Your janitorial service is only as good as its staff. Training is often overlooked by BSC companies, but it shouldn't be. The only way to develop a high-performance custodial staff is with effective training.

Onboarding during the COVID pandemic is especially challenging because in-person meetings are restricted. It is imperative that managers and trainers utilize video conference technology to train new staff members. Below are the key steps to training your custodial staff.

SMO University utilizes the tell, show, do, and review method of training which has proven to be highly effective.

Engage Your Audience

Custodial programs vary from facility to facility, but the basics will remain the same. When you begin the training of your custodial staff, you should provide them with detailed descriptions of your procedures. If you cannot provide print-out versions of these steps, make sure your staff is able to read along with you on their mobile devices.

Reiterate the importance of cleaning, having a positive attitude, customer service, and prevention of service failures.

Demonstrate Your Procedures

Now that you have explained your procedures, it is time to demonstrate them. People learn in different ways and demonstrations are an important teaching tool for training new staff members.

Be sure to keep your trainees actively engaged during these demonstrations. Ask volunteers to help and ask your audience if they have any questions with every step. You can still perform demonstrations virtually.

Allow Trainees to Perform

Now it is time to have your trainees perform various custodial tasks on their own. Use constructive feedback to correct mistakes and applaud solid performance. New hires will be nervous, so it is imperative that you make it clear to them that you are invested in their success.

This step will validate what your trainees have learned throughout the training process. Some people learn by hearing, some seeing, and some by doing. These first three steps are designed to teach your custodial procedures to each learning style.

Review Your Procedures

Wrap up the training of your custodial staff with a review of your procedures. Answer any questions they may have and explain your expectations of them. It is important to make sure everyone is on the same page before ending the training session.

The final step is a follow-up after your new staff has been in the field. Now is a good time to explain to new hires that you do not expect them to be perfect, but you do expect them to follow procedures.

Follow-Up

This is the most important step when training your custodial staff. Follow up with your trainees to make sure they are following procedure. Continue to check in with them to see how they are performing and enjoying their new job.

Continuing to check in with your custodial staff will keep the lines of communication open between you and them. It will also create learning opportunities for your custodial staff when something goes wrong. It is important that they know that you support them even when they make a mistake, and are only interested in seeing mistakes corrected and prevented.

Supreme Maintenance Organization offers customized, cost-effective service solutions for your facility. They can help. Request a consultation by calling today. 800-717-4766.