How to Attract and Retain Cleaners in a Competitive Market

As the cleaning industry continues to face staffing shortages and high turnover, Janitorial Manager outlined strategies for recruitment and retention success:

• Offer Same-Day Pay: Traditional two-week pay cycles aren’t viable in the current labor environment. Cleaners increasingly expect to get paid the same day they work, particularly those supplementing income or juggling multiple jobs. Companies that offer same-day pay see significantly higher application rates and improved retention.
• Provide Flexible Scheduling: Rigid schedules are a dealbreaker for many modern workers. Cleaners want the flexibility to choose when and where they work, whether they’re picking up a few extra hours or building a full-time workload. Flexibility helps retain talent and reduce call-offs.
• Be Ready for Last-Minute Coverage: The ability to hire on-demand for large events or fill unexpected gaps is critical. A digital marketplace enables quick access to pre-screened cleaners who are nearby and often available at the last minute.
• Invest in Long-Term Reputation Building: Allow cleaners to build their reputation through positive reviews and consistent performance. When workers feel valued and see a path to more job opportunities, they’re more likely to stay engaged and reliable.
• Hire from a Cleaner-Focused Marketplace: Posting cleaning jobs on generic platforms like Indeed or ZipRecruiter often yields inconsistent results. A specialized platform attracts workers specifically looking for cleaning jobs, meaning employers get higher-quality candidates who are pre-vetted and ready to work.