Janitorial Staffing Shortages
Janitorial staffing shortage is a very common case in many schools across the country. The reasons for the shortage of cleaning staff are many. Some janitors left their jobs without notice and never came back. Others found better-paying work elsewhere.
This lack of cleaning staff has made it hard for schools to stay safe and healthy for students and teachers. When there are not enough cleaning staff, trash piles up, bathrooms get dirty, and classrooms become messy.
That being said, schools do not have to wait until they hire more janitors to keep their buildings clean, especially in situations where they are short on staff; with these few strategies, they can manage their cleaning needs effectively.
Encourage Students to Take Part in Classroom Cleanliness
One of the best ways to cover up for staff shortage and assist the remaining cleaning staff is to get students involved in keeping their classrooms clean. This does not mean making kids do the janitor’s job, but instead teaching them to be responsible for cleaning up after themselves.
Teachers can incorporate cleaning into their daily routine. Spend five minutes at the end of each class having students tidy up their area. This becomes a habit that they will learn to do without being asked.
Schools can also create fun programs that make cleaning feel like a game rather than work. Give out rewards to classes that keep their rooms the cleanest.
Have contests between different grade levels to see who can go the longest without leaving trash on the floor. Make special certificates for students who always clean up after themselves. Kids love competition and recognition, so use this to your advantage.
Outsource the Janitorial Service
Sometimes, the best solution is to hire a cleaning company instead of trying to find new cleaning staff. Many businesses specializing in school cleaning services can provide trained staff and all the necessary supplies to keep your school clean.
Cleaning companies have access to a larger pool of workers than schools do. When one cleaner is unable to come to work, the company can send someone else to fill in. This means schools do not have to worry about having no one to clean on certain days. The cleaning gets done no matter what.
These companies also bring their cleaning supplies and equipment. Schools do not have to buy mops, vacuum cleaners, or cleaning products. The company handles all of this, which can save administrators money and time.
Staff and Teachers Can Support the Janitors
Teachers and other school staff can do simple things to help the janitors who are already working hard. When everyone pitches in, it reduces the workload on the cleaning crew.
Teachers can help by keeping their classrooms organized. Instead of leaving papers scattered on desks, they can stack them neatly or file them away.
They can also be more careful about spills and clean them up promptly, rather than leaving them for the janitor to find later. These small actions save time and effort for the cleaning staff.
School staff can also help by reporting problems quickly. If they notice a leak, a broken light, or a significant mess, they should report it to the janitors or maintenance team immediately. The sooner problems are addressed, the less damage they cause and the easier they are to clean up.
Create a Maintenance Culture in the School
When everyone feels responsible for the school’s condition, the work becomes much more manageable. So, put up posters that remind people to clean up after themselves.
Make announcements about keeping the school tidy. Have administrators discuss the importance of maintaining the building during assemblies and meetings. When leaders demonstrate a commitment to cleanliness, others will follow their example.
Create clear expectations for how everyone should behave in the school building. Establish rules regarding the disposal of trash, cleanup of spills, and proper treatment of school property.
Make sure these rules are enforced fairly and consistently. When students see that the rules matter, they are more likely to follow them.
Raise the Wages and Benefits of Janitors
One of the primary reasons schools struggle to find enough janitors is that the pay is too low. Many job seekers who are qualified for this important work opt for other jobs that offer higher pay or better benefits.
If schools want to attract and retain good janitors, they need to offer competitive wages and benefits that make the job worthwhile.
Check what other employers in your area pay for similar work. Look at what other schools, hospitals, office buildings, and hotels pay their cleaning staff.
If your school is paying significantly less than these other places, then that may be the reason why you’re short-staffed. People will naturally choose the job that pays them more money for similar work.
Wrapping Up
Do not expect immediate results from any of these strategies, as your environment, finances, culture, students, staff, and families will all determine whether they are effective or not. So, be open to adjusting your approach based on what works and what does not.
Local News Via - MyrtleBeachSC.com
