Proper training of your cleaning staff not only leads to cleaner buildings, but it also means fewer accidents, faster cleaning times, and a more professional cleaning staff. When hiring new employees, you may find candidates with extensive backgrounds in cleaning however, it is more likely your new - hires will know little about proper cleaning techniques. Proper training is essential to get your employees off on the right foot and to make sure they are getting the work done properly, safely, and efficiently. Keeping the following tips in mind will help to make sure your employees learn to do their job safely and efficiently.
- Cleaning workers are the fifth most injured workers in the country, so training your employees properly will keep them on the job and help keep your insurance rates down.
- Keep the training focused on the employees and their needs. Training sessions are often in a room with the instructor at the front and the employees seated at tables - this makes it easier for the instructor. Instead, arrange chairs in circles so people can interact with one another. If training just one or two employees, use eye contact, ask questions, and get them involved - don't just give a lecture.
- Don't just demonstrate products. Many cleaning crews only receive training when a new product or piece of equipment is introduced. Make sure to train your employees from start to finish.
- Measure the effectiveness of your training. It's hard to know if your training time was well spent if you do not have some sort of measurement tool. This can be faster cleaning times, lower accident rates, or reduced use of cleaning products and supplies.
- Make sure that your training is effective. Do more than have your employees watch a training video and read through a handout. Demonstrate products and techniques and encourage your employees to ask questions if they don't understand something.
Use the following technique: Tell - Show - Do - Review. - Tell (about each step) - Show (how to perform each step) - Do (each step) - Review (each step)
- Training can be boring. Don't just give employees training manuals or product literature and expect them to read it and then have improved their job performance. Find ways to make training interesting. Demonstrate new products and supplies instead of having employees read about them. Give practical examples of how to be more efficient. Use your knowledge and experience and pass that along to your employees.
- Remember, you can learn from your employees. If they have picked up a technique that saves times, money, or makes the job easier, ask them to share that with the rest of your cleaning staff.
- Change is not always easy. Training involves changing behaviors and attitudes. The training may involve a new product or piece of equipment or it may be to break bad habits. Either way, employees may be resistant to change. Don't be surprised when your employees are hesitant to change. Rather, be prepared for this resistance and overcome it with information and statistics about why the change is needed.
The proper training of your cleaning crew is essential - not just to get the job done correctly and efficiently, but also to keep your cleaning crews safe and on the job. Keep your employees interested during training sessions by making the training hands-on and informative. A properly trained staff will lead to buildings that shine and higher profits in your checkbook!
Copyright 2006 The Janitorial Store
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Steve Hanson is co-founding member of TheJanitorialStore.com, an online community for owners and managers of cleaning companies who want to build a more profitable and successful cleaning business. Sign up for Trash Talk: Tip of the Week at http://www.TheJanitorialStore.com and receive a Free Gift. Read cleaning success stories from owners of cleaning companies at http://www.cleaning-success.com/ .
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
