Understanding Janitorial Service Startups and Avoiding Shortages During the Transition
When potential clients contact us, they’re often frustrated with their current cleaning provider. We craft a proposal of how we can better meet their needs and improve their experience and once it’s been decided to partner together, they usually “ask when can you start?”
Here’s a scenario that we encounter more often than you might think:
Facility Manager: “We’d like to partner with Populist. We are concerned that when we give our current provider 30 day notice they may walkout and stop servicing our facility.”
“What Do I Do If My Current Cleaning Company Walks Out?”
What You Need to Know About Starting Janitorial Services
Reality #1 – Building the Right Team Takes Time
Many people assume cleaning companies can instantly assemble a team like a staffing agency, but this isn’t true. Each client requires a tailored team, balancing part-time and full-time workers and ensuring a mix of male and female employees to meet specific needs. Recruiting the right staff isn’t a quick process—it’s deliberate and precise.
Reality #2 – Effective Cleaning Relies on a Detailed Plan
While janitorial work isn’t overly technical, it requires a well-thought-out plan to ensure efficiency and consistency. This includes clear task assignments, defined cleaning sequences, and thorough checklists to maintain high standards across all areas. A good plan minimizes gaps and ensures quality.
Reality #3 – Training is Essential for Consistency
Even though most people think cleaning is simple, it requires proper training. Team members need to learn how to operate cleaning equipment, choose the right chemicals for different surfaces, and perform tasks like sweeping and mopping effectively. Comprehensive training also ensures safe work practices.
When Can You Expect Us to Start?
Depending on project size the typical timeline is four weeks to 6 weeks. This allows us to hire the right team, train them effectively, and establish a tailored cleaning plan for your facility.
What to Do in the Meantime?
If your current provider has already quit or is failing to meet basic obligations, here’s how to keep things running during the transition:
- Hold your current provider accountable. Remind them of their obligation to provide service through the 30-day notice period and ask them to follow through.
- Ask your new provider for short-term assistance. See if they can offer partial service in the immediate to cover critical areas until full services begin.
- Utilize a staffing agency if needed. They can supply temporary workers to handle tasks like restocking essentials, emptying trash, and cleaning high-traffic areas until your new janitorial team is ready.
By planning ahead and using these strategies, you can ensure a smooth transition and avoid disruptions in cleanliness or supplies during the process.
