The Guardian has written that ‘Employers in the UK are facing the worst staff shortages since the late 1990s, amid the rush to reopen from lockdown and a significant drop in overseas workers owing to COVID and Brexit.’ It has become a trend to raise an alert for the significant labour shortages — even when you are looking for new cleaning and security staff.
We have come up with five tips to help your business deal with these staff shortages effectively:
1. Retain Your Existing Staff
To ensure that your business doesn’t face a loss in staff, you need to provide incentives. This will help retain your current cleaning and security team. Offer them competitive salaries, new benefits, and more flexibility with their working hours. Showing your employees appreciation and warmth can ensure they stay loyal to your company. Even simple gestures like saying “thank you” can go a long way in boosting morale.
If you’re hiring new staff, offer higher wages than your competitors to attract top talent in cleaning and security services.
2. Consider Professional Help
You don’t always need to hire an in-house cleaning or security team. Sometimes it is more beneficial to outsource to a professional security company or specialist cleaning provider. They are already trained to industry standards and can offer a higher level of service. In most cases, they come equipped with the necessary tools and safety gear, and they operate with flexibility, often available at short notice.
3. Identify Your Business Needs
When seeking external cleaning or security services, start by reviewing your exact needs. List out the responsibilities and expectations clearly for the service provider to deliver efficiently.
Ask yourself:
- Do I need staff on-site 24/7 or just during office hours?
- Can some tidying and decluttering be done internally?
- Which areas require daily cleaning versus periodic cleaning?
A full understanding of your business needs helps you choose the right service provider efficiently.
4. Compare Available Options
If you’re already working with a cleaning or security vendor, compare their offerings with others in the market. Get multiple quotes, evaluate pricing, services offered, and availability. The best service provider will align with your needs while offering good value for money.
5. Ask the Right Questions
While evaluating vendors, ensure you ask important questions and remain open to flexible service models. Check for relevant experience and verify through testimonials or customer reviews.
Questions for a cleaning company:
- How much do you charge?
- Is insurance included?
- Do you use eco-friendly products?
- What services are included?
- What kind of training do your staff receive?
Questions for a security company:
- Are you insured?
- Have you worked with similar businesses?
- How do you train and monitor your guards?
- Do your guards carry arms?
Professional companies will have clear answers and supporting documents. Compare them thoroughly before making a final decision.
Final Words
Even though many businesses are struggling to find suitable staff and reliable service providers, it’s important not to rush your decision. By following these tips, you’ll be in a better position to retain talent and choose the right cleaning and security solutions — saving time, cost, and stress in the long run.
