Using Incentives Properly When Motivating Staff

Using incentives to motivate your staff is important and should be considered an investment in not only retaining them as employees but generating a level of loyalty and performance that can help you grow your business. I have often stated that the most important income generator in any custodial contract is the onsite supervision. He/she is the one who shows up each day and doesn't leave until the place is clean each night. Without that level of commitment and dedication the contract can be in jeopardy from low morale, high turnover, customer dissatisfaction and lost accounts. The onsite supervisor is the key to a successful contract.

A well trained, well supported, highly motivated onsite supervisor is essential to the day to day success of any custodial contract. How he/she is motivated will vary due to what their particular needs and aspirations are. Somewhere near the top of the list will be validation of their work ethic, character and results. Although the $1,000.00 bonus I mentioned in a prior article was certainly a motivator, it is also wise to consider short term recognitions as well.

1. How about a small bonus (cash or debit card) for achieving a superior score that is predetermined? Of course, the inspection must be objective and considered achievable to the supervisor.

2. How about the same type bonus for receiving a certain score or positive comments from randomly selected tenants and/or the property manager? This can be tricky since we do not want the supervisor to be offended if he/she receives negative comments.

3. Another bonus to consider is to recognize either coming in under budgeted hours while maintaining a minimum quality score. This could be labor hours or supplies or other expenses that can be documented and tracked.

We will continue this analysis in a future article.

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.