Episode 1178 – Creative Perks & Hiring Hacks: Mike’s Secrets to Building a Rockstar Cleaning Team
Team Perks That Actually Work
In this episode, Mike tackles a big question: What perks and benefits actually keep employees happy without becoming a pain for the boss? He’s not a fan of health insurance, mainly because it’s a hassle and often doesn’t provide real value for the employees. Mike explains that most cleaners don’t really need it, especially part-timers. Instead, he suggests fun and creative perks like paid days off on birthdays or even simple things like monthly parties or gym memberships. The goal is to find perks that make employees say, “I don’t want to leave this job,” without breaking the bank.
Make Hiring Easier with a Group Interview
Mike moves on to another common problem: finding employees who are willing to drive. The real issue isn’t the driving, though—it’s the broken hiring system. Mike’s advice is simple: stop wasting time interviewing one by one. Set up a group interview, and invite everyone to attend. He assures listeners that if you get six people to show up, at least a couple will be willing to drive. By automating the process, you save time and headaches, and you’re much more likely to find the right people.
Subcontractors vs. Employees: Which Is Better?
Next up, a listener asked about using subcontractors versus hiring W-2 employees. Mike breaks down the risks of subcontracting, especially in terms of taxes and legal issues. He’s clear that the safer and more scalable option is to hire employees, especially as your company grows. Subcontractors might save you a little money upfront, but in the long run, they can cause more problems. Mike emphasizes that having employees gives you more control and is what most high-end clients want anyway.
Don’t Settle for C-Players
Finally, Reina asked if she should let go of her top cleaners because they aren’t doing other parts of the job, like responding to emails or attending meetings. Mike’s answer? If they’re not doing their full job, they’re not really A+ cleaners. He redefines the problem, saying it’s not about letting them go—it’s about fixing the hiring funnel so you have better options. Good cleaners aren’t that hard to train, but great team players are what you should really be after.
Join the Conversation
Mike wraps up by inviting listeners to join the Facebook group or shoot an email to support if they want to be featured on the next AMA. As always, his advice is candid, practical, and aimed at helping cleaning business owners build a team they can actually rely on.