How to Hire Window Cleaning Technicians: A Practical Guide for Small Businesses

If you’ve ever tried to hire window cleaning technicians for your business, you know it’s no walk in the park. Between no-shows, skill gaps, and the challenge of finding folks who’ll stick around, it can feel like you’re squeegeeing a skyscraper with a toothpick. But with the right approach, you can build a reliable window cleaning team that keeps your customers happy and your business running smoothly. Let’s break down what works—and what to avoid—when you need to recruit window cleaners or hire window washers who’ll do the job right.

Getting Started: What Makes a Great Window Cleaning Technician?

Look Beyond the Resume

Sure, experience helps, but attitude and reliability matter just as much. According to this Harvard Business Review article, hiring for attitude and training for skill can dramatically reduce turnover. In the window cleaning world, that means looking for folks who show up on time, communicate well, and take pride in their work—even if they haven’t been dangling off a ladder for years.

Key Skills and Certifications

• Physical fitness and comfort with heights
• Attention to safety protocols—OSHA guidelines are a must
• Customer service skills (because, let’s face it, your techs are the face of your business)
• Valid driver’s license and clean record

For more on what to include in a job description, check out these job description best practices and tips for creating an employee handbook—even if you’re not running a restaurant, the principles still apply.

Recruitment: Where and How to Find the Right People

Modern Sourcing Tactics

Gone are the days when a “Help Wanted” sign in the window did the trick. Now, you’ll want to post on job boards, tap into social media, and maybe even try Instagram for hiring hourly workers. You can also use free job posting sites to cast a wider net without breaking the bank.

Don’t forget referrals! According to SHRM’s referral program toolkit, employee referrals can bring in candidates who are more likely to stick around and fit your company culture.

Screening and Interviewing

It’s tempting to rush through interviews—especially when you’re short-staffed—but taking the time to ask the right questions pays off. Consider using motivational interviewing techniques and cultural fit questions to gauge whether candidates will mesh with your team.

And if you’re overwhelmed by the admin side, digital tools like Workstream’s hiring automation platform can help you screen, schedule, and track candidates—all from your phone. That means less paperwork and fewer headaches, which, honestly, who wouldn’t want?

Onboarding and Training: Setting Your Window Cleaning Staff Up for Success

Streamline Paperwork and Compliance

Onboarding doesn’t have to be a slog. With digital onboarding tools, you can cut down the time it takes to get new hires up to speed. For inspiration, check out these onboarding templates and tips for getting onboarding right.

Don’t forget about compliance—keeping accurate records is essential. The U.S. Department of Labor’s recordkeeping guidelines are a must-read for any employer.

Hands-On Training and Safety

Window cleaning can be risky, so invest in thorough, practical training. Use resources like effective training techniques and guides on certifications to make sure your team knows the ropes.

Pro tip: Ongoing training isn’t just about safety—it’s a way to keep your team engaged and motivated, which helps reduce turnover. Michelin Guide’s look at turnover and Harver’s research on turnover causes both highlight how crucial engagement is for retention.

Retention and Growth: Keeping Your Window Cleaning Team Happy

Offer Competitive Pay and Benefits

Let’s be real—pay matters. SHRM research shows that salary and benefits are top priorities for hourly workers. Consider flexible scheduling and instant pay options, like those discussed in this guide to daily pay, to attract and retain top talent.

And don’t underestimate the impact of benefits. DoorDash’s report on benefits and retention offers insights that apply to any service business, not just restaurants.

Foster a Positive Work Culture

Happy employees stick around. 7shifts’ survey on employee happiness and Modern Restaurant Management’s happiness survey both point to the importance of recognition, growth opportunities, and clear communication.

For more ideas, explore traits of committed employees and creative ways to make your job postings stand out—because attracting the right people is half the battle.

Reduce Turnover with Smart Scheduling and Engagement

Did you know that better scheduling can cut turnover by half? According to this case study on schedule control, giving employees more say in their hours boosts engagement and reduces no-shows. And if you’re tired of juggling spreadsheets, Workstream’s integrated scheduling tools can help you save time and money—sometimes up to $10K per year per location. Not bad, right?

Conclusion: Build a Strong, Lasting Window Cleaning Team

If you ask me, the secret to hiring and keeping great window cleaning staff isn’t rocket science—it’s about treating people right, using the right tools, and staying flexible as your business grows. Whether you’re looking to hire window cleaning technicians for the first time or want to improve your current window cleaning team, focus on clear communication, strong onboarding, and ongoing support. And if you want to make your life a whole lot easier, consider an all-in-one platform like Workstream to handle hiring, onboarding, scheduling, and payroll, so you can get back to what you do best—running your business.

Further Reading from Workstream

• 5 Traits of Committed Employees
• Hire the Right Applicants Faster
• Creative Tips for Job Postings
• Workstream’s Platform Overview
• 5 Onboarding Templates for a Great New Hire Experience