Many business’s use Day Porters to maintain the cleanliness and safety throughout the day and is a tool in keeping businesses running smoothly. Tasks typically include restroom maintenance and restocking and cleaning up common areas as needed for spills or debris build up. These professional cleaners provide a diverse cleaning service. They help staff and patrons remain safe by disinfecting and making sure the workplace is a healthy environment to be productive.

Hiring a day porter service through a commercial janitorial service can be overwhelming, however there are ways to increase the odds of success. Below listed are Five Tips in hiring a Day Porter to work in your facility:

Understand the expectation for the Day Porter position.

Be sure to fully define the Day Porter position and all the daily tasks that will fall under the responsibility of the newly hired Day Porter. This could include a basic schedule to adhere to or simply list the expectations in a janitorial task sheet.

With a list of expectations, you can sit down with your Janitorial Service Provider and collaborate on a position schedule that addresses what’s most important for your facility. Your Janitorial Service Provider will be able to help you determine the most critical factors for hiring a Porter Service so that you aren’t underestimating or underestimating what a day porter can do.

Find the Diamond in the Rough

Once you’ve defined what you need and want from the Porter Service, it’s up to your Janitorial Service Provider to hire the right person for the job. The labor market is difficult but it is not too much to ask that you have a true professional with experience and one that will fit your company culture. A Day Porter is an extension of your team and therefore must be able to communicate and act accordingly. Be sure to ask what the hourly rate of labor the Day Porter will be compensated, this will give you an idea of what level of professionalism you can expect. If the labor rate is at minimum wage or slightly higher you can expect to see a different level of professionalism. Also understand labor rates are rising and Day Porter services are not cheap. 

Transparency is incredibly important when contracting a professional janitorial service company. Being completely honest about the contract and what the expectations are will help establish a successful relationship avoid miscommunication down the road. 

Engage in the hiring process

It is best to take an active role throughout the hiring process. Remember, whoever is hired to clean your facility needs to be able to engage in communication with your internal staff as well as customers. Day Porters are in a unique positions to help create a fantastic first impression.

Ask your Janitorial Service Provider for a final interview or meeting the Porter before they are offered a job. At the end of the day, it’s your facility and you have to be comfortable working with that person and make sure they are a good fit. Company culture and personalities need to align for a lasting successful hire.

Be sure the Day Porter has Proper Training

The final step and likely the most important is to be sure the Day Porter has proper training with a field supervisor. Commercial Janitorial companies should have a field supervisor available to provide in depth training on the role and responsibilities of the newly hired Day Porter. With today’s tight labor market, new employees can leave as quickly as they come if they feel like they aren’t adequately supported. 

As a follow up there should be a process or schedule for follow up training to ensure a day porter’s success is provide them with ongoing support. No matter how much of a perfect fit the candidate is for your facility, if they don’t continue working or quit, you’re back to square one.

Providing ongoing support can look like offering paid training opportunities as well as potential advancement opportunities down the line. Engaged employees care about their work more and are generally dedicated to their job.

A good Janitorial Service Provider needs to have an employee engagement program in place to keep their employees supported and focused on your objectives.