Company policies are developed in order to keep all cleaning staff on the same page. Policies must also be enforced regarding proper behavior of the cleaning staff while on the job. The following tips can be helpful when training new employees or useful reminders for long-tem employees:

1. Do NOT use any property of the client. This includes copy machines, fax machines, computers, radios, stereos, calculators, etc.
2. Do NOT turn on or off any equipment while carrying out your duties.
3. NEVER sit at desks, or open any drawers, doors, cabinets, or any container not directly involved in the performance of your work.
4. It is not appropriate for cleaning staff to read books or examine papers in offices.
5. Never bring children, family, or friends to work.
6. Do NOT eat or drink any food, candy, snacks, sodas, etc. that are in the offices -- including candy sitting at the receptionist desk -- this is client property and is for their employees and customers. It is ok to purchase a soda or snack out of a vending machine, however, as long as it is not being consumed in the offices where you are cleaning.
7. Do NOT make personal calls or other calls from any telephone in the offices. If you use a telephone timekeeping system, there should be a designated phone that is approved for emergency use. Otherwise, check with your supervisor on proper procedures for phone use.
8. Do NOT take anything that has been thrown away by the client. Misunderstandings can result in cleaning staff being accused of theft.

Steve Hanson is co-founding member of The Janitorial Store (TM), an online community for owners and managers of cleaning companies who want to build a more profitable and successful cleaning business. Sign up for Trash Talk: Tip of the Week at http://www.TheJanitorialStore.com and receive a Free Gift!

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