Commercial Cleaning Business Mistakes to Avoid

Commercial cleaning business owners in the United States can expect industry growth due to several factors, such as increased demand for cleanliness in commercial spaces, industry-related technical advancements, trends in sustainability and diversity in different types of workspaces requiring cleaning solutions, according to industry researchers. 

Through the end of 2024, the commercial cleaning and sanitation services revenue is expected to reach $75.3 billion, and industry revenue is set to swell to $83.7 billion in 2029, according to an IBISWorld report. Industry data about gains in market size chiefly benefits business owners. However, workers can also expect increased opportunities for employment and earnings. 

In 2023, the number of employees in cleaning occupations in the United States topped 3 million – janitors and cleaners, excluding maids and housekeepers, comprised the largest share of employees. In the context of annual wages of employees in cleaning occupations in the U.S., this group made up the third-highest earners according to a Statista report.

For commercial cleaning business owners who wish to reap these and other benefits, it is important to adopt relevant trends. Additionally, success in this industry means avoiding mistakes that can make or break a cleaning company. 

Ignoring proof of service delivery

Because clean workspaces reduce the risk of accidents, injuries and exposure to harmful substances, building managers must adhere to strict regulations regarding cleanliness. This is one reason why customers are demanding more in terms of proof of service from their contractors. 

To avoid issues concerning service delivery, commercial cleaning business owners can provide tangible evidence upon completion of tasks. Contractors that use a mobile workforce management solution gain access to streamlined data, which can increase customer satisfaction by showing that contractual agreements were promptly met.

Proof of service can include pictures or videos that cleaners take on-site after completing tasks. During future bidding processes, proof of service delivery information can be used as a selling point. It can attract new customers or encourage repeat business. 

Additionally, the data captured with service delivery management software can protect businesses against premise liability claims, which includes slip and fall cases. An indisputable work record can give contractors the power to protect themselves against expensive lawsuits and fines. It can also help with proving when and where employees completed tasks and responded to incidents.

Inadequate use of business intelligence

Companies with an integrated workforce management system can access business intelligence and analytics tools that support more informed business plans via data-driven decisions. Commercial cleaning companies can use business software to transform disjointed data to gain better insight into operational and financial performance. 

Business intelligence tools can help identify and track key performance indicators (KPIs) via easy-to-read charts and graphs. Contractors can easily review what matters most, with common examples including overtime tracking, budgets, revenue and customer information. 

Cleaning companies have used business intelligence tools to allow supervisors to receive alerts to help monitor trends. Additionally, it is possible to gain access to over 100 reports, charts and graphs, putting powerful analytics at the fingertips of a cleaning contractor, including:

• Open Positions Report
• Hours Budget Comparison
• Schedule Activity Week Summary
• Quality Checkpoint Review
• Insurance Benefit Reports
• Report Scheduling

Failing to meet federal requirements

Companies that neglect to meet federal requirements put themselves at risk for time-consuming litigation, costly fines and penalties. To ensure requirements are met, compliance monitoring software can aid in risk management.

Companies that effectively manage meeting regulations with compliance software can identify areas of non-compliance with relevant laws, contractual obligations and regulatory standards or industry requirements. Software can help to identify compliance gaps and minimize the amount of time it takes to resolve an issue.

In addition to staying up to date with regulations and requirements, compliance software can help companies operate more effectively. Software tools can aid with identifying operational areas that may be improved. Focusing on areas where improvements can be implemented could mean establishing maintainable, consistent compliance processes that drive growth.

Common cleaning business mistakes concerning compliance can happen due to contractors employing lone workers. Because they are isolated, cleaners are exposed to an increased risk of accidents. Common examples include slip and fall incidents or exposure to hazardous materials. Compliance software can help in these ways: 

• A periodic checks tool can establish when employees must check in via a system at a customer-configurable time, enabling them to confirm they are safe while working alone
• Managers in the field can be alerted if there are any missed check-ins, so they can follow-up on workers
• Integrated software with a compliance code feature can ensure that only employees trained to work a site can be scheduled for a particular site

Neglecting workers 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported that the unemployment rate is at 4.2%, which means that even in the cleaning industry where demand is expected to increase, businesses continue to face the challenge of the shrinking yet highly competitive labor force. 

In this job market, neglecting good workers is one of the more common cleaning business mistakes. However, raising retention rates can help companies combat some of the challenges in the current job market. TEAM Software data shows that the highest rate of turnover occurs in the first 60 days of employment. 

However, long-term retention can be tied to employee engagement. It’s important to build a culture where managers have regular touchpoints with employees to discuss career development and goals. Additionally, employers must also discuss day-to-day work assignments and questions. More frequent communication also helps teams work more closely together. 

Incentive programs that reward workers can also support retention, as top performers are acknowledged. Examples of incentive programs and rewards include monetary bonuses, referral programs, profit-sharing, flexible hours or work arrangements, additional vacation days and travel incentives, professional development stipends and employee training opportunities.

Avoiding cleaning business mistakes with TEAM Software 

Although researchers predict growth in the industry, avoiding common commercial cleaning business mistakes can help businesses during a challenging time. For more information on how TEAM Software can help solve these and other challenges, schedule time with one of our experts.