If you oversee janitorial services for your facility, you’re probably handling numerous other responsibilities as well. Even if every situation is unique, you’re likely under frequent pressure to find ways to cut costs. In today’s competitive business environment, managing expenses carefully is crucial.
For janitorial services, as with other services, cost-cutting often risks a dip in service quality.
The main challenge for facility managers is balancing maintaining a clean, welcoming environment and keeping cleaning budgets in line. There’s a saying in construction: “You can have it affordable, fast, or high-quality—choose two.” This often holds true for the cleaning industry as well.
But is it possible to save money without lowering cleanliness standards?
Here are two key approaches that may help.
- Rethink the Scope of Cleaning Tasks
Labor is responsible for about 60% of costs in janitorial services. To cut expenses, one effective approach is reducing labor hours by adjusting your cleaning scope. Often, a cleaning routine is followed without considering if it’s truly needed. For instance, some offices or rooms may not see much daily use and could be cleaned once a week instead of daily.
Go over your facility’s cleaning needs, room by room. Answer these questions. Which tasks truly need to be performed daily? How frequently does garbage need emptying? Could you reserve daily vacuuming for common areas and cut back on office space? Consulting with an experienced cleaning provider can help identify areas where your cleaning can be streamlined without compromising on appearance and hygiene.
- Separate Project-Based Work from Monthly Charges
Many companies end up overpaying on their janitorial contracts due to additional project work like floor buffing, waxing, or window washing. These are essential for maintaining a clean facility, but some contracts include a fixed amount of project work each year, which is then divided into monthly charges. Often, these projects aren’t required as frequently as stated or they might even get skipped, meaning you’re paying for services you may not need at those intervals.
A better approach is to negotiate a per-service rate for these specific tasks. Then, schedule them only when needed. This can lead to noticeable savings throughout the year.
By reconsidering the scope of routine tasks and separating project work from fixed monthly costs, you can reduce expenses without impacting the quality of your janitorial services.
Partnering with an experienced cleaning contractor can help you implement these strategies effectively, ensuring your facility stays clean and welcoming while keeping your budget in check.