Supporting Cleaning Staff: The Key to Better Wellbeing and Retention

Cleaning staff are essential to the smooth running of workplaces, public spaces, hospitality venues and other facilities. Yet, despite the vital role they play in maintaining safe, hygienic environments, many cleaning professionals continue to face significant physical and mental health challenges as part of their work.

Recent global research highlights the scale of the issue, revealing that 90% of cleaning staff experience physical health challenges and 80% experience mental health challenges related to their jobs.

For facility managers and business leaders, these findings provide an important reminder: supporting cleaning teams isn’t simply about employee wellbeing. It can also have a direct impact on staff retention, cleaning standards, customer experience and overall business performance.

The pressures facing cleaning staff

Almost half of cleaning staff surveyed (46%) say they regularly experience work-related stress. A number of factors contribute to this, including difficult working conditions, insufficient access to personal protective equipment, exposure to harsh cleaning chemicals and a feeling that their work is undervalued.

Perhaps most concerning, seven in ten cleaning staff say they don’t feel adequately supported by their employer when it comes to their physical or mental wellbeing.

When employees feel unsupported, the consequences can extend well beyond individual wellbeing. Burnout and a lack of recognition can contribute to increased staff turnover, creating additional pressure for the people who remain and making it harder for businesses to maintain consistent cleaning standards.

In fact, 38% of those surveyed have left a cleaning role because of a lack of recognition or burnout, rather than issues relating to pay.

Physical health can also affect performance. Almost one in four cleaning staff (24%) report that physical health challenges at work have reduced the quality of their work.

Creating a workplace where cleaning staff feel valued

Improving cleaning staff wellbeing doesn’t necessarily require major changes. Often, small practical improvements can make a significant difference to the day-to-day working experience.

The research identifies several factors that cleaning staff consider particularly important, including:

• Equal treatment and respect – 39% identified this as important.
• Accessible cleaning supplies and equipment – 33% value supplies that are properly positioned, easy to use and straightforward to refill or handle.
• A welcoming workplace culture – 33% highlighted the importance of feeling part of a positive working environment.
• Supportive leadership – 29% said strong support from managers makes a difference.

Together, these findings demonstrate that wellbeing is influenced by much more than formal health initiatives. The equipment employees use, the way they are treated and whether they feel listened to can all shape their experience at work.

Why recognition matters

Cleaning can often be a behind-the-scenes role. Staff may work outside normal business hours, before a building opens or after customers have left. As a result, their contribution can sometimes go unnoticed.

Simple acts of recognition can help change this.

Acknowledging the work of cleaning teams through regular praise, recognition programmes, staff communications or visible appreciation can help employees feel that their contribution is valued.

Recognition also helps reinforce the importance of cleaning within the wider organisation. Rather than viewing cleaning as a routine operational task, businesses can recognise it as a fundamental part of health, safety, customer experience and business success.

The connection between staff wellbeing and customer experience

There is another important reason for businesses to focus on the wellbeing of their cleaning teams: the quality of the cleaning directly influences the experience of the people using a facility.

This is particularly apparent in public washrooms.

Research shows that more than half of washroom users take some form of negative action following a poor experience. This can include leaving a venue, posting a negative online review or spending less on food and drink to avoid using the facilities.

A poorly maintained washroom can therefore affect much more than hygiene. It can influence perceptions of an entire business, its reputation and potentially its revenue.

Cleaning staff are at the heart of delivering a positive washroom experience. Giving them the right tools, resources, training and support can help them maintain consistently high standards — ultimately benefiting both employees and customers.

Practical ways to support cleaning teams

Businesses and facility managers can take several practical steps to improve the working experience for cleaning staff.

1. Recognise and appreciate their contribution

Make cleaning staff feel visible and valued. This could include regular recognition, staff appreciation initiatives, recognition days or employee reward programmes.

2. Listen to what employees need

Cleaning teams understand the practical challenges of their roles better than anyone. Regularly asking what equipment, supplies or support would make their work easier can help identify simple improvements.

3. Make equipment accessible and easy to use

Cleaning products and equipment should be positioned logically and be straightforward to use, transport, refill and maintain wherever possible. Small ergonomic improvements can reduce unnecessary physical strain.

4. Prioritise safety

Ensure employees have appropriate personal protective equipment and receive suitable training on cleaning chemicals, equipment and safe working practices.

5. Provide wellbeing support

Consider introducing practical resources that support both physical and mental wellbeing, such as wellness initiatives, access to support services, training and regular wellbeing conversations.

6. Build a positive workplace culture

Cleaning teams should feel included within the wider organisation. Treating them with the same respect, consideration and professionalism as every other member of staff can make a significant difference to morale and retention.

A healthier cleaning team can mean a healthier business

The research highlights an important connection between employee wellbeing and operational performance.

When cleaning staff feel supported, respected and equipped to do their jobs effectively, businesses can benefit from improved morale, stronger retention and more consistent cleaning standards. In turn, customers and visitors are more likely to have a positive experience.

Supporting cleaning staff should therefore be seen as an investment rather than simply an employee benefit.

By listening to cleaning teams, recognising their contribution and providing the right working environment, businesses can create healthier, more sustainable workplaces — while also improving the experience of everyone who uses their facilities.

A clean environment starts with a supported cleaning team.

Partner with Castle (EU), and Reap the Benefits

Castle (EU) is dedicated to simplifying your life. Our commitment to sustainability, comprehensive staff training, and efficient product supply facilities all aim to save you time, cut your expenses, and elevate the quality of service you offer to your clients.

Whether you’re just starting out in the cleaning industry or striving to advance your business, we’re your partners in progress, ready to assist, innovate, and motivate. Contact our friendly team today for further details on how we can meet your specific requirements.