Polite and Effective Strategies for Communicating Your Cleaning Needs
As a home or business owner, it can be frustrating when a cleaning person does not adequately perform their duties. However, effective communication is key to ensuring that your requests are met.
The Rights and Responsibilities
If your cleaning person is employed by you, you must have discussed their job duties at the time of hiring. If this wasn't done, now is the time to establish clear expectations. If your maid or housekeeper is new and unfamiliar with cleaning specific items, such as furniture or an entertainment console, it's important to guide them and explain your expectations.
Communicate Clearly and Directly
Printing out a comprehensive job description and discussing it with your employee can help clarify your expectations. For instance, if you require that your tables and furniture be dusted, moved, and polished, it's essential to specifically instruct the cleaner on these requirements. A specific request might look like this:
“I need you to pick up the items to dust them and the area underneath. Please do this for each item.”
This direct and clear communication can help ensure that the work is done to your satisfaction.
Addressing New Items
If you have recently purchased new items, such as an entertainment console, your cleaner may feel uncertain about how to clean them. It's crucial to demonstrate the cleaning process to them and encourage questions. Clarify your expectations so they understand how to handle these items effectively.
The Role of Supervision and Feedback
As the employer, it's your responsibility to set expectations and ensure that your requests are met. If a cleaner is not performing their duties as expected, a gentle but firm approach can be effective. For example:
“Thank you so much for your work. However, I would appreciate it if you could dust the furniture, including moving the items to reach all surfaces and polishing them for a clean finish.”
If the cleaner consistently fails to meet your expectations, it may be time to evaluate the situation. Sometimes, finding another cleaner who is more aligned with your needs is necessary.
Interviewing for Cleaning Needs
When hiring a cleaning service, consider the interview as an opportunity to gauge the cleaner's ability to follow detailed instructions. Clearly explain your expectations during the interview and assess their reaction. If a candidate does not ask questions or seems unclear about the tasks, they may not be the right fit for the job.
Paying for Service
Remember that the cleaner is providing a service in exchange for compensation. Telling them exactly what you want done ensures that they understand and can do the job correctly. Here's an example of how to communicate:
“If you're going to clean my furniture and polish my entertainment console, I need you to do the following: [specific instructions]”
By clearly stating your expectations and providing positive reinforcement when the work is done well, you can maintain a positive employer-employee relationship and ensure that your cleaning needs are met.
Conclusion
Effective communication is the cornerstone of a productive and professional relationship with your cleaning service. By being clear, direct, and supportive, you can ensure that your home or business is maintained to the highest standards. If, despite your efforts, a cleaner cannot meet your expectations, it may be time to find someone who can.
Remember, the cleaner is working for you, and it's your responsibility to communicate your needs clearly. Taking the time to establish clear expectations can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.