As we cruise into 2018, we are feeling refreshed by the holiday, and very optimistic about the new year. Indeed, it’s an exciting time to be in the cleaning business: according to a recent study by investment bank Scott-Macon, the industry is expected to grow almost 60% faster between 2014 and 2020 than it did between 2010 and 2013, outpacing GDP. It’s soon expected to be a $60 billion industry.
The result? Suddenly, everyone wants to be in the cleaning business. While we’re flattered by all the attention, as professionals who have been in this business for over 20 years, we aren’t surprised. And it must be said: we are less than impressed with all the newcomers.
I don’t need to mention any names, because you’ve already seen their websites and glossy brochures. They spend a lot of money on these things, and they do it for one simple reason: they need to. Because the people who run these companies weren’t in this business ten years ago, or even five years ago. They showed up when they smelled the money, and experience just isn’t their strong suit.
It comes down to trust. The three things that cause 90% of the problems with a commercial cleaning and janitorial service are:
1. Poor Training
2. Frequent Turnover
3. Lack of Proper Communication
Simply put, corporate cleaning services fall short on all three of these points. In order to support their big-dollar ad budgets, their business models require them to recruit less experienced workers. This leads to high turnover, and a diminished quality of service overall. Likewise, too many inexperienced managers lead to inadequate training, and a breakdown in communication with clients.
Decades of experience has taught us that cleaning and maintaining an office or place of business is personal. All of us want things to be a certain way in our space, that goes without saying. The people we trust to keep it that way shouldn’t change every other week.
When it comes to the maintenance of your workplace, surprises are never a good thing. That’s why in this business, continuity is the key.
We’ll be back with more industry trends and news regularly, so make sure to bookmark us and come back soon. Have a safe and Happy New Year!