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Creating a Positive Culture That Drives Staff Retention




By Corinne Zudonyi, Editor-in-Chief

Corinne Zudonyi, Cleaning Editor-in-Chief, introduces Sheri Cedar, CEO and Co-Founder of AK Building Services, at the Clean Buildings event. The discussion focuses on company culture, employee retention, and labor challenges in the cleaning industry.

Sheri explains that company culture is often underestimated, but she believes it drives growth, protects revenue, and improves retention. She compares a strong company culture to a successful sports team where positivity, trust, and teamwork lead to better performance. She emphasizes that culture is intentional and requires transparency, appreciation, communication, and learning opportunities.

The conversation highlights the dangers of toxic employees and workplace gossip. Sheri says one negative person can damage an entire organization, so leaders must address issues quickly while remaining fair and empathetic. She stresses the importance of listening, investigating situations carefully, and maintaining trust with employees through open communication.

Sheri also discusses leadership and employee wellbeing. She says managers must pay attention when strong employees become disengaged or overwhelmed. Supporting employees as people, not just workers, is a key part of maintaining a healthy culture.

The discussion then shifts to onboarding and retention. Sheri explains that hiring the right person for the right role is critical. Proper onboarding, training, and frequent check-ins during the first days and weeks help employees feel valued and supported. She warns that poor onboarding often leads to rapid turnover, which is costly for businesses.

Audience members ask questions about empathy in leadership and hiring practices. Sheri shares that her company uses role-playing and regular manager meetings to teach empathy and communication skills. She closes by emphasizing that cleaning is a people-driven business, and companies must appreciate and nurture good employees to succeed.

Corinne Zudonyi has been in the commercial cleaning industry for over 20 years and is proud to serve as Editor-In-Chief of Contracting Profits (the official publication of BSCAI), Facility Cleaning Decisions, and Sanitary Maintenance (the North American media partner of Interclean Amsterdam) magazines, publications that serve the professional cleaning industry. Additionally, Corinne manages CleanLink.com, the leading digital resource for the commercial cleaning industry, and she uses her industry knowledge to steer educational topics for Clean Buildings at NFMT East.
Corinne is the sole U.S. representative to serve on the international Interclean Amsterdam Innovation Jury, where she weighs in on product trends impacting commercial cleaning on a global scale. She also works closely with Healthy Green Schools & Colleges to advance healthy and sustainable cleaning in educational facilities. As a member of the CLEAN Awards Jury, through the Building Service Contractors Association International, Corinne also helps recognize cleaning contractors and their companies for outstanding service to the industry.
Corinne can commonly be found moderating industry panel discussions, presenting education, and focusing on bringing awareness and affirmation for the wonderful work that people do to keep facilities clean and building occupants safe and healthy.

Follow Corinne on LinkedIn here.


posted on 6/30/2026