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Five ways to attract and retain skilled cleaners in a competitive labour market

With the cleaning industry continuing to face staffing shortages and high turnover, companies are rethinking how they recruit and retain talent. Janitorial Manager, a cloud-based janitorial software solution that helps building service contractors, in-house providers and healthcare facilities increase cleaning efficiency and improve results, outlines five strategies for recruitment and retention success.

“Whether you’re managing a residential property or a commercial cleaning business, attracting skilled cleaners takes more than a job post,” said Archie Heinl, President, Janitorial Manager. “It requires speed, transparency, and flexibility.”

Five Ways to attract and retain skilled cleaners in a competitive labour market include:

1. Offer Same-Day Pay: Cleaners increasingly expect to get paid the same day they work, particularly those supplementing income or juggling multiple jobs. Companies that offer same-day pay see significantly higher application rates and improved retention.

2. Provide Flexible Scheduling: Rigid schedules are a dealbreaker for many modern workers. Cleaners want the flexibility to choose when and where they work, whether they’re picking up a few extra hours or building a full-time workload. Flexibility helps retain talent and reduce call-offs.

3. Be Ready for Last-Minute Coverage: The ability to hire on-demand for large events or fill unexpected gaps is critical. A digital marketplace enables quick access to pre-screened cleaners who are nearby and often available at the last minute.

4. Invest in Long-Term Reputation Building: Allow cleaners to build their reputation through positive reviews and consistent performance. When workers feel valued and see a path to more job opportunities, they’re more likely to stay engaged and reliable, providing businesses with a more stable workforce over time.

5. Hire from a Cleaner-Focused Marketplace: Posting cleaning jobs on generic platforms like Indeed often yields inconsistent results. A specialised platform attracts workers specifically looking for cleaning jobs, meaning employers get higher-quality candidates who are pre-vetted and ready to work.

www.janitorialmanager.com

About Sarah OBeirne