Maintaining a clean and hygienic workplace has never been so important.
As the government gradually eases restrictions imposed to control the spread of COVID-19, businesses are beginning to open their doors. With employees returning to the workplace and customers being welcomed onto business premises once again, employers have a responsibility to keep people safe by ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness.
A quick look online will probably reveal lots of cleaning companies in your area. But how do you know which one you can rely on? Use our handy checklist for how to choose a cleaning company.
1. Is the Company Insured?
You’ve spent years building up your business and creating a work environment that employees, customers and guests feel comfortable in. Why risk being left with unsightly damage that will cost a fortune to repair?
Check that any cleaning company you hire is fully insured. They should also be covered by special risk insurance that provides protection from specific damage to your property.
2. Do Their Prices Offer Value for Money?
“Value” does not always mean “cheapest”. Are the prices fair and reasonable for a professional cleaning service delivered by an experienced team using the most advanced equipment? Does the company offer to price match quotes provided by similar competitors?
When deciding if the company offers value for money, consider what else they offer besides the basic services. Can the company cater for your specific needs? Do they offer added value, for example using environmentally friendly products, investing in staff training and demonstrating a commitment to maintaining high standards of quality?
3. Does the Company Serve Your Location?
This may sound like a no-brainer, but there’s no point searching for “the best commercial cleaning company” and selecting the top choice if they don’t have the capacity to visit your premises.
Instead, narrow down your research by using phrases such as “cleaning services Leicester” or “commercial cleaning services near me”. And don’t rely solely on the internet. Ask around locally. Word-of-mouth is the best form of advertising — a recommendation from someone in your local business network is worth its weight in gold.
4. Does the Company Have Accreditations and Testimonials?
Look the company up on social media and see what their customers are saying about them. Are there positive reviews on Facebook? Do they have a good rating on Google Reviews?
Accreditations with industry organisations are also a good sign that a company is trustworthy and committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism. Look on the business’ website to see if the company has achieved any relevant certifications with the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). Have they received any industry awards?
5. Are Staff Well-Trained and Monitored?
Commercial cleaning requires a wide range of skills and experience. You may need industry-specific or bespoke cleaning services for your business. Does the company invest in training its people and regularly monitoring their performance?
If it’s not apparent from the company website, ask how staff are selected, trained and supported to develop. All employees should receive comprehensive induction and safety training as well as ongoing monitoring and support. This helps to ensure that quality standards are maintained and that working practices protect people from harm. Furthermore, well-supported employees who feel confident in their role are more likely to be motivated to perform at their best.
6. Does the Company Directly Employ Its Cleaners?
Some cleaning companies outsource their recruitment to agencies. This can result in a mixed bag of experience and professionalism. Agency staff will also be less committed to the company and its values than direct employees.
Small, family-run businesses have to work hard to build and maintain their reputation, so they will be highly motivated to do a great job. They will also have greater control over their workforce and are less likely to struggle with capacity — agency workers can choose not to work at the last minute, which could leave you high and dry.
7. How Organised Is the Company?
If you’re running a business, the service you pay for must be delivered on time and to the required standard.
Are there processes and systems in place to make sure that the service you have booked is delivered without fail? Is there a routine of monitoring and auditing the service? It shouldn’t be down to the business owner to keep tabs on the cleaning service and flag any issues.
How does the company ensure the highest standards of hygiene? Cross-contamination can spread germs and bacteria, resulting in illness and sickness absence, so there should be a system in place to prevent this — for example, using a colour-coding procedure.
8. When Is the Service Available?
Business hours will vary depending on the industry and potentially the season. Check that a cleaning service provider offers the flexibility to accommodate your preferred schedule before signing up.
Most organisations choose to have cleaning completed outside their main hours of operation to prevent disruption to employees and customers. If a cleaning company has limited availability, this could negatively impact your experience with them.
9. Does the Company Meet Your ‘Green’ Standards?
According to the HSBC’s “Made for the Future” report, almost half of UK companies are planning to increase their spending on eco-friendly initiatives before the summer of 2021. Recent research suggests that the coronavirus pandemic may also have made consumers more concerned with sustainability.
If your company is committed to boosting its green credentials and operating more sustainably, check that the cleaning company you hire has values that align with these objectives. Do they use eco-friendly products and packaging where possible?
Choosing a cleaning company for your business is a big decision. You need to be confident that the company can deliver the level of expertise you require and that they will provide a reliable service that meets stringent quality standards. Do your research and take the time to find a service that aligns with the specific needs and values of your business to avoid unnecessary stress, hassle and expense.
