A commercial property that shines from floor to ceiling sets the right tone for customers and employees. It makes a great first impression, encourages repeat business and keeps morale high. Cleanliness in the workplace reflects the strong sense of pride that you take in your business every day.
Are you thinking about an in-house cleaning program for your commercial property?
It’s a big job, but you can do it if you prepare in advance and plan for the long run.
We take care of office cleaning here in Chicago and across the suburbs, so we know how to set up efficient, cost-effective cleaning programs for all types of businesses. We’re happy to share that expertise.
Organize, Schedule and Commit
If it were as easy as sweeping and mopping once a week, you wouldn’t need a project plan. DIY janitorial services require organizational skills, solid scheduling and employee commitment. You have to run a tight ship and recognize that this is an ongoing job.
Our overview covers seven essential steps for setting up a successful in-house cleaning program.
1. Take a Good Look Around
Put yourself in customers’ and employees’ shoes, and take a walk around your property. Do entryways look clean and inviting? Are offices dust-free and bathrooms fresh? Analyze areas by how often each one needs attention.
This assessment helps you develop a plan that addresses all interiors.
2. Ask for Employee Input
In-house office cleaning falls on their shoulders, so ask your employees for their ideas. Let them know how much you value their input and their willingness to help.
When you make them a part of your planning process, they feel that they have a real investment in making it all work.
3. Design and Outline Your Cleaning Program
Whether you work it into a spread-sheet format or tabular layout, assemble your program into a printable guide listing areas that need to be cleaned.
Combine the information with daily, weekly and monthly scheduling, and include specifics about necessary equipment and products.
4. Delegate Responsibilities and Checklists
Delegate cleaning responsibilities with the same sense of balance and fairness that you apply to assigning regular office duties. Make sure employees clearly understand what’s expected, and provide checklists to help everyone cover details associated with their specific tasks.
Power Tip: Give employees the flexibility to trade assignments if they like. Let them know that you plan on rotating duties on a regular basis.
5. Organize and Centralize Supplies
Keep supplies centralized so that everyone has easy access to equipment and products. Park vacuum cleaners, mops and brooms in a common storage area. Use shelving to sort cleaning sprays, liquid detergents and disinfectants.
Save money by purchasing bulk supplies through a wholesale club.
6. Coordinate a Practice Run
Set aside a few hours to practice the new cleaning routine, and ask everyone to evaluate how well the plan works. Get input on what goes smoothly and what kind of modifications can make the job easier. Use the feedback to fine-tune details and finalize your cleaning schedule.
Power Tip: When you’re finished with the practice round, surprise everyone with a pizza delivery or a few hours out at a favorite gathering spot. Let your employees know that you really appreciate their hard work.
7. Honestly Evaluate the Results
Put pen to paper, and do the math. Between employee time spent on cleaning and your investment in equipment and supplies, make sure you’re striking a balance that works for your budget.
If in-house cleaning efforts cost more than the outlay for professional services, you need to modify your plan.
When You Can’t Do It All
Even the best in-house cleaning programs have limits, so know when to bring a professional cleaning company on board. These are a few examples of jobs that should be handled by teams with industry expertise:
• Deep carpet steam cleaning and stain removal
• Air duct cleaning and sanitizing
• Upholstery and fabric cleaning
• Extensive mold removal
• Emergency fire and water damage cleanup
An experienced cleaning contractor can actually help you control operating costs, and his services free up your employees so that they can focus on day-to-day business.
You Always Have Our Support
Cleanliness in the workplace is a goal that we all share, so let us know if you find our overview helpful. If you’ve had experience developing your own in-house cleaning plan, we invite you to share your ideas with our online community through our Comments Section.
Whether you set up a full- or part-time cleaning schedule, we’re ready to support your efforts. If you prefer to leave the hard work to professionals, we’re ready to help.
ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba supplies business janitorial services all across Chicago and the suburbs. Whatever you need, we’re here to serve.