Selecting a cleaning company for your facility is like entering into a relationship. Unfortunately, not all partnerships stand the test of time, and eventually, you may sense a decline in commitment. How can you tell if your janitorial company is no longer prioritizing your facility?

Here are six signs that may suggest your cleaning services provider is heading in the wrong direction.

Increased Staff Complaints:

A well-functioning cleaning crew should make your job easier, not add to your headaches. If you’re receiving complaints such as running out of supplies or areas not being adequately cleaned, it may suggest a decline in your cleaning company’s dedication.

Decreased Contractor Communication:

Initially, management was actively involved, but now they seem to have disappeared. If proactive communication from your cleaning services provider has dwindled, it’s a red flag worth noting.

Slow Issue Responses:

It’s normal for things to occasionally be missed, but a reliable contractor should respond promptly when issues are reported. If you’re experiencing delays in responses to your calls and emails, it could indicate that your contractor is overwhelmed or losing interest in your account.

Frequent Crew Turnover:

The cleaning industry experiences a high turnover rate, but if you’re constantly seeing new faces on the cleaning crew, it might be a sign of a more significant issue with the janitorial contract or its management. Be particularly cautious if the entire crew changes without prior notification.

Worn or Broken Equipment:

The tools of the trade matter. If your cleaning crew is using outdated or damaged equipment, such as a vacuum cleaner held together with electrical tape, it’s a clear sign that the contractor is not investing adequately in your account.

Frequent Primary Contact Changes:

One of the most telling signs of trouble with a cleaning services company is consistent turnover in managerial positions. If your primary contact is frequently changing, it could indicate underlying issues with the janitorial contractor’s work culture.


What to Do About It?

Discuss Issues with the Vendor:

Initiate a meeting with the vendor to openly discuss concerns. Ask about turnover rates, slow responses, and inquire about the root causes.

Define Expectations Clearly:

Ensure that your expectations for service were clearly communicated from the beginning of the agreement. Provide the vendor with ample time to address and rectify the identified problems.

Be Prepared to Change:

Most janitorial contracts include a 30-day out clause for service deficiencies. If you don’t witness improvement after addressing the issues, be prepared to consider alternative vendors.

Have an RFP Ready:

In the event that improvements are not seen, have a Request for Proposal (RFP) prepared. This way, you are ready to initiate the process of selecting a new vendor if necessary. If all goes well, you have a draft ready for when the current contract concludes.

Recognizing the signs of a strained relationship with your cleaning services company is the first step toward finding a resolution. Open communication and a clear plan of action can either lead to a revitalized partnership or a seamless transition to a more committed vendor.