Brand reputation is everything for a business. Companies spend millions each year to protect it. One misstep can erase years of good work.

Building maintenance is the same. Buildings need to be maintained, protected, and nurtured. Deferred maintenance or consistently low-quality care may be seen as a cost savings, but can ultimately damage building integrity.

And, when cracks start to show, it creeps from a real estate problem into a brand one.

How can facility managers advocate for ‘the right’ clean?  This quick guide gives facility managers talking points to help make the case for professional janitorial services.

1. You don’t need a Class A+ office, but you do need a safe one.

When someone says an office building is “Class A, B, or C,” they’re usually talking about market quality. Think age, location, tenant mix, building systems, and amenities. A newer tower in a prime area with a staffed lobby often lands in Class A. A solid, well-run building with fewer extras might be Class B. An older property with limited upgrades is often Class C.

The building type affects the scope of cleaning work, how often tasks occur, and what “good enough” looks like during an inspection. A smudge that triggers a complaint in Class A might be acceptable in Class C, as long as the space is free of debris.

Details may change, but core cleaning standards should remain the same, regardless of the type of building you operate. Foundations should always prioritize the health and safety of occupants, guests, and the cleaning staff.

2. Know when to spend and where to save.

Facility managers seeking the best pricing on janitorial services can optimize budgets by understanding what matters most to building occupants. Sometimes, small changes can make a big difference, and not in a good way.

For example, selecting a lower-cost toilet paper may save thousands a year. It seems like a logical place to save – until occupants notice and complain. Experienced facility managers know that toilet paper is a customer detractor. This means that no one will say anything if it’s ‘ok,’ but expect lots of complaints if it isn’t. This ultimately undermines credibility and increases operational costs through additional work orders, inventory replacement, and storage.

No brand wants to risk employee or customer trust over 1-ply. The extra few dollars a year are worth preserving trust.

3. Consistency chimes louder than ‘bells and whistles.’

Doing something once is easy. Doing it at the same high level every day is much harder.

Facility managers comparing janitorial service providers need to be wary of sales pitches with ‘all the bells and whistles.’  IoT sensors in bathroom stalls, state-of-the-art robotics, beyond-sustainable chemicals, and elaborate technology are currently all the rage. These are nice to have – but not always necessary. And, the promise is usually greater than the return.

If you can afford all the bells and whistles, then go for it. But know that what matters most to occupants is consistency. Tenants and guests care most about a predictably clean space. This means that trash is removed on schedule, pantries are stocked, and bathrooms cleaned – every single day.

It’s the same philosophy that drives customer loyalty to a commodity product or service. Customers just want the widget; they don’t really care about the fancy wrapping.

4. Risk is in the eye of the beholder.

Cleaning is risky. Commercial cleaning contractors must balance logistics, science, physiology, psychology, technology, and regulations that vary by jurisdiction. Facility managers know how complicated it is, but non-facility professionals generally don’t.

This is where finance departments and facility teams can collide. There are many low-cost, low-quality cleaning contractors on the market. They offer low prices on competitive RFPs. This ‘savings’ comes at a high cost to the buyer. At best, it’s lower standards or missed shifts. At worst, it’s a serious safety incident caused by inexperienced staff who lack proper oversight, training, and PPE.

Risk isn’t worth saving a few dollars an hour.

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Planning your subsequent request for proposal or facility management budget? Oneliance can help. We provide comprehensive janitorial services, routine maintenance, and construction cleaning for commercial and government customers in NC, SC, GA, FL, TN, TX, and CO. Just send us a note via our contact page.