Ask facility managers what they want from a cleaning partner and the answers sound similar. They want a healthy building, consistent results and fewer headaches. In other words, they want a partner they do not have to manage.
Here is what facility managers want most, and how to tell whether your current program delivers it.
1. Facility Managers Want a Healthy, Sanitary Building
First, facility managers want more than a building that looks clean. They want shared spaces that are sanitary, especially high touch surfaces and restrooms. That means regular cleaning and disinfection of door handles, faucets, elevator buttons and other shared surfaces. For more, see our guide to cleaning and disinfecting protocols.
2. Restrooms That Never Let Them Down
Restrooms are where buildings win or lose reputations. A single bad visit can shape how tenants and visitors see the whole property. Therefore, restrooms need consistent cleaning, restocking and daytime checks in busy buildings. Read more about restroom cleanliness and tenant satisfaction.
3. Consistency, Not Just a Good First Month
Many vendors start strong and then slip. However, facility managers want the same standard in month twelve as in month one. As a result, consistency depends on a written scope, stable teams and regular inspections.
4. Facility Managers Want Clear Communication
Facility managers want to know what is happening without asking. For example, they want a clear point of contact, quick responses and a simple way to report issues. Above all, they want a record showing when each issue was fixed.
5. Value, Not Just a Low Price
Of course, budget matters. Still, the lowest bid often costs more in complaints, rework and time spent managing the vendor. Instead, what facility managers want is a fair price for a clearly defined scope. Our guide to building a predictable facility services budget covers this in detail.
What Facility Managers Want Most: No Chasing
Ultimately, it all comes back to one theme. Facility managers do not want to chase their vendor. The right partner inspects its own work, documents what it finds and fixes problems before anyone asks.
How WOW! Delivers What Facility Managers Want
Every WOW! Facility Services program starts with a facility assessment. Then we build a customized scope of work around your building. Once service begins, account managers complete quality control inspections against that scope. Meanwhile, our integrated operational platform technology documents inspections, deficiencies and corrections. In addition, clients have emergency access to our management team 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What matters most to facility managers in a cleaning partner?
In practice, most want a healthy building, consistent results, clear communication and a partner who checks its own work, so they do not have to.
How can I tell if my cleaning partner is meeting expectations?
Look at complaint trends, inspection results and response times. If you find problems before your vendor does, something needs to change.
Do I have to switch vendors after a facility assessment?
No. WOW! offers facility assessments at no cost and with no obligation. In fact, you can use one simply to benchmark your current program.
Which areas does WOW! serve?
WOW! Facility Services has its headquarters in White Plains and serves New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, including Westchester County, Fairfield County, Rockland County and New York City.
Get the Partner You Want
WOW! Facility Services has its headquarters in White Plains and serves New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Book a facility assessment at no cost and with no obligation, or call 1-866-780-9966. Want a quick benchmark first? Then grade your current service with the Facility Assessment Scorecard.