Communication: The Cornerstone of Success in Commercial Cleaning

Contributed by Shari Cedar, CEO and Co-Founder of AK Building Services

In the commercial cleaning world, good communication isn't just important — it’s essential. At AK Building Services, where we have a team of over 700 people spread across different locations, working various shifts, and mostly in the field, we’ve learned that solid communication is the key to delivering great service and keeping everyone on the same page.

The nature of our industry makes communication a bit tricky. Our team often works off-hours when clients' buildings are empty, and they're rarely in the same place at the same time. That can lead to feelings of isolation or disconnection if we don’t address it. Over time, we've figured out that having a strong communication plan in place helps us stay connected, engaged, and focused on our goals.

While face-to-face meetings are ideal, that’s not always possible. So, we’ve come up with a few ways to keep the communication flowing smoothly using technology. Here’s what’s been working for us:

·       Daily Huddles: These are quick, focused check-ins where team leaders touch base with their crews to go over priorities, address any immediate concerns, and make sure everyone is aligned for the day.

·       Weekly Team Meetings: Once a week, we get together as a larger group to share updates, celebrate great work, and keep everyone connected to the bigger picture.

·       Monthly Leadership Meetings: Our management team meets in person to dive deeper into strategy, look at performance metrics, and plan for future growth.

But perhaps the most important thing we’ve done is create a culture of open communication. We’ve set up an "open door" policy, but we take it a step further encouraging everyone to speak up, share ideas, voice concerns, and contribute to how we do things. This openness has led to some great innovations and has really boosted morale across the company.

When communication flows well internally, it has a direct impact on our clients. When our teams are informed and aligned, the service we deliver is more consistent and of higher quality. Clients notice the difference — whether it’s our ability to coordinate quickly, respond to their needs, or just ensure things are done right every time.

As we continue to grow, we’re always thinking of new ways to improve how we communicate. By making communication a priority at every level of our organization, we’ve built a more engaged workforce, delivered better service, and positioned ourselves as leaders in the industry.

If you’re a leader in the commercial cleaning business, I’d encourage you to look at your own communication practices. Are they reaching everyone effectively? Are they helping build a sense of unity and shared purpose? If you put more focus on communication, I promise it will pay off in better performance, happier teams, and more satisfied clients.

Shari Cedar is the CEO & Co-Owner of AK Building Services, an industry-leading family owned and operated commercial janitorial services provider in Florida, where she leads sales, strategy, marketing, communications, learning and development, and customer service. AK Building Services is GBAC (Global Biorisk Advisory Certified), LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and ISN certified. For more information about AK Building Services visit www.akbuildingservices.com.