Episode 1195 – Top 5 Countdown: How to Hire Cleaning Employees That Work Hard and Stay WithYou
Welcome to the Countdown
In this special episode of the podcast, Mike Campion kicks off a countdown of the top five YouTube podcast videos, starting with a gem from 2017. The focus is on a pressing topic for cleaning business owners: how to hire employees who not only work hard but also stick around. This blast from the past features Patricia Thrasher from Cleaning Made Easy, a company serving the Oakland, Maryland area. Mike welcomes Patricia to the show, where they discuss her experiences and challenges in running her cleaning business.
Patricia's Journey in Cleaning
Patricia shares her story, revealing that she’s been in the cleaning business since 2007 and is on the brink of her ten-year anniversary. With three employees (plus herself), she reflects on her journey, noting the ups and downs, especially regarding employee retention. Her background from West Virginia University equipped her with the business knowledge to succeed, but she admits to feeling burnt out and overwhelmed by the struggle to keep employees.
The Core Challenge: Employee Retention
Mike quickly zeroes in on the core issue: while Patricia can attract applicants, keeping them is another story. She explains that many new hires quit within the first two to three weeks, indicating a disconnect between their expectations and the reality of the job. Mike emphasizes that understanding core values and aligning them with the hiring process is crucial for retaining employees. He encourages Patricia to create a clear picture of what her company stands for to attract the right fit.
Setting Standards for Success
One key point of advice from Mike is to set higher minimum standards for potential employees. This includes having reliable transportation and a solid work history. He challenges Patricia to stop picking up employees, noting that those who can’t get themselves to work may not be ready for the responsibility of a job. By establishing clearer expectations from the start, Patricia can filter out candidates who may not be committed to their roles.
Going Above and Beyond
As the conversation wraps up, Patricia offers some valuable advice from her experience: always go above and beyond for customers. She shares a story of cleaning a client’s oven for free, illustrating how little acts of kindness can lead to strong customer relationships. Mike and Patricia agree that providing exceptional service not only benefits the business but also brings joy and fulfillment to the work. For those looking to grow their cleaning companies, this episode serves as a reminder of the importance of attracting the right employees and delivering outstanding service to clients.