As workplaces around the country begin to re-open, recent research reveals that the demand for commercial cleaning and disinfecting services will grow exponentially. In fact, 83% of businesses are “likely” or “very likely” to clean their facilities more frequently upon re-opening. At the same time, 73% of consumers believe that their workplace should be cleaned daily and 56% want it disinfected daily. What does this mean for business owners? It’s time to invest in professional office cleaning services.
While it’s always been important to maintain a clean and sanitary work environment, the need is paramount now. Today, we’re sharing a few ways to make sure you’re teaming with the best local company in your area.
Contents
- 1. Hold Interviews
- 2. Require References
- 3. Read Reviews
- 4. Ask About Liability Insurance
- 5. Request Critical Business Documentation
- 6. Learn About Hiring Process
- 7. Check on Cleaning Process
- 8. Ask About Cleaning Products
- 9. Check Location
- 10. Understand Disinfecting Procedures
- Hire Professional Office Cleaning Services Today
1. Hold Interviews
You wouldn’t let just anyone work for your company, so why would you trust any cleaning company inside of your doors? Before hiring any team, it’s critical to make sure you understand exactly what they do and why they’re qualified. Just as you would with a potential hire, it helps to conduct preliminary interviews with your top candidates. Ask about their experience in the industry and how they got started. How do they hire their team members and what standards do they follow? Then, inquire on the specific details, such as their office building cleaning rates and the hours they work. You need a team that can fit into your schedule, and you don’t want to find out down the road that their availability doesn’t line up with yours.
2. Require References
Again, this part of the process mirrors the hiring phase. As each cleaning company to provide a list of past or current clients that they’ve performed similar services for in the past. Then, don’t just stash the names and numbers in your desk drawer. Call each one and ask about their experience. Were the team members prompt and professional? Did they have any issues? Would they recommend them or use their services again?
3. Read Reviews
In addition to calling clients directly, you can also do a little research on your own. Today, almost every business has an online presence, and this includes commercial cleaning companies. Search for each one online and include your location, using a search term such as “commercial cleaning company NYC“. Then, read the accompanying reviews that you find.
Research shows that 84% of people trust online recommendations as much as personal advice from friends and family members, so take your time with this step! In addition to online review sites such as Yelp, you can also check the company’s business profile, including their listing in the Google My Business database. Along the way, don’t forget to also scan their social media presence. Check out their feedback and reviews on Facebook and LinkedIn and see how they align with the rest of the testimonials you’ve read.
4. Ask About Liability Insurance
According to research, the average small business spends nearly 7% of its revenue on IT hardware and software. Chances are, your offices are filled with high-priced computers, printers, scanners and other expensive capital expenditures. That said, it’s wise business sense to protect those assets. That’s why you need a cleaning company that carries liability insurance. This coverage protects your items in the event that a team member accidentally damages, breaks or loses an item while on the clock.
In addition to property damage, most policies also extend to bodily injury claims. This means your company won’t be left footing the bill if a member of the cleaning staff gets hurt while on the job.
5. Request Critical Business Documentation
In addition to the company’s liability insurance policy, what other core business documents should you require? Before signing on the dotted line, it’s also smart to request copies of their:
- Business insurance
- Business license
- General insurance
- Worker’s compensation insurance
All of these documents work together to establish a company’s legitimacy. If you’re unable to verify anything else, at least make sure the company is licensed to do business in your region. It’s all too easy for an unscrupulous company to pose as legitimate just to gain unchartered access to your workplace.
6. Learn About Hiring Process
If a commercial cleaning company carries liability insurance, this is a good sign that they also have a steady workforce of regular employees, rather than cash workers. Still, go ahead and ask about their hiring and training processes. How do they find, recruit and vet their team members? What industry standards do they use to train them on the most up-to-date industry policies and procedures?
Remember: You’re allowing this cleaning team into your workplace, where your employees trust that their information and assets will be protected. You want to make sure that anyone who enters is clean, professional and up to the task.
7. Check on Cleaning Process
Once they arrive on location, how does the team initiate the cleaning process? Do they have a set schedule of where they’re going to clean or do they just begin on a whim? Reputable companies will work off a checklist that every team member carries. These standard task lists help ensure that every worker is engaged and on-task. In addition, they also make sure that every corner of your office is cleaned and sanitized. A few of the most important questions to ask at this juncture include:
- Do you have an established cleaning process that you follow each time?
- Do you have a set list of specific areas to cover (e.g. foyer, hallways, bathrooms, cubicles, kitchen, windows)
- How do you identify and deal with pesky trouble spots, such as mold or mildew?
8. Ask About Cleaning Products
It’s no secret that more companies are embracing eco-friendly and sustainable business practices. Does your team want to go green? If so, you’ll need to ask your commercial cleaning company to describe the products they use when it’s time to tackle dust, grease stains, carpet spills and more.
Today, there are myriad brands that offer eco-conscious alternatives to big-brand cleaning products. Ask if the team in question currently uses these products. If the answer is “no”, then ask if they’d be willing to make the switch. If you really want to learn more about the solutions they’re swinging, you can also request to see the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for each one. An MSDS is a type of safety document required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Even if the ones in their arsenal aren’t dangerous, a cleaning company that regularly handles chemicals should still have a separate MSDS for each one. This helps the team know how each solution will react with other compounds. Is it flammable? Will it pose a health hazard? How should you store it? The MSDS card has all of this information and more. Ask if the company can provide you with their MSDS list so you can review the materials used.
9. Check Location
Of course, it goes without saying that you need a commercial cleaning company that has easy and quick access to your workplace. While national chains might have a presence in your area, it’s best to seek out companies that are actually headquartered nearby. Why?If you ever have any issues with the services you receive or you need to ask a question or file a complaint, you’ll speak directly with a local representative. In most cases, this means a more personal level of service and attention to detail.
10. Understand Disinfecting Procedures
In wake of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, you need a commercial cleaning company that can do more than empty wastebaskets and dust bookshelves. Rather, you need a team that can thoroughly sanitize and disinfect all surfaces, paying close attention to common areas where germs tend to congregate the most, such as telephones, doorknobs, computers, kitchen areas and more. Ask how they can disinfect your offices and what products they use to kill the bacteria and pathogens that lead to illness and disease.
Hire Professional Office Cleaning Services Today
You have too much invested in your company to scrimp on professional office cleaning services. While these services have always added value to any workplace, they’re especially critical now.That’s why it pays to partner with the most qualified, experienced and well-reviewed local team. The above 10 steps can help you sort through the options and find the one that’s the best fit for your needs.
Looking for the best office cleaning team in New York? You’ve come to the right place. With offices in NYC, Queens, and Staten Island, we’re the area’s go-to resource for professional commercial cleanings. Contact us today or request a free estimate and let’s connect.