How Hybrid Work Changed Commercial Cleaning

By Jonathan Thiessen

Before the term hybrid work entered the mainstream, the commercial cleaning industry operated on a reliable rhythm. Office buildings buzzed Monday through Friday, foot traffic remained consistent, and janitorial teams followed fixed schedules — often cleaning nightly or during early morning hours. Contracts were straightforward: service five nights per week, touch every desk, empty every trash can, and deep clean on the weekends. 

Then, the pandemic changed everything. 

What began as a temporary solution to a public health crisis soon evolved into a long-term workplace model. Today, hybrid work is no longer a perk or exception — it’s a reality for many businesses. As more companies embrace flexible schedules and distributed teams, the commercial cleaning industry has had to pivot rapidly to remain relevant, responsive, and resourceful. 

How Cleaning Contracts Have Changed 

One of the most significant changes has been the move from fixed routines to flexible, usage-based services. Rather than cleaning entire facilities daily, many companies now focus on areas actually in use. Restrooms, conference rooms, and collaborative spaces are prioritized, while infrequently used desks or private offices may be cleaned rotating or as needed. Cleaning providers must communicate closely with facility managers to understand occupancy trends and tailor services to match daily or weekly needs. 

The New Metrics: Value Over Volume 

This evolution has also changed how contracts are negotiated and valued. In the past, square footage and the number of restrooms often dictated pricing. Today, customers are more interested in results than raw volume. They're asking for justification: Why is this area cleaned daily while another is not? What’s the protocol if occupancy surges unexpectedly midweek? Cleaning companies are now expected to deliver transparency, agility, and a consultative approach — helping clients align their workplace operations with health, safety, and cost-efficiency goals. 

Technology has played a growing role in this transition. Smart sensors in restrooms and break rooms provide real-time data about usage, allowing cleaning crews to be deployed exactly where needed. Some companies use mobile apps or dashboard tools to share cleaning logs, schedules, and reports.  

Evolving Customer Expectations 

At the same time, client expectations have evolved beyond basic cleanliness. Many organizations now view their commercial cleaning providers as partners in employee wellness, ESG compliance, and brand reputation. As a result, cleaning companies are broadening their offerings to include everything from green cleaning solutions and disinfection protocols to supply restocking and light facility maintenance. Flexibility and service diversification have become key differentiators in a rapidly changing market. 

Hybrid Work: A Win for Innovation 

Although hybrid work initially disrupted the cleaning industry, it has also driven innovation. Some providers have developed bundled service packages that allow customers to combine cleaning with indoor air quality monitoring or janitorial supply management. Others have adopted subscription-style models, allowing clients to scale services up or down depending on the weekly office population. In response, cleaning companies are upskilling their workforce, ensuring that staff members are trained to handle a broader range of duties to meet the growing complexity of customer demands. 

Ultimately, hybrid work has shifted commercial cleaning from a back-of-house necessity to a frontline function supporting health, productivity, and business continuity. Where once the mission was to clean everything every day, the modern mandate is smarter: clean what’s needed when it’s needed and do it in a way that supports the evolving workplace. 

The commercial cleaning companies that embrace this shift — those that lead with flexibility, data, and a service mindset — are surviving the hybrid era and thriving in it. 

Jonathan Thiessen is the master franchise owner for Anago of The Hudson Valley, part of the Anago Cleaning Systems brand supporting over 1800 franchises across the U.S. and Canada. For more information about Anago ofThe Hudson Valley, visit?AnagoCleaning.com/the-hudson-valley.