If you’ve ever skipped a performance review because it felt too stiff or uncomfortable, you’re not alone. Many cleaning company owners and managers want to support their team but don’t want to create tension or come off as overly corporate.
When done right, performance reviews can improve team morale, client satisfaction, and employee retention—without the awkwardness.
Here’s how to create a simple, fair, and effective review process that works for your cleaners and your business.
Most cleaners don’t get a lot of feedback unless something goes wrong. That can lead to confusion, missed expectations, and even turnover. A simple review process gives cleaners clarity on how they’re doing and where they can improve.
Done consistently, reviews can help you:
Quarterly or biannual reviews work well for most teams. The key is consistency—cleaners should know when to expect feedback, and managers should block off time to prepare.
Pro tip: Set recurring reminders or use your scheduling or workforce management software to automate the process.
Using a standard format keeps the review objective, consistent, and less personal. That makes it easier to talk about both strengths and areas to improve.
Your template should cover:
Download a free cleaner performance review template
The more specific you can be, the more helpful your feedback will feel. Instead of saying “You’ve been late a lot,” try “There were 4 late arrivals this month, which impacted the team’s timing.”
Consider using tools like:
This takes the pressure off the manager and helps cleaners understand where to focus.
Start the conversation by recognizing what’s going well. Cleaners rarely hear praise for doing solid, reliable work—and it goes a long way.
Then, if there are areas for improvement, frame them as opportunities. Be clear, specific, and supportive.
Example:
Don’t just talk at your cleaners—talk with them. Ask questions like:
You’ll uncover useful insights, build trust, and often spot simple fixes.
Log the review in a simple format—ideally right inside your workforce platform or HR files. That way you can track progress over time and keep a record of what was discussed.
But don’t make it feel like a disciplinary meeting. Keep the tone casual, constructive, and encouraging.
A performance review isn’t just a check-in—it’s a launchpad. Use it to:
Your team will feel seen, supported, and motivated to keep growing.
When reviews happen regularly—and with the right tone—they stop feeling like big events and start feeling like normal conversations. Over time, they become a valuable tool for growth, not just another task on your to-do list.
Helping your cleaners do great work shouldn’t feel like chasing paper or playing phone tag.
With Swept, you can:
✅ Share site-specific instructions and checklists right in the app
✅ Communicate clearly with cleaners in their preferred language
✅ Send updates, notes, and feedback instantly—no more missed messages
✅ Track attendance, inspections, and cleaner performance in one place
✅ Keep your team aligned, organized, and motivated
No spreadsheets. No guesswork. Just a smarter way to support your team.