By Shari Cedar, Co-founder & CEO of AK Building Services 

In today’s fast-evolving commercial cleaning industry, staying ahead means more than wielding a mop and bucket. At AK Building Services, we believe excellence begins with people. A true culture of quality is built when ongoing training and development are as much a priority as the services we deliver. By continually investing in our team’s knowledge and skills, we’re not only raising the standard of clean, but we are also raising the standard of what it means to be a trusted partner in building health and safety. 

Why Learning & Development Matters 

The cleaning industry is transforming at record speed. From the growth of green cleaning and infection prevention technologies to the increasing role of robotics and data-driven solutions, the tools of our trade are evolving daily. At the same time, OSHA and other regulatory bodies consistently update safety requirements that directly impact how we protect our employees and safeguard clients’ facilities. 

Against this backdrop, training is no longer optional, it is essential. At AK Building Services, ongoing learning directly drives: 

  • Retention and Engagement: When teammates see that we invest in them, they feel valued, stay longer, and become ambassadors of our culture. 
  • Operational Excellence: Our partnership with Spartan CleanCheck reinforces the latest best practices, ensuring consistent, high-quality outcomes. 
  • Culture and Camaraderie: A learning-focused environment creates pride, accountability, and alignment across all levels of our organization. 
  • Personal Growth: Team members build transferable skills that elevate their careers and self-confidence. 
  • Customer Trust and Growth: Skilled, motivated employees deliver consistent results that strengthen client relationships and open doors for expansion. 

Keeping Skills Fresh  

We’ve built a multi-layered approach to training, ensuring every team member is equipped to meet today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities. These opportunities include: 

  • Structured Onboarding and Continuous Learning: Every new hire begins with a comprehensive orientation focused on safety, company values, and cleaning standards. From there, ongoing workshops, refresher courses, and technology training keep skills current. 
  • OSHA and Safety Compliance: Protecting our people is paramount. Regular OSHA and safety training and updates not only minimize risks and prevent injuries but also demonstrate to clients that their facilities are in the hands of professionals. 
  • Innovation Readiness: Whether it’s Green Seal-certified solutions or advanced cordless HEPA vacuums, our teams are trained to adopt new tools safely and effectively, maximizing performance and health outcomes. 
  • Soft Skills Development: Technical skills matter, but so does professionalism. We embed communication, teamwork, and problem-solving into training, helping associates build confidence in both client interactions and internal collaboration. 
  • Recognition and Career Pathways: Certifications and milestones are celebrated, giving associates clear pathways for advancement and motivating them to grow with AK Building Services. 

Actionable Insights for Industry Peers 

The need for structured learning isn’t unique to us. Any company in the cleaning and facilities sector can elevate its performance by embracing these practices: 

  • Create a Culture of Learning: Make training a core value, not a calendar item. Consistency is key. 
  • Harness Technology: Use digital platforms for training modules, compliance tracking, and performance measurement to improve accessibility and engagement. 
  • Stay Proactive with Regulations: Regularly review and update training content to reflect OSHA and industry standards — and encourage employees to raise safety concerns early. 
  • Personalize Development: Align training with job roles and career aspirations. Relevance drives motivation. 
  • Measure What Matters: Use performance metrics and employee feedback to evaluate training ROI, demonstrating its impact to leadership and clients alike. 

Building the Future  

At AK Building Services, we see training as more than compliance. It is a commitment to excellence, a promise to our people, and an investment in the future of the industry. By equipping teams with both technical expertise and professional confidence, we’re building workplaces that are safer, cleaner, and healthier for employees, clients, and the communities we serve. 

Continuous learning doesn’t just strengthen companies. It strengthens people. And when people thrive, so does the standard of service we all deliver. 

Shari Cedar is the CEO & Co-Owner of AK Building Services, an industry-leading family owned and operated commercial janitorial services provider in Florida, where she leads sales, strategy, marketing, communications, learning and development, and customer service. AK Building Services is GBAC (Global Biorisk Advisory Certified), LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and ISN certified. For more information about AK Building Services visit www.akbuildingservices.com.


posted on 9/9/2025