Your small clinic is booming, and patients are happy, but behind the scenes, the struggle is real. Your staff, already stretched thin, are now doubling as janitors. The result? Overworked employees, missed opportunities, and a less-than-sparkling clinic could be costing you more than you think.
It’s time to rethink that “DIY cleaning saves money” mindset. The hidden costs of having your staff clean can be a silent killer for your business.
Here’s why.
It’s simple. When your staff has less time to focus on the job they were actually hired for, expect a significant drop in productivity and motivation.
They’ll be less likely to show up every day ready to give their best when they’re spending the majority of their time on tasks they didn’t sign up for: cleaning the office lobby, meticulously wiping down windows, and mopping floors during off-peak hours. The result? Tired, resentful staff with depleted energy.
The 100% effort they once gave in the first few months disappears, and those dreaded online reviews about inattentive or sluggish service start creeping in.
Safety Hazards: Cleaning Is Never Risk-Free
Cleaning comes with its fair share of workplace hazards. Your staff, however dedicated they may be, likely do not have the proper know-how to clean and follow safety protocols while doing so.
This puts them at risk for accidents and injuries, leading to workers’ compensation claims, increased insurance premiums, and liability issues.
Inconsistent Results That Make You Wonder If Any Cleaning Was Done At All
We’re sure you’ve had that moment where you’re wondering if the office was actually even cleaned. Inconsistent cleaning methods can lead to a frustrating and always exhausting cycle of missed spots, lingering dust in inconspicuous places, and half-hearted attempts at organizing.
When you force your staff to bear the responsibility of cleaning, the quality of the work can vary, depending on their skills, available time, and motivation.
The result is an environment that looks much worse than before it was cleaned, not to mention, a general sense of disarray you can’t quite put a finger on.
Plus, telling your staff right in their faces that they did a whack job at it, knowing you FORCED them to is awkward for you, for them, and everyone. No one wants to have that uncomfortable conversation.
Cleaning Duties Can Breed Resentment
One Redditor shared their experience of being asked to clean a breakroom “that looks like it hasn’t been cleaned in years” with mouse droppings and grime everywhere. Their response to their boss? “That’s not what I signed up for and you guys make enough money, pay someone to clean it.”
Another Redditor in the dental field echoed this sentiment, describing how their management created long cleaning checklists for every room, including tasks like scrubbing toilets and wiping every surface. The nurses felt overworked and undervalued, forced to stay late to complete these tasks, even though their primary focus was patient care.
As one Redditor pointed out, “They tell us that patients are priority, but have no problem forcing us to stay late to finish the list of cleaning if we don’t get it all done through the day.”
These stories highlight the frustration and resentment that can arise when employees are asked to do cleaning tasks outside their job description. It’s not just having more work, it’s about having more work, without being properly compensated for it and without recognition.
Employees WILL definitely feel like they’re being taken advantage of. This leads to a decline in morale, loss of productivity, and a higher likelihood of them seeking employment elsewhere.
One Redditor even noted that their company’s inability to afford janitorial services was a red flag, signaling potential financial instability and a lack of commitment to employee well-being.
DIY Cleaning Comes With Hidden Costs That Will Make You Second-Guess About Trying It
On the surface, assigning cleaning tasks to your staff seems like a budget-friendly move: you’re not paying for recurring janitorial cleaning services after all.
But there are hidden costs you may not realize, which can add up over time:
- Cleaning supplies and equipment
- Opportunity cost: Every minute your staff spends on cleaning is a minute they’re not spending on tasks directly related to their job descriptions.
- Potential damage to equipment or furniture from using the wrong cleaning materials or techniques
- Higher insurance premiums from workplace accidents
Factoring in these hidden costs, it becomes a little bit clearer that DIY cleaning might not be as cost-effective as you once thought.
Missed Opportunity To Become A Competitive Advantage
A clean office might seem like a basic necessity, but it can also be a powerful tool for attracting and retaining top talent.
Employees are constantly seeking workplaces that prioritize their well-being and offer a pleasant environment. Dirty and disorganized offices send the message that employers don’t care, and potentially deter qualified candidates from joining the team.
Moreover, an unclean and uninviting office can make a negative impression on clients and visitors. It tells them you don’t care about their opinion of your business space. This erodes trust and discredits your brand, ultimately leading to fewer sales or closed contracts.
The Bottom Line: Your Staff Deserve Better
Every business owner is tempted by the often overestimated view that getting staff to clean saves money and time. But the hidden costs of this approach can quickly add up, impacting a long, laundry list of consequences— even for your bottom line.
Your employees deserve to focus on their core competencies and feel valued for their skills— not burdened with tasks way outside the scope of work they agreed to.
The next time you think about cutting corners on cleaning, remember the potential consequences. Look the opposite direction and instead invest in a professional cleaning service that delivers consistent, high-quality results while allowing your staff to focus on what they do best.
Your employees, your business, and your peace of mind will thank you.