Castle’s Guide to Maximising and Retaining Cleaning Staff in the Midst of a Recruitment Crisis

It is widely recognised that the UK’s cleaning and hygiene industry is struggling with the worst staff shortage since the late 1990s.

Numerous factors have contributed to the current recruitment crisis, including a decrease in migration following Brexit, a significant number of employees opting not to return to work after the Covid-19 pandemic, and competition from other industries offering more attractive pay, training, and benefits. Additionally, the cleaning and hygiene sector is often overlooked due to a perception that the industry is unskilled, uneducated, and unintelligent.

According to the British Cleaning Council, the cleaning, waste management, landscaping and facilities management industries will generate 93,000 new jobs by 2024. However, 29% of those jobs have been classified as ‘hard to fill’ due to there being more vacant jobs than there are people looking for work. 

With limited availability of skilled staff and threats of current staff ending employment, more effort must be made to place the cleaning and hygiene industry as an attractive sector to work in.

In this guide, we will explore 5 ways businesses within the cleaning sector can attract new staff and improve the retention of their current staff.

1. Offer Fair Pay

Paying a fair wage is crucial for attracting and retaining staff in the cleaning industry. Unfortunately, many businesses fail to compensate their employees adequately for the time spent travelling to client locations, resulting in potential violations of minimum wage laws. To increase employee retention rates, cleaning companies must provide a liveable wage to their staff. Utilising cleaning management software that accurately records and calculates employee mileage, combined with a reliable payroll system, businesses can help ensure workers are fairly compensated for their labour.

2. Provide Other Employment Benefits

Offering employment benefits such as life insurance and healthcare is crucial for retaining and winning new staff in the cleaning industry. While fair pay is important, it is not always enough to attract and retain top talent in a highly competitive market. The cleaning industry is one that is often overlooked when it comes to employee benefits, but it is important to realise that these benefits can make a huge difference in the lives of employees. 

First and foremost, offering healthcare benefits can help employees stay healthy and productive. This is especially important in the cleaning industry, where employees are often exposed to chemicals and other hazards that can impact their health. By offering healthcare benefits, employees can receive regular check-ups and preventative care, reducing the risk of illness or injury. This, in turn, can help reduce absenteeism and turnover, as employees are less likely to miss work due to health issues.

In addition to healthcare benefits, offering life insurance can provide peace of mind to employees and their families. The cleaning industry can be physically demanding and sometimes dangerous, with the risk of accidents and injuries on the job. Providing life insurance can help employees feel secure in the knowledge that they will be taken care of in the long run. This benefit can also be a powerful recruiting tool, as potential employees will be more likely to choose a company that offers this type of coverage.

3. Invest in Ongoing Training and Development

In a highly competitive market, employees are looking for employers who will support their professional growth and provide opportunities for advancement. By offering training and development programs, employers can attract top talent and keep their employees engaged and motivated. 

Firstly, ongoing training and development can help employees improve their skills and knowledge, making them more effective at their jobs. This, in turn, can lead to increased productivity, higher quality work, and better customer satisfaction. With the fast-paced changes in the cleaning industry, continuous learning is necessary to keep up with new technologies and best practices.

When employees feel invested in and supported by their employer, they are more likely to stay with the company long-term. Additionally, by providing opportunities for career advancement, employees are more likely to see a future with the company and feel motivated to work towards their goals.

4. Offer Flexible Working Opportunities

In recent years, flexible working has become an increasingly important factor for employees when considering their job options. This is particularly true in the cleaning industry, where long and sometimes irregular hours are common. 

By offering flexible schedules, employees can work around their other responsibilities, reducing stress and improving their overall well-being. Additionally, when employees have the flexibility to choose when and where they work, they are more likely to feel empowered and motivated. This can lead to improved employee morale, loyalty, and job satisfaction, ultimately reducing turnover rates.

5. Focus on Improving the Perception of The Industry

One of the biggest challenges the industry needs to address is why people do not consider a career in the cleaning industry, and shift the focus to promoting the many, diverse opportunities available.

Unfortunately, the cleaning industry is frequently disregarded due to its perceived lack of glamour, and the sector is further challenged by negative perceptions of being low-skill and low pay. However, these perceptions couldn’t be further from the truth. The cleaning industry is crucial in preventing the spread of diseases, reducing workplace accidents, and improving the overall well-being of the public.

If companies shout a bit louder about the importance and benefits of an occupation within the cleaning sector and work harder to address the shortfalls, they can achieve a better reputation among prospective and current employees.

Improve Your Employee Retention and Acquisition with Castle (EU)

At Castle (EU), everything we do revolves around making your lives easier. Our sustainable cleaning products, staff training, and product supply facilities are designed to help you win and retain staff in the midst of the recruitment crisis. Whether you’re just starting out in the cleaning industry or looking to take your business to the next level, we’re here to help. Contact our team today for more information on how we can support your needs.