Should I Use a Privately-Owned Service?

Commercial property owners and offices that need to outsource janitorial services should evaluate their existing relationship, the tendency is to just keep renewing contracts unless there are glaring issues or constant complaints from occupants and tenants about problems related to cleanliness.

When reviewing the value of your janitorial service, you should also take into consideration the value of using a privately-owned janitorial service or a franchise or third-party subcontractor.

Here are a few factors to consider:

Cleaning times – The number of hours spent cleaning determines quality.  Franchises generally don’t use their own employees and have no way of knowing or controlling how many hours are spent cleaning.  Privately owned companies hire their own employees and can monitor their hours to make sure they are spending enough time cleaning.

Standardized equipment and supplies – Franchises and subcontracting companies have no way of knowing or controlling the type of equipment and supplies that are being used because they aren’t providing the service themselves.  They leave that up to the franchise or subcontractor that accepts the job.  Privately owned companies purchase their own equipment and supplies and have direct control over what their employees are using to clean your facility.

W2 employees – Privately owned companies hire and train their own W2 employees to perform the work.  They can perform background checks and get references on the employees they hire.  Franchises and subcontracting companies do not hire their own employees and have no control over who is hired to clean your facility.

Quality control – Privately owned companies supervise and inspect their own employees work.  They can monitor their own staff to make sure they are complying with the company’s cleaning practices.  Franchises and subcontractors have little control over the quality of work performed by the cleaning crews because they can’t supervise or monitor the cleaning crews themselves.

And finally, using a privately-owned company gives you direct access to the owners, 24/7 availability to take your calls and handle emergencies. By scheduling a regular meeting with your privately-owned service, you can build a solid relationship that allows you peace of mind and the assurance that they have a vested interest in exceeding your expectations for a clean and healthy environment.