Zone Versus Team Cleaning

A reader asks: "I am struggling with performance issues at a site that is new to me. We have had above average turnover in both supervision and front line employees due to a very tight budget as well as declining morale. Do you have any suggestions?"

This series will try to focus on analyzing the current situation and making suggestions for improvement over a period of time. In a prior article we listed some of the noted deficiencies and now suggest corrective actions to deal with them:

1. If necessary, bring in additional supervision to support the current front line supervisor as well as an onsite trainer who can get current staff up to speed.

2. Convert to Team Cleaning within the next thirty days. If necessary, transfer or replace any staff who resist this transition.

3. Based on our analysis, you can go from 20 FTE's with Zone Cleaning to 16 FTE's with Team Cleaning thereby freeing up funds to pay a competitive wage and possibly provide benefits.

4. Converting to Team Cleaning will also require purchasing and maintaining back pack vacuum cleaners which can radically improve air quality, reduce dust and provide better outcomes.

5. It will be necessary to remove all old upright vacuum cleaners and provide the back pack units to the Vacuum Specialists trained in correct use and maintenance.

6. Onsite supervision needs to be trained on effective management techniques including maintaining inventory control.

7. Make sure the onsite supervisor "buys into" the concept and benefits of Team Cleaning.

You may check out prior articles on the benefits of implementing Team Cleaning. Please remember that we are in the "people" business and our most important asset is a well trained, well equipped, motivated work force which appears to be sadly lacking in this case.

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.