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Finding a new cleaning provider is often a challenging process. Where do you find reliable cleaning staff for your working environment? What cleaning company will provide an excellent service that will improve your experience in the long run? There are many aspects to consider, particularly as you don’t want to create disruption within the business. To help in your quest for sourcing the very best cleaning contractors, here we reveal our expert tips that facilities managers should contemplate.
Tips for Facilities Managers When Looking for Cleaning Providers
Whether you’re looking to reduce costs or improve productivity, here are some foolproof tips to consider when hiring a new cleaning provider.
1. Ask for References
References are essential as they ensure that you’re working with a trustworthy cleaning provider. A good cleaning contractor will be happy to supply references to you. Ensure they’re from businesses in your local area or within the same industry. This will give you confidence that the company like Perfect Clean can provide you with great cleaning services.
2. Find Out About Management Systems
Not every clean will be inspected by a manager for quality. That means you’ll need to be aware of how a cleaning contractor ensures procedures are followed. Each clean should be performed to a high standard and cleaning companies will have policies in place to ensure this occurs. A cleaning contractor should be able to deliver information on their quality audits, complaints policies and KPIs.
3. Discover How Staff Are Trained
Cleaning staff should be well supported and given the very best training to perform their tasks. It’s important to find out what training and support each member of the team is given. Additionally, find out what cleaning products and essential tools are being used and if all staff are trained to use these.
4. Know What Supplies They Use
Knowing what cleaning supplies a contractor uses ensures they’re using products that don’t compromise your health. You may also prefer to use eco-friendly cleaning products that won’t harm the environment. A good cleaning company will be transparent about the supplies they use so don’t be afraid to ask. After all, the health and wellness of your employees and clients are paramount to your organisation.
5. Determine Their Customer Service
Scheduling an initial meeting or call with a potential cleaning contractor helps you to determine what their customer service is like. Good customer service is the heart of any business so late replies to your emails or not returning your calls may not be the best fit for your company.
6. Do They Customise Their Service?
Every business is unique and may not require the exact service as anyone else. It’s important to know if a cleaning company can tailor their services to meet your individual needs. Your office may require specific hours or tasks to meet your health and safety goals. Having an open dialogue with a contractor beforehand is key to providing the utmost cleanliness for your business.
7. Know Your Point of Contact
Your main contact should be the cleaning contract manager. This should be the person with who you can communicate when you have any concerns or emergencies. Avoid using a service without an initial meeting. Your contract manager should be there at every step of the way to ensure a good working relationship.
8. Check Your Cleaning Schedule
You should be able to work with your contractor to devise a clear cleaning schedule that suits your business. This schedule should allocate a specific time for each cleaning task. Make sure you’re aware of any doubts or unrealistic claims as this could signify unreliability.
9. Be Aware of Hidden Costs
Some cleaning providers hide their extra fees until after a contract is signed. Make sure you know their exact fee structure to prevent any surprise costs from arising further down the line. Your contract should give an outline of all fees, including cleaning product costs and supplies.
10. Check the Onboarding Process
Once you’ve signed the contract, do you know what happens next? Ideally, there should be a specific onboarding process that should detail any handover, security measures, training procedures, initial clean and more. If you’re unsure of this, check your contract or ask your point of contact for further information.
11. Understand the Notice Period
If you want to end the contract early, or you simply want to be aware of what occurs at the end of your contract, make sure you understand the notice period. You should maintain a good relationship with your provider, especially as it makes the handover process much easier. Ensure you’re aware of how much notice they require to terminate the contract and how this should be given.