A custodian reflects on the merits of his career after watching his daughter teach in a classroom he currently works to clean.

James Corrao, a janitor for Worcester Public Schools, Boston, took on his position as a teenager to support his growing family, Upworthy shares. Initially viewing it as a menial role, he grew to find a sense of purpose as he went through his daily routines, safeguarded students and their classrooms, and shared part of his workday with his young daughter, Healthy Happy News adds. Overall, this missive felt fulfilled as he witnessed his adult daughter teach children how to arrange flowers in an environment he cleaned, Today reports.

Custodians are a vital profession in the commercial cleaning industry—they are the first line for maintaining safe and healthy environments across all facility types, ProsPlusCons affirms. Yet, in the Aspire 2025 Commercial Cleaning Industry Insights Report, 63 percent of companies share that recruiting and retaining cleaning teams is a top concern, Contract Services Group (CSG) Cares states. According to CleanLink, present prospective employees seek competitive compensation, opportunities for growth, and scheduling flexibility.

Commercial cleaning executives can address the rising need for a work-life balance through communication about incentives and industry innovations, Defender Services suggests. The goal of integrating technology—smart sensors, autonomous equipment, and AI software—is to offload working tasks to elevate cleaning systems for frontline staff, as Vanguard Cleaning Systems affirms. Moreover, consistent communication that provides constructive feedback, acknowledges accomplishments, and elucidates the cleaning system and routines can support staff investment in the occupation, Swept adds.