
23 Jan When Training Is (and Isn’t) the Answer to Cleaning Performance Issues
When faced with cleaning performance issues, many facilities managers instinctively turn to training as their first response. It’s an understandable reaction—training represents a structured, documentable approach to problem-solving that demonstrates active management intervention. For managers under pressure to show they’re addressing complaints or quality issues, mandating additional training feels like a concrete step forward.
Whilst training undoubtedly serves as a valuable tool for improving service quality and maintaining standards, it isn’t always the appropriate solution. In fact, defaulting to training without proper analysis can waste valuable time and resources, demoralise staff, and leave the root causes of problems unaddressed. When cleaning staff are already stretched thin, pulling them away from their duties for unnecessary training can actually compound existing problems.
Understanding when training will help—and when it won’t—is crucial for effective facilities management. This requires managers to develop a more nuanced approach to problem-solving, one that looks beyond surface-level issues to identify the true causes of cleaning failures. Only by carefully analysing each situation can managers determine whether training will provide meaningful improvements or whether other interventions are needed.
When Training Is the Right Solution
Training can effectively address several types of cleaning performance issues:
Knowledge Gaps
When staff members don’t understand proper cleaning procedures, chemical usage, or equipment operation, training provides essential knowledge. This includes:
- Proper dilution ratios for cleaning chemicals
- Correct sequence of cleaning tasks to prevent cross-contamination
- Safe and effective equipment operation techniques
- Understanding of different surface types and appropriate cleaning methods
Skill Development
Some cleaning tasks require specific techniques that must be learnt and practised. Training helps develop:
- Efficient movement patterns for tasks like mopping and vacuuming
- Proper use of specialised equipment
- Effective time management strategies
- Safe lifting and ergonomic practices
Process Understanding
When staff members don’t grasp the importance of certain procedures or why tasks must be done in a specific order, training can provide context and motivation:
- Understanding how cross-contamination occurs and its implications
- Learning the science behind disinfection contact times
- Recognising the role of cleaning in workplace health
- Appreciating the importance of preventive maintenance in extending equipment life
When Training Won’t Help
However, there are many situations where additional training won’t solve the underlying problem:
Resource Constraints
No amount of training can overcome:
- Insufficient staffing levels for the required workload
- Inadequate or broken equipment
- Missing or depleted cleaning supplies
- Unrealistic time allocations for tasks
Structural Issues
Training cannot fix problems related to:
- Poor building design that makes cleaning difficult or impossible
- Deteriorating infrastructure that prevents effective cleaning
- Inadequate storage space for equipment and supplies
- Insufficient waste management systems
Organisational Problems
Some issues require management intervention rather than training:
- Unclear or inconsistent expectations
- Poor communication between shifts or departments
- Lack of accountability in quality control processes
- Insufficient budget allocation for cleaning needs
External Factors
Training cannot address:
- Weather-related challenges (such as constant tracking of mud or snow)
- Building occupant behaviours that create excessive mess
- Construction or renovation work that generates unusual amounts of dirt
- Special events that overwhelm normal cleaning capacity
Identifying Root Causes
Before implementing training, managers should:
- Conduct a thorough analysis of the problem
- Gather specific examples of cleaning failures
- Document when and where issues occur
- Interview cleaning staff about challenges they face
- Review existing procedures and resources
- Look for patterns
- Are problems confined to specific areas or times?
- Do issues correlate with particular staff members or shifts?
- Are there common themes in complaints?
- Do problems occur more frequently during certain conditions?
- Evaluate current resources
- Staff-to-area ratios
- Equipment condition and availability
- Supply inventory and accessibility
- Time allocations for tasks
Making Training Effective
When training is appropriate, ensure its effectiveness by:
Targeting Specific Needs
- Focus on identified skill gaps
- Address actual problems rather than generic topics
- Provide hands-on practice with relevant equipment
- Use real-world examples from your facility
Following Up
- Monitor implementation of new procedures
- Provide feedback and coaching
- Address obstacles to applying new skills
- Adjust training based on results
Supporting Success
- Ensure necessary resources are available
- Remove barriers to implementing proper procedures
- Recognise and reward improved performance
- Maintain consistent standards across all shifts
Conclusion
Whilst training is an important tool for maintaining cleaning quality, it’s not a universal solution. Managers must carefully analyse problems to identify their root causes and implement appropriate solutions. Sometimes this means fixing structural issues, adjusting resources, or addressing organisational problems rather than providing more training.
Effective management requires:
- Understanding when training will and won’t help
- Identifying and addressing root causes of problems
- Providing appropriate resources and support
- Maintaining realistic expectations
- Creating an environment where proper cleaning is possible
By taking a thoughtful, analytical approach to cleaning problems, managers can ensure they’re implementing solutions that actually work, rather than defaulting to training that may not address the real issues.