How to Hire Custodians: A Practical Guide for Small Business Owners

If you've ever walked into a sparkling lobby or a spotless restroom and thought, “Now that’s how it should be,” you already know the value of a great custodian. But when it comes time to hire custodians for your own business, the process can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack—especially with today’s labor market quirks and shifting expectations. Let me explain: hiring janitorial staff is about more than mops and buckets. It’s about trust, consistency, and finding people who take pride in the details that customers notice (and sometimes, the ones they don’t).

Why Hiring Custodians Matters More Than You Think

Let’s be honest—cleanliness isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about health, compliance, and even brand reputation. If you’re running a restaurant franchise, retail store, or healthcare facility, the right custodial team can literally save your bacon (and your budget). According to recent studies, high turnover in hourly roles like custodianship can cost thousands each year in lost productivity and retraining.

But here’s the thing: when you hire janitorial staff who are committed and well-trained, you’re not just keeping floors shiny—you’re protecting your investment. And with platforms like Workstream now automating much of the grunt work in custodial worker recruitment, you can focus on what really matters: finding the right fit for your team.

The Real Cost of Turnover

• Turnover costs can eat up to 200% of an employee's annual salary—ouch.
• Training time for new hires can set your team back weeks if not managed well (training tips here).
• High turnover affects morale, customer experience, and even safety standards (see more on industry impact).

Where Do You Find Great Custodial Employees?

If you ask me, the best custodians aren’t always looking for jobs—they’re often already working somewhere else. So how do you find custodial employees who’ll go above and beyond? Sometimes it means searching in unexpected places or using smarter digital tools. For example, posting on platforms like free job boards or leveraging social media channels like Instagram for hiring can expand your reach.

Modern Sourcing Strategies

• Digital recruiting strategies let you cast a wider net and attract more diverse candidates.
• Employee referrals are golden—your current staff often know people with the right work ethic.
• Community job fairs, local colleges, and even faith-based organizations can be surprisingly effective sources.
• Proactive candidate searches help you build a talent pipeline before you need it.

And don’t forget, with tools like Workstream’s hiring automation, you can streamline applications and automate interview scheduling—saving hours each week. That’s time you could spend actually running your business (or maybe grabbing a coffee for once).

The Nuts and Bolts: Screening & Compliance When You Hire Custodians

Nobody wants to get tangled up in legal red tape. When you hire commercial cleaning teams, compliance is non-negotiable. You need to check eligibility, background, and sometimes even certifications depending on your industry. The Department of Labor has strict recordkeeping requirements—so keep those ducks in a row!

Screening for Success

• Use structured interviews (try these motivational interviewing techniques) to assess reliability and attention to detail.
• Consider pre-employment assessments or skills tests—some platforms even offer customizable assessments.
• Highlight benefits in your job descriptions to attract candidates who care about more than just a paycheck.
• Automate background checks and document collection with digital onboarding tools (learn about Workstream onboarding).

Disclaimer: Always consult with a legal advisor or HR specialist regarding state-specific laws around hiring, background checks, and employment eligibility. Labor laws change fast—don’t get caught flat-footed!

The Importance of Onboarding & Retention

You’ve found your custodian—now what? Onboarding isn’t just paperwork. It’s about setting expectations, communicating clearly, and making new hires feel like part of the team from day one. According to recent onboarding statistics, businesses that invest in robust onboarding see higher retention rates and happier employees.

• Use digital onboarding templates (here are five to try) to reduce paperwork headaches.
• Schedule regular check-ins during the first month—don’t just toss them the keys and hope for the best.
• Effective communication tools keep everyone informed and engaged—especially for night crews or split shifts.
• Recognize milestones—even small wins matter (see how celebrating anniversaries boosts morale).

Troubleshooting: Common Pitfalls & Janitor Hiring Solutions

No hiring process is foolproof. Sometimes the perfect candidate turns out to be less-than-perfect once the rubber meets the road. Here are some common pitfalls—and how to avoid them:

• Poor job descriptions: Vague posts attract vague candidates. Use clear language and outline duties (job description resources here).
• Inefficient scheduling: Overlapping shifts or unclear schedules lead to confusion and missed work (try this 24-hour schedule template).
• Lack of recognition: Even custodians need to feel appreciated. Simple thank-yous or public shout-outs go further than you think (teamwork tips here).
• No feedback loop: If you don’t ask for input, you’ll never know what’s broken. Regular surveys or informal check-ins help spot problems early.
• Siloed communication: Use team-wide announcements or group chats to keep everyone on the same page (communication solutions explained here).

If you want to avoid these headaches altogether, consider using an all-in-one platform like Workstream’s hiring automation suite. It brings together smart screening, digital onboarding, scheduling, payroll, and compliance—all tailored for hourly workers. Honestly, it’s like having an extra set of hands (without having to buy another lunch at staff meetings).

The Human Side: Culture & Engagement Matter Too

You might think custodial work is all about checklists and supplies—but culture matters here as much as anywhere else. Engaged employees stick around longer and do better work (read more on job satisfaction and turnover intention). So whether you’re running a single location or managing a multi-site operation, invest in building a workplace where custodians feel respected and heard.

The Bottom Line: Smarter Hiring Pays Off—Literally!

If there’s one thing small business owners know, it’s that every dollar counts. By using smarter tools and thoughtful processes to hire custodians, you can cut turnover by half, save thousands on training and lawsuits, and build a team that keeps your business running smoothly—even when you’re not around. Why settle for “good enough” when you can have great?

• Save time: Automated workflows reduce manual data entry and speed up hiring by days (see key hiring stats here).
• Avoid compliance headaches: Centralized recordkeeping keeps you audit-ready (compliance checklist here).
• Create better experiences: Mobile-first platforms make life easier for both managers and workers (improving hourly worker happiness).
• Retain top talent: Engaged staff stick around longer—saving money and stress (retention strategies explained here).

If you're ready to make your next hire count—or just want to see how technology can take some weight off your shoulders—check out what platforms like Workstream’s hiring automation suite can do for your business.

A Few Final Thoughts (and Handy Resources)

No two businesses are exactly alike—and neither are their custodial needs. But if you follow these steps, stay curious about new tools, and treat your custodians as vital team members (because they are!), you’ll be ahead of the pack. And if you ever find yourself stuck? There’s no shame in reaching out for help—sometimes a quick chat with an expert makes all the difference.

• See real-world job posting examples for hourly roles
• Restaurant-specific hiring tips (but useful everywhere!)
• Creative ways to make your job ads stand out
• About Workstream: The platform built for hourly hiring
• Contact Workstream for personalized advice or support

If you’ve got questions, don’t hesitate to ask—after all, even the cleanest floors started with someone willing to roll up their sleeves.