, clients and supervisors. Strong communication skills prevent misunderstandings and allow your cleaning crew to work together as a team to get the job done correctly and on time.
Cleaning knowledge
Cleaning knowledge means more than knowing what needs to be scrubbed, dusted or mopped. In order to succeed as a cleaner or janitorial worker, your team members must have a deep understanding of the proper cleaning products and tools for each task.
Cleaning workers should also be familiar with common safety practices, like how to prevent slips and falls. And they need to be willing to learn your company’s safety procedures. As a result, you can rest assured that your cleaning staff can take on any cleaning task.
Physical fitness and endurance
Being physically fit can be important for cleaning workers. After all, most cleaning workers will be on their feet for the majority of their shift, and typical cleaning tasks require bending, lifting and squatting. When looking for janitors to hire, you need the kind of cleaning staff that can keep up with the demands of the job.
That’s why physical fitness and endurance are at the top of the list of qualities to look for in your candidates. These qualities can help ensure that your team is better equipped to tackle the demands of the job.
Looking for cleaning staffing support? Partner with PeopleReady
We get it: Putting together the right cleaning staffing plan can be messy. You might not have the time or resources to hire janitorial workers, event cleaning workers or other facility services workers. A cleaning staffing agency or janitorial staffing agency like PeopleReady gives you the flexibility you need to manage your workforce.
When you partner with us, you’ll be able to connect with part-time or temporary workers who have all the qualities we mentioned above. We can also help you avoid the stress of filling night and weekend shifts at the last second. With our app, JobStack, along with the support of our local teams, you’re able to request workers 24/7 and have confidence that your cleaning staffing needs are met.
PeopleReady gives you access to long-term and on-demand cleaning staffing solutions when you need them the most. The types of facility services workers we provide include:
- Housekeepers
- Building cleaners
- Custodians
- Janitors
- Laundry attendants
- Cleaning crew members
- Debris removal workers
- And more!
