Ah, the age-old conundrum – when do you know it’s time to bring in some reinforcements for your cleaning crew? Trust me, I’ve been there, and it’s not always an easy decision. But fear not, my friends, for I’m about to share some insightful tips to help you navigate this tricky situation.
Identifying the Signs of Understaffing
First and foremost, let’s talk about the telltale signs that your cleaning crew is overworked and in need of some extra hands. A shortage of available workers can make it challenging to hire the right janitorial staff, but keeping an eye out for these red flags can help you stay ahead of the curve.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 340,000 janitors and cleaning workers will be needed each year over the next decade. That’s a lot of demand, and if you’re not keeping up, it can quickly lead to issues.
One of the most obvious signs is when you start to see a decline in the cleanliness and upkeep of your facilities. Maybe there’s a buildup of dirt and grime, or you’re noticing overflowing trash cans and piles of linens. These are tell-tale signs that your cleaning crew is stretched too thin.
Another red flag is when your regular staff members – be it nurses, transport workers, or even the cleaning crew themselves – start shouldering the burden. As Jackie Ettipio, president of CWA Local 1133, explains, “Now the nurses are stuck cleaning the beds and doing this when they’re already short-staffed. The environmental services people are completely burned out.”
And let’s not forget about the safety concerns that can arise when there’s a shortage of cleaning staff. As Ettipio points out, “There’s very highly communicable what we call nosocomial infections. It’s the one infection you can prevent. It’s your MRSAs, staph, pseudomonas, E. coli. Those are all contact. You touch something, and you get it.”
Yikes, that’s enough to make anyone want to reach for the hand sanitizer, am I right? But fear not, there are steps you can take to address this issue and keep your facility shining.
Determining the Right Staffing Level
Now that we’ve identified the signs of understaffing, the next step is to figure out how many additional cleaning crew members you need to bring on board. This is where things can get a little tricky, but don’t worry, I’ve got your back.
One of the key factors to consider is the size and complexity of your facility. Are we talking about a small medical clinic or a sprawling hospital campus? The number of square feet, the number of rooms, and the frequency of high-traffic areas can all play a role in determining the ideal staffing level.
Another important consideration is the specific cleaning tasks that need to be done. Are we talking about light dusting and vacuuming, or do you have more intensive cleaning requirements, like sanitizing patient rooms or handling hazardous materials? The more specialized the cleaning needs, the more specialized your staff will need to be.
And let’s not forget about the workload and scheduling. Are your cleaning crew members working around the clock, or do you have more of a 9-to-5 operation? The number of hours and the frequency of shifts can also impact your staffing requirements.
As the situation at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo illustrates, even a large healthcare facility can struggle to maintain adequate staffing levels. The hospital was facing shortages across the board, from nurses to respiratory therapists to dietary workers. And the environmental services (EVS) or cleaning staff were hit particularly hard, leading to safety concerns and subpar cleanliness.
So, how do you avoid a similar fate? Well, it’s all about striking the right balance. You’ll need to carefully assess your facility’s needs, consider the workload, and then determine the optimal number of cleaning crew members to keep things running smoothly.
And let’s not forget about the importance of flexibility. As your facility’s needs change over time, your staffing levels will need to adapt as well. That’s where a janitorial staffing agency can be a real lifesaver, providing you with the cleaning services you need when you need them most.
Strategies for Hiring and Retaining Cleaning Staff
Alright, you’ve identified the signs of understaffing and figured out how many additional cleaning crew members you need. Now it’s time to put those recruitment wheels in motion. But hold on, it’s not as simple as just posting a job ad and waiting for the applications to roll in.
As PeopleReady points out, “Not all staffing agencies are the same.” You’ll want to do your research and find a janitorial staffing agency that has the experience and expertise to help you find the right people for the job.
These agencies can do the heavy lifting for you, from screening and interviewing candidates to managing the onboarding process. They can also help you stay compliant with all the necessary regulations, taking that administrative burden off your plate.
But it’s not just about finding the right people – you also need to keep them on board. That’s where things like competitive wages, comprehensive benefits, and a positive work environment come into play. After all, happy cleaning crew members are more likely to stick around and continue providing top-notch service.
And let’s not forget about the importance of training and development. Investing in your cleaning staff’s skills and knowledge can go a long way in boosting morale, improving efficiency, and ensuring the safety of your facility. Plus, it shows your employees that you value their growth and contributions.
I mean, just look at the situation at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo. They were struggling to fill open positions, even though they were receiving a decent number of applications. That tells me there’s more to the equation than just posting a job and hoping for the best.
So, if you want to keep your facility sparkling clean and your cleaning crew happy, you’ll need to approach this challenge with a well-rounded strategy. From partnering with the right staffing agency to investing in your employees, it’s all about creating a winning formula for success.
Conclusion: Embrace the Cleaning Crew
At the end of the day, your cleaning crew is the backbone of your facility’s cleanliness and safety. They’re the unsung heroes who ensure that your spaces are spotless, sanitary, and secure for everyone who walks through the doors.
So, when should you hire more cleaning staff? The answer is simple: when you start to see the signs of understaffing, when your current crew is struggling to keep up, and when the safety and well-being of your facility are at risk.
By being proactive, strategic, and committed to your cleaning crew’s success, you can ensure that your facility is always operating at its best. And who knows, you might even discover that your cleaning staff are the unsung heroes that keep your business running like a well-oiled machine.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to embrace the cleaning crew and take your facility to new heights of cleanliness and efficiency. Trust me, your staff, your customers, and your bottom line will all thank you for it.
