With the cleaning industry continuing to face staffing shortages and high turnover, companies are rethinking the best ways to recruit and retain talent. “Whether you’re managing a residential property or a commercial cleaning business, attracting skilled cleaners takes more than a job post,” said Archie Heinl, President, Janitorial Manager. “It requires speed, transparency, and flexibility.”

Here are five strategies from Janitorial Manager to attract and retain skilled cleaners in a competitive labour market:

1. Offer same-day pay: Traditional two-week pay cycles aren’t always viable in the current labour environment. Cleaners increasingly expect to get paid the same day they work, particularly when they are supplementing income or juggling multiple jobs. Companies that offer same-day pay see significantly higher application rates and improved retention.
2. Provide flexible scheduling: Rigid schedules are a dealbreaker for many modern workers. Cleaners want the flexibility to choose when and where they work, whether they’re picking up a few extra hours or building a full-time workload. Flexibility helps retain talent and reduce call-offs by offering a more positive culture and better work-life balance.
3. Be ready for last-minute coverage: The ability to hire on demand for large events or fill unexpected gaps is critical. A digital marketplace enables quick access to pre-screened cleaners who are nearby and often available at the last minute.
4. Invest in long-term reputation building: Allow cleaners to build their reputation through positive reviews and consistent performance. When workers feel valued and see a path to more job opportunities, they’re more likely to stay engaged and reliable, providing businesses with a more stable workforce over time.
5. Hire from a cleaner-focused marketplace: Posting cleaning jobs on generic platforms like Indeed or ZipRecruiter often yields inconsistent results. A specialized platform attracts workers specifically looking for cleaning jobs, meaning employers get higher-quality candidates who are pre-vetted and ready to work.

With a three per cent employment growth projected for janitors between today and 2033, the janitorial labour market is continuing to grow and evolve. Companies that keep up with the candidates’ shifting needs will stay ahead of the competition by attracting and retaining top talent.