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By Corinne Zudonyi, Editor-in-Chief
Workplace culture is a critical but often overlooked aspect of the cleaning industry. At the Clean Building Conference and NFMT trade show earlier this year, building service contractor and business consultant Jerry Flug emphasized how intentional leadership, strong values, and employee appreciation can dramatically improve retention and service quality.
The key takeaway was that companies must actively design their culture. Without attention, a workplace culture will form anyway — and it may not be the one managers want. Successful organizations clearly define their values, train around them, and make hiring decisions aligned with those values. Employees who embody a company’s core principles help create a positive environment that boosts morale and service delivery.
An important strategy is treating both employees and customers as equally valuable clients. By modeling respect, professionalism, and kindness from the top down, companies can cultivate loyalty and pride among frontline cleaning staff. This, in turn, elevates the entire operation.
Employee retention hinges on making workers feel appreciated. Thoughtful gestures like recognition, support for personal needs, and investing in their growth can keep staff engaged and reduce turnover. When employees feel genuinely valued, they are more motivated to perform at their best.
The cleaning industry often faces stigma, but building a positive culture can shift perceptions — internally and externally. Facilities don’t maintain their pristine conditions by accident; it’s the unseen efforts of cleaning professionals that make it happen. Listen to the full conversation to learn more about how recognizing and celebrating that impact is vital for the future of the industry.
Corinne Zudonyi is the Editor-in-Chief of the commercial cleaning market, which includes Contracting Profits magazine, Facility Cleaning Decisions magazine, Sanitary Maintenance magazine, CleanLink.com, and the Clean Building events.
posted on 7/10/2025
