A recent LinkedIn report notes that significant growth is expected in cleaning and janitorial services through 2031. However, ongoing labor shortages can still make it more difficult to hire janitors, cleaning crew members and other facility services workers.
If you’re looking to hire janitorial workers or cleaners, our staffing tips can guide you in finding the cleaning crew you need. Check out our staffing guide below along with key insights into the qualities essential for successful facility services workers.
Facility services staffing tips to help you hire janitors and cleaners
Whether it’s hiring janitors for construction sites, hotels, event venues or other settings, there are a few things to consider as we help our customers develop a staffing plan. We share four tips to help put you on the path to hiring success:
Create a detailed job description
A general job posting for “part-time janitor,” “night custodian” or “office cleaner” will attract many applicants, but they may not be the best fit for the position. After all, being a cleaning crew member at an office building is much different from being a debris removal worker on a construction site. A more detailed job description will clearly define the job you’re hiring for so that you can attract the right applicants.
The job posting should also list the expected shift times and make note of flexible scheduling opportunities if you offer them. Staffing flexibility has been shown to attract more candidates to open roles, so adding these details can help ensure that we receive applications from those who can accommodate your needs.
Ask the right interview questions
Different cleaning jobs require different tasks and responsibilities. During our interviews, asking questions like these can help you find the right cleaners and janitors to hire:
- What is your previous cleaning experience?
- Can you provide examples of your duties and responsibilities?
- Are you comfortable multitasking?
- How do you prioritize your duties and responsibilities?
- What’s your key to staying organized on the job?
- Can you share an example of your time management skills?
- How do you ensure safety and cleanliness standards are met during your cleaning tasks?
Keep in mind that the specific interview questions for hiring janitors may vary depending on the specific job requirements.
Prioritize safety among your cleaning staff
There’s a reason that safety shows up in our list of interview questions. Showing your commitment to the well-being of your workers is crucial to fostering a great work environment and ensuring the safety of your team. As a result, you’ll create a safe working environment for everyone on the jobsite.
Your team members must value safety as much as you do. Each candidate should be able to follow all safety standards and protocols to help prevent accidents and injuries on the job. Additionally, a staffing agency can reinforce your commitment to safety by completing regular check-ins and providing proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to all workers.
Ensure a positive working environment
Cleaning and janitorial jobs typically have high turnover rates due to physical demands, long hours and lack of long-term opportunities. These issues can make it challenging to maintain a positive work environment and keep workers engaged.
You can help attract and retain a stronger workforce by having a positive, people-first work culture that emphasizes communication and respect for everyone’s contributions. Our team will often recommend opportunities to acknowledge high-achieving workers, such as offering rewards and incentives so that they are encouraged to do their best.
Qualities we look for when hiring facility services workers
There are several key qualities to look for when searching for reliable cleaners and janitors to hire. By considering these qualities early in the hiring process, you can build a great team that’s ready to get the job done. In our extensive experience with facility services staffing, here are the essential qualities we look for when it comes time to hire janitorial workers or other cleaning workers:
Communication skills
Your workers will often need to collaborate with their managers and fellow team members to get the job done. Clear communication is a must if they want to keep everyone on the same page and ensure a smooth transition between tasks.
Reliability
In any work setting, it’s important to have workers who will be reliable and can complete projects on time. Those taking on your cleaning roles need to show up on time and be ready to meet your expectations.
Adaptability
The duties and responsibilities in this role can change unexpectedly. The ability to adapt and be flexible helps prepare workers to overcome any challenge that comes their way, making them far more successful.
Attention to detail
An organized cleaning team produces quality results. That’s why your workers need strong attention to detail at every stage of the cleaning project. This way they ensure everything is cleaned and put back in its place.
Commitment to safety
You’re committed to safety — and your cleaning workers should be too. They should have knowledge of proper cleaning methods, including which cleaning products and tools are necessary and how to use them safely. This helps ensure a safe work environment and minimizes the risk of accidents and injuries.
For more info, check out our article on the qualities that workers need to succeed in facility services jobs.
Benefits of finding janitors to hire with a cleaning staffing agency
When you need to find janitors to hire quickly, a staffing agency that specializes in facility services is your best bet. So, what can a staffing agency do for you? Here are some of the ways they can support your hiring needs:
Expert insights in facility services staffing
Staffing agencies that have a focus on facility services staffing often have years of experience filling cleaning, janitorial and other facility services jobs. Their expertise can help you develop a staffing plan that’s customized to your cleaning company’s specific needs.
Convenient access to cleaning and janitorial workers
High turnover and no-shows may leave you needing replacement workers on short notice. With a staffing agency in your corner, you have access to workers who are available right away, allowing you to fill open roles even at the last minute.
Stronger pool of candidates for cleaning jobs
When it comes to cleaning needs, there’s a big difference between event venues, hotels and construction sites. A staffing agency understands this and will connect you with workers who are the best fit for your specific projects.
Flexibility for cleaning or janitorial staffing needs
A staffing agency can staff any size of cleaning project while taking your specific hiring plan into account. As a result, you can scale your workforce up or down as needed.
Reduced risk when hiring cleaning workers
Each new hire brings along with it a variety of administrative tasks such as onboarding and payroll processing. Thankfully, staffing agencies take the time to vet candidates to ensure they can meet the demands of the job.
Support with your safety and compliance efforts
Partnering with a staffing agency for cleaning staffing ensures compliance with local and federal laws, minimizing the risk of misclassification and legal issues. Their support guarantees that all cleaning workers provided are properly classified and meet legal requirements.
PeopleReady supports your janitorial and cleaning staffing needs
If you require more support for your facility services staffing needs, reach out to PeopleReady. As a leading cleaning and janitorial staffing agency, we source workers who can provide cleaning support for office buildings, event venues, hotels, construction sites and many other locations.
PeopleReady has a local presence in 600-plus communities across North America, and our staffing experts work with you to develop a staffing plan that’s unique to your business. Also, our JobStack app gives you convenient access to cleaning and janitorial staffing solutions.
When you partner with PeopleReady, we can help you hire janitorial workers, cleaners and other facility services workers across a variety of roles. For example:
- Building cleaners
- Cleaning crew members
- Debris removal workers
- Housekeepers
- Janitors
- Laundry attendants
- And more!
So, if you’re wondering, “Where can I hire janitorial workers near me?” check out our locations page to get started.
