Running a successful maintenance or commercial cleaning business depends on more than good equipment and effective cleaning solutions, it starts with a strong team. Finding, training, and keeping the right people are crucial for maintaining service quality, keeping clients happy, and ensuring your business remains competitive.

Hiring can be challenging for small to medium-sized businesses due to limited resources, but you can build a team that drives long-term success with the right approach.

Finding the right people

Hiring the right employees isn’t just about filling positions, it’s about finding individuals who align with your company’s values, work ethic, and long-term goals. When evaluating candidates, consider these four key qualities:

Reliability – In an industry where consistency is everything, you need employees who show up on time and take their responsibilities seriously.

Attention to detail – Whether maintaining a commercial office space or deep cleaning a medical facility, a detail-oriented cleaner will ensure quality service and customer satisfaction.

Work ethic – Look for people who take pride in their work and understand their role is essential to your business’s reputation.

Team player mentality – Cleaning and maintenance often require coordination among multiple team members. A cooperative and respectful attitude ensures efficiency and workplace harmony.

In a competitive labour market, you may need to get creative in attracting top talent. Consider offering flexible schedules, sign-on bonuses, or referral incentives to make your business stand out.

Setting your team up for success

Hiring the right people is only the first step; training them properly turns good hires into long-term assets. A well-trained team delivers better service, reduces turnover and helps avoid costly mistakes.

Start with a structured onboarding process that includes:

• Clear job expectations: Define roles and responsibilities from day one so employees understand what’s expected of them.
• Hands-on training: Shadowing experienced staff members and practicing on real jobs helps new hires gain confidence.
• Safety protocols: Cleaning and maintenance work can involve hazardous materials and equipment, so thorough safety training is essential.
• Customer service basics: Even though employees primarily focus on cleaning, they often interact with clients. Teaching professionalism and courtesy can enhance customer relationships.

Regular training updates can also help keep employees engaged and updated with new cleaning technologies and industry best practices.

Keeping your best employees

High turnover is a common challenge in the maintenance and cleaning industry, but it doesn’t have to be the norm. To keep your best workers, focus on creating a workplace where people want to stay.

One of the most effective retention strategies is offering competitive pay and benefits. While small and medium-sized businesses may not always be able to match corporate salaries, you can offer perks like flexible hours, bonuses for outstanding performance, or opportunities for advancement.

Another key factor is creating a positive work environment. Employees who feel respected and valued are far more likely to remain loyal. Simple things like recognizing hard work, encouraging team-building activities, and listening to employee feedback can make a huge difference.

RELATED: Creating a positive company culture for cleaners

Additionally, consider providing growth opportunities. Offering leadership training or promoting from within can give employees a reason to stay long-term, knowing they have a future in your company.

Final thoughts

Building a winning maintenance and commercial cleaning team takes time, effort, and a strategic approach. By hiring the right people, providing thorough training, and implementing retention strategies, you can create a team that meets your business needs and drives long-term success.

Investing in your employees isn’t just good for them – it’s good for your business. When you have a reliable, motivated team, customer satisfaction improves, operational efficiency increases, and your reputation in the industry grows. And in a business where trust and reliability are everything, that’s the ultimate competitive advantage.

Ilan Rubinsztain is the Master Franchise Owner for Anago of SW Florida, part of the Anago Cleaning Systems brand supporting over 1800 franchises across the U.S. and Canada. For more information about Anago of SW Florida, visit www.AnagoCleaning.com/SW-Florida.