As a manager responsible for the janitorial services at your facility, you're likely juggling many other duties and purchasing decisions. While I might not know your exact situation, I can guess that you're often under pressure to reduce costs. In today's competitive business environment, keeping expenses under control is a constant challenge.
When it comes to janitorial services, like many other services, cutting costs can sometimes lead to a decline in service quality. The challenge for any facility manager is to find the right balance between maintaining high-quality services and keeping costs low. In the construction industry, there's a saying: "You can have it cheap, quick, or good quality. Pick two." This is somewhat true in the cleaning industry as well.
But is it possible to reduce expenses while still maintaining a high standard of cleanliness? Can you cut costs without sacrificing quality?
Here are two possible solutions:
- Modify the Scope of Work
In the janitorial industry, around 60% of expenses are related to cleaning labor. To lower costs, you need to reduce labor hours. One way to do this is by modifying the scope of work. Sometimes, cleaning companies follow a set routine for cleaning certain areas, and no one questions if it's the most efficient method. For instance, maybe there are offices in your facility with low foot traffic. Cleaning these offices once a week might be enough, even if the current schedule calls for daily cleaning.
Take a thorough look at your facility and identify the true cleaning needs of each area. What tasks need to be done daily? How often does the trash need to be taken out? Should vacuuming be done in the offices daily, or only in common areas? Collaborate with a qualified cleaning contractor who can suggest the most efficient ways to keep your building clean.
- Eliminate Project Work From the Monthly Bill
Many companies overspend on their cleaning contracts because of project work, such as floor buffing, stripping and waxing, and window washing. These tasks are essential for a quality cleaning program, but some contracts include a set amount of project work each year, billing it monthly. Often, this work isn't needed as frequently as specified or it gets skipped, meaning you're wasting money.
We recommend establishing a unit price for these extra services and then scheduling them as needed. This approach can save you a significant amount of money over the course of a year.
By modifying the scope of work and eliminating unnecessary project work from your monthly bill, you can reduce costs without compromising the quality of your janitorial services. Working with a qualified cleaning contractor can help you identify and implement these cost-saving measures effectively.
