Workforce Shortages and How to Overcome it
Carpet cleaning, Commercial cleaning, Domestic cleaning, General cleaning, Healthcare cleaning, Housekeeping, Industrial cleaning, Specialized cleaning

Strategies for Cleaning Industry Employers

The cleaning industry is facing a significant challenge—finding and retaining skilled workers. With rising demand for commercial cleaning services, workforce shortages can disrupt business operations and growth. Are you struggling to fill positions and keep your cleaning team fully staffed?

Understanding the Workforce Shortage

Several factors contribute to workforce shortages in the cleaning industry. Low unemployment rates, increased competition for labor, and an aging workforce all play a role. Many potential workers also prefer flexible or part-time roles, making recruitment more difficult.

Key reasons for staff shortages include:

  • High turnover rates due to physically demanding work
  • A limited pool of experienced candidates
  • Increasing demand for cleaning services post-pandemic
  • Competition from other industries offering higher wages

Improving Employee Retention

Retaining employees is just as important as recruiting new ones. High turnover leads to increased costs in training and lost productivity. To improve retention:

  • Offer competitive wages and benefits
  • Provide clear career growth opportunities
  • Recognize and reward employee achievements
  • Foster a positive work culture with strong leadership

By creating a workplace where employees feel valued, businesses can reduce turnover and build a stable workforce.

Expanding Recruitment Strategies

Traditional job postings may no longer be enough. To attract more candidates, cleaning businesses should:

  • Utilize job boards like CleaningNZ
  • Leverage social media and targeted advertising
  • Offer referral incentives for current employees
  • Partner with local job agencies or training programs

A diverse recruitment approach ensures a steady flow of applicants and reduces dependency on a single hiring method.

Investing in Employee Training

Many cleaning businesses struggle to find experienced workers. Investing in training allows employers to hire based on attitude and work ethic rather than experience.

Effective training programs should include:

  • Onboarding that sets clear expectations
  • Ongoing skills development and certification opportunities
  • Leadership training for career progression

Well-trained employees are more productive, stay longer, and contribute to higher service quality.

Embracing Technology and Automation

Technology can help reduce the impact of workforce shortages. Modern cleaning equipment, automated scheduling tools, and workforce management software improve efficiency and reduce dependency on labor.

Consider these solutions:

  • Robotic floor cleaners for large spaces
  • Mobile apps for time tracking and job assignments
  • Online training platforms for staff development

Using technology strategically can help businesses maintain high service levels despite staffing challenges.

Conclusion

Workforce shortages and how to overcome it remains a critical issue for cleaning industry employers. By improving retention, expanding recruitment efforts, investing in training, and leveraging technology, businesses can build a strong and reliable workforce. If you’re looking for skilled workers, visit CleaningNZ to connect with qualified candidates today.