Hiring Your First Employee For Your Cleaning Business
Is it time to expand your cleaning business and hire your first employee? First of all, congrats on your success! Next, let’s get you set up with everything you need to know before hiring your first cleaner.
Hiring, onboarding, motivating, and retaining employees can be some of the most challenging aspects of running your cleaning business. But it is essential to growth.
Great people make great companies!
Your First Employee – Who do you need?
Hiring Full-time staff
Hiring employees gives you more control in your business – You train, manage and have a say over how they do things for more consistency. It is generally more expensive as you pay holiday pay, employment insurance premiums, etc.
Working with a Subcontractor
While subcontracting cleaners help you avoid the extras you pay to employees, you have less control over how they do things because they are their own business.
What to look for in a new hire:
- Past cleaning experience. Because the industry is so physically demanding, it’s a good idea to hire someone who has cleaned professionally. You know they understand the physical demands of the job.
- Able to work independently with little or no hands on supervision
- A friendly, customer-centric attitude
- Dedicated and able to solve problems
The Hiring Process
1. Be sure you get set up to hire your first employee.
As a Canadian employer, you will need a BN (business number) and a Payroll Deductions Account. If you don’t already have these, register with the CRA.
2. Define duties, responsibilities, and qualifications.
- What will this employee be responsible for?
- What experience do you prefer?
- What skillsets and qualifications will they need?
- How many hours do you need them to be available?
3. Spread the word that you’re hiring!
Consider creating a job posting to advertise, including a brief description of duties, job requirements and preferences, salary and perks, and your contact info.
Then, share your job post on Facebook, LinkedIn, your website, or a job board site such as Indeed.
Consider sharing on your personal social media as well, and tell friends and family you are hiring. Word travels, and you never know who might connect you with the perfect fit!
4. Check applications and conduct interviews.
Conducting your first interview can be nerve-racking, but the process doesn’t have to be overly formal – you can set the stage. Go over the job description, resume, and expectations, and have questions prepared that help you get to know each candidate.
5.Create a job offer.
While not legally required, it’s a good idea to write up a job offer and description that outlines job duties, salary, work hours, etc., to avoid future misunderstandings. Be sure to follow all federal and provincial employment standards.
6. Make it official!
You’ve hired your first employee – sign the job offer and welcome them to the team! You’ll also need to see your employee’s SIN card and have them fill out the necessary paperwork, such as payroll deductions.
Conclusion
It may seem like an overwhelming task to hire your first employee. But once you have the necessary accounts and systems in place, each hire will get a little easier. You’ll be growing your cleaning business in no time! You’ll learn more about what types of people to look for, who fits well into your company, and how to attract and retain outstanding employees.
Additional Resources
Ontario Employee Standards Act
