Why Great Staff Training Matters

In a recent episode of Confessions of a Cleaning Business Owner, DCBN Directors Louise and Diane dive deep into a subject every cleaning business owner needs to address: the critical importance of training staff. As leaders in the domestic cleaning industry, they bring a wealth of experience and insights to an area that can make or break a business. Here’s a look at some of the key takeaways from their discussion.

Many business owners overlook the true cost of inadequate training. Poorly trained staff are more likely to make mistakes, work less efficiently, and require more supervision, which translates into higher costs and, ultimately, customer dissatisfaction. Structured and well-executed training not only reduces these risks, but also empowers staff to work confidently, leading to better results and happier clients.

The Cost of Traditional Training Methods Traditional training methods often involve shadowing an experienced cleaner, but this approach can have its downsides. It’s time-consuming and doesn’t guarantee that every new hire is exposed to all the skills they need. Inconsistent training can result in skills gaps, which become costly in the long run. Furthermore, without a structured program, it’s challenging to assess each cleaner's progress and address their specific needs.

Building a Structured Training Program Louise and Diane emphasised the need for a structured training program, detailing essential steps for creating one that meets a business’s unique needs. Effective training involves more than just learning cleaning techniques; it includes customer service, time management, and attention to detail. Training programs should include assessments to help gauge how well staff members understand and apply their training, and regular feedback can help them grow and build confidence in their work.

Techniques for Empowering and Assessing Cleaners In addition to structured programs, in this episode techniques that help cleaners feel empowered were discussed. When cleaners feel confident, they’re more likely to take ownership of their tasks and deliver higher-quality service. Assessing staff doesn’t have to be a complex or punitive process; instead, it can be an opportunity to reinforce strengths and address areas for improvement constructively.

Innovative Training Environments Creating an innovative training environment can greatly enhance learning and retention. Louise and Diane suggest that instead of limiting training to real homes, a mock setup or hands-on environment can allow cleaners to practice without the pressure of a client watching. These controlled environments can facilitate better learning and help cleaners experiment with different tools and products.

The Long-Term Benefits of Training Louise and Diane agree that while training is an investment of time and resources, the long-term benefits are substantial. Well-trained cleaners are more productive, provide higher-quality service, and are more likely to stay with the business. This results in lower turnover, higher customer satisfaction, and ultimately, more profit.

Upcoming Workshop: Train the Trainer! To help cleaning business owners take their training to the next level, the DCBN is launching a two day workshop focused on training cleaning business owners with a team on how to actually train their staff.  Attendees will not only walk away with knowledge and practical experience of what a great staff training program is, but will also receive a full training system and manual they can start using in their business straight away. This 2 day in person workshop is for experienced cleaning business owners only, you must already have at least 3 members of staff as it will be a jam packed 2 day course to enhance your skills and help you make a real improvement to your staff training.

If you're a cleaning business owner, investing in a structured, empowering, and effective training program is one of the best decisions you can make. By dedicating time and resources to training, you’re not only enhancing your business but also creating an environment where cleaners feel supported and capable.