As I have stated in past articles, the role of the onsite supervisor/lead worker is crucial to the success of any custodial contract, regardless of size. The larger the contract, the more important it is that the supervisor be well trained, supported by management and focused on the job at hand.

As cleaning consultant Bill Griffin states: “Successful supervision can be defined as the ability to get an employee to do what you want done, when you want it done, the way you want it done because the worker wants to do it.”

This statement is just reaffirming that we are in the “people business” and the relationship the onsite supervisor has not only with his/her staff but also tenants and the building manager is of prime importance.

The onsite supervisor should always be the first at the account and I suggest at least 30 minutes before the scheduled crew start up. If there are day porters he/she should be checking on their work and have a comprehensive check list (Job Card) for them to follow each day. They should also have a Daily Exceptions Report noting any and all tasks they performed in response to requests. It is important that they stay within contract specs and not become a “gopher” performing additional tasks not related to their actual work.

He/she should have the carts set up while providing updated Job Cards for the shift. All equipment should have been inspected and either repaired or replaced. It does little good for the crew to waste hours trying to get a vacuum cleaner or buffer to work because of missing parts.

He/she should also know the contract very well so that any variations are noted and reported immediately. I call it “contract creep” when informal requests slowly become entitlements that really should have a dollar value.

Remember that failing to plan is planning to fail. The onsite supervisor can make all the difference. Your comments and questions are important. I hope to hear from you soon. Until then, keep it clean...

Mickey Crowe has been involved in the industry for over 35 years. He is a trainer, speaker and consultant. You can reach Mickey at 678-314-2171 or CTCG50@comcast.net


posted on 5/24/2016