[Creationcleaning]

Hi All,

Can anyone give me any advice or tips on getting good reliable staff? I have just taken on someone and given them a trial and its transpired she has a criminal record, I hadn't sent her to empty homes so it hasn't been to much of a problem but it is in the fact that I have now got to find someone else and muck clients about. Its making it so hard to grow my business when I end up with people who either let me down or are not suitable. Any advice greatly recieved.

Melanie

[Pristine Clean]

Yes its hard.

You have to understand the career you have chosen is not actually on anybodies agenda.

Lets face it, when you were a kid and you were asked "what do you want to be when you grow up?"
Did you reply I want to be a cleaner? Or have you heard anyone else for that matter? Well I can say no!

So you need references from them prior to you taking them on. You can say at interview providing references are good then you will offer them a job. Oh and write to them and make sure its a company not a friend thats providing the references.

CRB Checks this reveals criminal records - cost around £40.

You can always visit them in there home as well, this gives you an idea of how they respect things. Large franchise interview in peoples homes, that way at least you know where they live if you dont get the keys back.

Put them on a trial working with you first then let them on there own.

best of luck

PS You are not alone in this matter with staffing problems

Dave

[Creationcleaning]

Thanks for your comments Dave, its 2 steps forward 1 back hey! I get to a good stage then someone leaves/lets me down.

Oh well will just keep trying

Melanie

[Pristine Clean]

How many hours are you giving someone?

Build it up. Sat at least 16 hours that way yu can get some loyalty.

Dave

[Creationcleaning]

Its hard though as I dont always have that many hours as I am tryin to build up business and its the catch 22 I need work to take on staff but need staff before I can take on more work. How do u do it?

Thanks Melanie

[Missy dusty]

 What an interesting post, Ive recently been turning down work Ive been offered as Ive no hours left, and I feel bad as I know someone out there would appreciate some  work , I so want to take somebody else on , but Im so scared Im going to take on all this extra work , and then one day their just going to let me down , and never turn up for work again and Id be left on my jack jones to do it all. 

[Pristine Clean]

Well, I am not saying the way I do it is the correct way.

1. Dont turn work down.

You have to work double shifts. Recently I was working from 4am till 10pm at night. Thats along day Oh and no lunch hour, eat drink on the go.

When I was sure the clients were happy I then advertise positions available but have a minimum of 10 - 16 hours per week.

There is no secret on how to build and grow your business its just hard work and determination.

I have about 15 members of staff. Full time mainly and some part time but even they dont want to work all the time. So I do the work as well and if someone a  member of staff works well and is earning me money I reward them.

Dave

[Creationcleaning]

Its tricky as I have 2 children one at school but the other is only 1 and not in childcare at all as I do this so I can be at home with him. I know what you are saying is right though Dave, will have to just manage as best as poss till he goes to nursery. I have 4 parttime staff so it is growing as I started with just me so getting there slowly.

Thanks
Melanie

[Missy dusty]

 Same as , thats the problem Ive got, a wee one at at school,exactly why Im scared of taken anybody else on as I need to pick her up from school daily , and from then after I will be stuck for childminding .Not sure if I should wait untill shes at secondary school in a couple of years before I make the big step and take somebody on to be safe . :-\Thats what I was thinking of rewarding staff for good work and hopefully it would keep them motivated.

[Creationcleaning]

Dave do you mind me asking what/how much you would reward a part time memeber of staff? Was thinking of doing a bonus of 50p ph if they have no issues/sickness in a month or a quarter but not sure.

thanks Melanie