Employees are the most critical asset within any business enterprise. The people that make up a top-notch cleaning operation are hard-working and conscientious. They are the foundation of the industry and an asset that should be developed and fostered. The competition for skilled cleaning service employees continues to increase, making it increasingly critical that a cleaning service provider take proactive steps to ensure that it has an active, and effective, employee engagement program.

There are a few basic principles involved in achieving healthy levels of employee engagement…..

An Understanding of Purpose

We all need a sense of purpose that goes beyond the mere performance of our jobs.

It has been proven that there is a direct connection between employee engagement and employee understanding of job purpose. A key component of new employee on-boarding and training should be a session devoted to discussing the higher-end purpose of their jobs.

Within your cleaning operation you can take steps to ensure that your cleaning personnel have an understanding of the benefits that their work brings to others. The services they provide enable countless people to work in environments that are clean and healthy.

A Feeling of Contribution to Organizational Success

A critical aspect of employee engagement is making sure that all employees have a clear view of how their work contributes to the overall success of their organization. An employee’s visible contribution to success—whether at the company, departmental, or team level—leads to higher morale and more sustainable pride-in-work.  Custodian who work in a school are not just cleaning the floors and restrooms, they are helping educate children.

By providing the employees within your cleaning operation the opportunity to see how their hard work enables the achievement of your operation’s goals and objectives you will be able attain, and sustain, their full “buy-in” and commitment.

Appreciation and Recognition

We all want to be appreciated and recognized for our work. That is just human nature and a prime motivator for any employee. Receiving a paycheck is not enough. There are several ways in which your cleaning operation can show appreciation and recognition of your employees:

• Employee Performance Awards:  Monthly/Quarterly/Annual awards that recognize the outstanding work of one or more employees within your cleaning operation. It is important that the award clearly detail the specifics as to why the employee was selected for the award.
• Employee Birthday and Tenure Anniversaries:  Recognize birthdays and tenure anniversaries of your employees. This can be done in several ways (announcements, bulletin board, company newsletter, website, etc.). A simple step that can make your employees feel appreciated.
• Surveys:  Conduct annual surveys among your employees. Surveys that can be completed anonymously will generally provide the best feedback. Make sure that the process is closed-loop and that you provide feedback to your employees at the conclusion of the survey process. Survey participation will give your employees a voice and a sense of being heard across the organization.

Implementation of a proactive employee engagement program will pay great dividends for your cleaning operation and your employees.

What tips do you have for improving employee engagement? Let us know in the section for comments below.

And if you need a customized, cost-effective Service Solution for your business, let SMO help. Request a Customized Service Solution today.