Struggling to keep on top of maintaining office cleanliness, at the same time as juggling the demands of your business?
You’re not on your own.
Running a business in London can be demanding, and many companies find that as they grow, tasks like keeping the workplace looking clean and spotless take a back seat.
But the importance of keeping a clean and hygienic workplace shouldn’t be underestimated.
A clean workplace isn’t just a reflection of your professionalism - it also creates a welcoming atmosphere for clients and visitors, improves employee health and morale, reduces illness-related absences, and improves the efficiency of your business.
This is why many London businesses are hiring professional cleaning companies.
However, it’s important to remember that not all cleaning companies are created equal, and you should take the time to evaluate a number of different partners and find the commercial cleaning company that’s right for you.
In this guide, we’ll talk through how you can hire the best professional cleaning company in London to meet your specific business needs.
Why you need a professional cleaning company
When people think about the role of a professional cleaning company, they often think it just involves keeping your workplace looking clean and pristine.
However, the cleanliness of your business premises is about more than just appearances.
Your employees spend a significant amount of time in the office, and professional cleaning services help ensure that your workplace is consistently clean, reducing distractions and creating an environment where employees are better able to focus on their work. Clean office spaces have actually been proven to boost productivity for your business.
A professional approach to office cleaning can also help prevent the spread of illness in the office - reducing sickness-related absences and ensuring the smooth running of your business.
Maintaining a clean office environment can also help save on maintenance costs in the future. The better you maintain your building, the more likely you are to avoid expensive unexpected repair bills.
To give a balanced perspective on professional contract cleaning services, it’s important to recognise that there are some perceived disadvantages to outsourcing to specialists.
Some businesses might believe that outsourcing cleaning will come with higher costs, that cleaners might disrupt daily business operations, or they may even have a slight distrust of outside partners coming into the business premises to clean.
However, a lot of these perceived disadvantages can be overcome if you follow the right steps to carefully select the right commercial cleaning company.
How to hire the right commercial cleaning company in London
There are a number of key factors to consider when you’re looking to find the right commercial cleaning company for your business.
Look for the Right Experience and Expertise in Office Cleaning
Experience counts for a lot when you’re hiring an office cleaning company.
Ideally, you’ll want to choose a commercial cleaning company that has a proven track record in cleaning businesses similar to yours, as they are more likely to understand the unique challenges of maintaining your office space.
It’s also important to choose a company that can provide a full range of cleaning services. The right cleaning company will be able to manage everything from routine office cleaning to specialised tasks like deep cleaning, carpet cleaning, window cleaning, and sanitising your workplace.
In the post-COVID world, infection control has also become increasingly important for businesses, so it’s also a good idea to make sure your commercial cleaning partner has experience in infection control and preventing illnesses from spreading throughout your office.
Make sure they offer flexible, tailored cleaning contracts
Your business is unique, and so are your cleaning needs.
So when you’re looking for a cleaning company it’s important to find a partner that offers flexible, tailored cleaning contracts.
A reputable cleaning company should ideally complete an initial cleaning assessment of your premises, helping to identify any cleaning requirements that might currently be overlooked, and coming up with a proposal for the cleaning services you require and an effective schedule.
But importantly, the cleaning company should also be able to adjust the schedule to your business needs - especially if you experience fluctuations in foot traffic or working patterns. A good cleaning company will be able to clean your premises when they are empty or at their least busy - avoiding any disruptions for staff or customers.
Check they offer green cleaning services
Green cleaning services are becoming an increasingly popular choice for businesses.
By choosing a professional cleaning company that uses eco-friendly cleaning products, you’re not only making a choice that is beneficial for the planet but also for your employees’ health.
Green cleaning products are free from harsh chemicals, which helps improve indoor air quality and prevents employees from being exposed to harmful toxins.
A common misconception is that green cleaning services are more expensive than traditional approaches to office cleaning.
However, in reality, green cleaning is often competitively priced - and the benefits of a healthier workplace and reduced environmental footprint make choosing a green cleaning company a wise investment.
Take a look at their testimonials and reviews
Before hiring a commercial cleaning company, it’s important to take the time to review their testimonials and customer feedback.
Testimonials from other businesses across London can provide valuable insights into the quality of their cleaning services, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
You might also consider asking a potential cleaning company for the details of existing customers who would be happy to speak to you on the phone and provide a tailored reference. This approach allows you to ask specific questions that are particularly relevant to your business.
Certifications and accreditations are also a good measure of a company’s credibility.
When you’re considering a professional cleaning company in London, it’s also a good idea to ask if they hold certifications like ISO 9001 for quality management and ISO 14001 for environmental management, as these demonstrate a commitment to high standards.
Membership in professional bodies such as the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) is another strong indicator that the company will clean your office adhering to industry best practices.
Book an initial site visit and cleaning assessment
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of commercial cleaning companies, it’s a good idea to schedule an initial site visit with each of your shortlisted partners.
Having each of the cleaning companies visit your premises will allow them to evaluate your office space, understand your specific cleaning requirements, and offer a tailored proposal based on your needs.
A site visit is also a good opportunity for you to discuss any potential or specific challenges in your office, such as particularly busy times of the day when you wouldn’t want your business to be disrupted.
While each company is visiting you and conducting their assessment, monitor things like their professionalism and attention to detail. The approach they take to this initial meeting is likely to be reflective of the level of service they will provide in the future.
Compare office cleaning quotes
Cost is naturally going to be an important factor when you’re comparing different cleaning quotes - but it shouldn't be your sole consideration.
While the lowest price proposal might initially seem appealing, we’d always recommend balancing the cost with other factors, such as the company’s reputation, range of services, and their commitment to environmentally friendly practices.
A slightly higher quote may be worthwhile if it includes more thorough services, the use of eco-friendly products, or advanced cleaning technologies. After all, you’re not just paying for a cleaning service; you’re investing in the health, safety, and overall perception of your business.
Consider a trial period in your cleaning contract
Before you commit to a long-term commercial cleaning contract, it’s often a good idea to start with a fixed-term trial period.
This gives you the chance to evaluate the cleaning company’s reliability, the quality of their work, and their flexibility in adapting to your specific needs - without any long-term financial risk.
During the trial period, it’s important to pay attention to how well they maintain cleanliness in your office and consider asking your employees for feedback on how well they feel the office is being cleaned.
You might also want to evaluate how responsive the cleaning company is to feedback during the trial period, and what their approach to customer service is like.
If your chosen office cleaner meets or exceeds your expectations during the trial, you can move forward with a longer-term contract with confidence.
Looking for a professional cleaning company in London? Get in touch with Green Facilities
Hiring the right professional cleaning company in London is crucial if you want to maintain a clean, healthy, and productive office environment.
At Green Facilities Management, we take pride in delivering high-quality, eco-friendly cleaning services tailored to your business’s specific needs.
With flexible cleaning contracts, ISO certification, and transparent pricing, we make sure there are no hidden surprises - just high-quality office cleaning and exceptional customer service.
So, if you’re looking for a reliable commercial cleaning company in London, contact Green Facilities today for a free assessment.