Growing your business, keeping customers happy, and making sure your team is thriving – it’s a juggling act. But let’s talk about something that is often understated: keeping your business spick and span. Commercial cleaning and janitorial services might sound like a boring detail, but trust me, it’s like an elephant in the room if ignored, which can cause a real problem.
Having a clean workspace isn’t just about looking good; it’s a smart business move.
A clean space means fewer sniffles and sick days, which keeps your team healthier and more productive. Plus, when your commercial property looks great, your employees feel more valued and motivated. It’s a win-win!
First impressions are everything! Whether you run a mall shop, an office, or a clinic, a sparkling clean space tells your customers you’re professional and pay attention to detail. It builds trust and makes them want to come back. A messy place? Not so much.
There are health and safety rules you’ve got to follow. Effective cleanliness practices help you tick all those boxes, ensuring compliance, avoiding fines, and keeping your operations smooth. Think of it as a basic requirement for a safe and sound business.
Some businesses, especially smaller ones or those with super unique needs, love the idea of having their very own janitorial staff. This means you’re hiring, training, and managing employees whose main job is to keep your place spotless.
Having your team gives you a lot of hands-on control and a real sense of team spirit.
You’re the boss, literally! You can see exactly what’s being cleaned, when, and how. If something needs a quick touch-up, your team is right there to handle it. Spilled coffee right before a big meeting? A last-minute client visit? A town hall for all your teams? Your in-house staff can jump on it immediately; no need to call an outside company and wait. You can train your cleaning crew exactly how you want them to clean your specific floors, handle delicate equipment, or follow any special rules unique to your business.
They’re not just a service; they’re part of your work family. This can lead to a stronger sense of dedication and pride in their work.
You also know exactly who’s coming and going. Since they’re your employees, you’ve done their background checks, giving you extra peace of mind about security.
But let’s be real, managing your team doesn’t always lead to spotless results without a lot of effort. There are some big responsibilities and hidden costs involved.
Finding good cleaning staff, doing background checks, interviews, and all that paperwork takes a lot of time and effort. You’re on the hook for salaries, health benefits, retirement plans, vacation pay, sick leave, and all the HR headaches that come with managing employees.
You’ll need to set up training, provide coaching, and dedicate management time to make sure they’re doing a good job. Managing sick days, vacations, and staff turnover: When someone calls in sick or goes on holiday, you’re the one scrambling to find coverage. High turnover means constantly hiring and training new people.
Get ready to buy expensive stuff like commercial vacuums, floor buffers, and carpet cleaners. That’s a big chunk of change upfront. These machines need regular tune-ups, and if they break down, it’s on you to fix them, causing delays and unexpected bills. Sourcing, inventory management, and storage of cleaning supplies: You’ll be responsible for purchasing, stocking, and storing all cleaning chemicals, paper towels, and tools. It’s a constant chore.
It’s tough for one business to own every fancy cleaning machine or train staff in every specialized method (like biohazard cleanup). Keeping up with industry best practices and new technologies: The cleaning world changes! Your in-house team might fall behind on the latest, most efficient, or eco-friendly methods without dedicated learning.
For other types of cleaning like post-construction messes, flood cleanups, carpet cleaning, or deep sanitization after an outbreak, your in-house team might not have the specific skills, gear, or enough people.
If one of your cleaners gets hurt on the job, you’re responsible for their workers’ comp and any legal issues. Adhering to all labor laws and safety regulations: You’ve got to make sure your team follows all the rules, like WorkSafeBC guidelines. Breaking these rules can lead to big fines.
The other path, and one that many businesses are choosing these days, is to hand over your cleaning to a company that specializes in commercial cleaning services. They’re the pros, after all!
Outsourcing brings a lot of perks, especially when it comes to saving you headaches and getting top-notch cleaning.
You usually pay a set fee each month, which makes budgeting a breeze. No surprise payroll costs or sudden equipment repair bills! All those pesky administrative tasks – salaries, taxes, health benefits, HR paperwork – are handled by the cleaning company.
The cleaning company brings all their own fancy equipment and supplies. You save on buying expensive machines and the hassle of stocking everything.
Good professional commercial cleaning services invest in training their staff. They know the latest techniques, safety rules, and industry standards inside out. They’ve got the big guns – commercial-grade equipment and a wide array of specialized cleaning products for every surface and challenge.
Commercial janitorial services typically have the expertise and equipment for specialized jobs, whether you need to disinfect a medical facility, perform heavy-duty industrial cleaning, or implement a fully green cleaning program.
These pros are trained to be quick and thorough. They usually get the job done faster and more effectively. If your business grows or slows down, the cleaning company can easily adjust its staff and services. No need for you to hire or lay off people.
By letting someone else handle the cleaning, your team can focus on what they do best – running and growing your business. A good professional office cleaning service will have its comprehensive insurance (liability, workers’ comp), protecting your business from potential claims related to their staff or work. They’re responsible for making sure their staff and practices follow all the rules and safety standards.
Of course, nothing’s perfect. Outsourcing has its downsides, too, and it’s good to be aware of them.
You won’t have your employee right there to tell them exactly what to do. You’ll need to be super clear in your instructions and contract. For tiny, immediate messes, you might have to wait for their next scheduled visit or pay extra for a special trip.
To ensure consistent, high-quality work, you need a clear service level agreement that outlines your expectations and a system for regularly auditing their performance.
You’re letting people who aren’t your direct employees into your business. Trust is a big factor here. Make sure the cleaning company thoroughly checks its staff’s backgrounds and has a solid reputation you can trust.
If you’re not clear about what you need, things can get lost in translation. It’s super helpful to have one specific person at the cleaning company who knows your business and can handle your questions or issues efficiently.
So, which path is right for you? There’s no single answer; it depends on your unique business. Here are the big things to think about when making your decision:
Don’t just compare what an employee earns per hour versus a monthly contract. Remember all those hidden costs for an in-house team: hiring, HR, benefits, insurance, equipment, supplies, and your own management time.
Do you prefer a big upfront cost (buying equipment for an in-house team) or predictable monthly payments (outsourcing)? Which fits your business’s financial style better?
If you have a tiny office with simple cleaning needs, an in-house solution might be fine. But for bigger places, multiple locations, or super busy spots, outsourcing usually makes more sense because of the efficiency and scale. Does your business need specialty cleaning (like a medical clinic, a lab, or a factory)? If so, a professional outsourced service with specialized training and equipment is often the best and safest bet.
Do you have the time and resources to manage a cleaning team? Think about all the time you’d spend hiring, training, scheduling, and overseeing them.
Is cleaning a core competency you want to develop internally? For most businesses, cleaning is a support role. Outsourcing lets you focus your energy on your main business goals.
How important is direct, minute-by-minute oversight? If you need to be in charge of every little detail, an in-house team might feel more comfortable.
How much value do you place on offloading the burden of cleaning management? For many, the ease and peace of mind of having pros handle everything is a huge plus.
How might your cleaning needs change as your business grows or shifts? Will you need more cleaners, different equipment, or new types of services down the road?
Which option offers better flexibility for future adjustments? Outsourced services are usually much more flexible, making it easier to ramp up or scale down cleaning as your business changes.
If you decide that outsourcing is the way to go, picking the right commercial cleaning company is super important. A great partnership starts with clear expectations and a bit of homework.
That’s where I Maid it! Cleaning Services, come in. We understand the unique demands of businesses right here in Surrey and are committed to transforming your cleaning strategy from a cost center into a true asset. We bring highly trained cleaning professionals, state-of-the-art equipment, and a proven system for maintaining impeccable hygiene, all without the hidden costs and headaches of managing an in-house team.
When you partner with us, you’re not just getting an excellent customer service; you’re gaining a reliable ally dedicated to your peace of mind and your bottom line. We handle the dirty work, so you can focus on what you do best – growing your business to success.
Get a deep dive of your business’s needs, crunch the numbers, and strategize for your long-term goals. Create a smart, informed decision that aligns with what your business truly needs, you’ll empower your company with the perfect janitorial solution for a spotless, productive, and bright future.
Not sure yet? No worries! Just hit us up to get a free quote and see what I Maid It! Cleaning Services pro team can do.
