Every business needs a clean and well-maintained workplace. It’s not just about appearances—it’s about health, safety, and creating a professional image for employees, clients, and visitors. But ask any manager or facility director what their biggest headache is, and many will say the same thing: finding and keeping reliable custodial workers.

Whether a company hires an in-house team or partners with an outsourced provider, the challenge remains. High turnover, difficulty recruiting, and lack of consistency are common problems across the cleaning industry. At Northern Star Commercial Cleaning in Jacksonville, we’ve seen these challenges firsthand, and we also know what strategies make a difference.

Why Custodial Work Is So Difficult to Staff

1. The job is undervalued and underappreciated

One of the biggest barriers to retaining cleaner workers is the perception of the job. Too often, cleaning is seen as “unskilled” work. Many people don’t realize the level of effort and consistency it takes to keep a facility spotless.

When restrooms are stocked, floors are polished, and trash is removed on time, few people notice. But the moment a bin is missed or a supply runs out, complaints surface immediately. This lack of recognition can make custodial workers feel invisible, which impacts morale and drives turnover.

2. Pay doesn’t reflect the effort

Compensation is another major factor. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that custodians often earn lower wages compared to other service roles. In many areas, entry-level jobs at restaurants or retail stores pay the same—or more—than janitorial work.

For someone comparing jobs, the choice becomes obvious: why take a physically demanding custodial position if another role offers the same pay with less strain? Without competitive wages, businesses will always struggle to attract and keep good cleaners.

3. The work is physically demanding

Custodial services require a lot of energy and resilience. Workers are constantly moving—lifting heavy trash bags, scrubbing restrooms, sanitizing surfaces, and dealing with spills or unpleasant messes. Unlike desk jobs, custodians don’t get to sit down for long stretches of time.

This physical strain, especially when combined with lower pay and lack of recognition, leads many workers to view janitorial work as a temporary solution rather than a long-term career.

4. Schedules are less appealing

Most cleaning happens after hours, when offices and facilities are empty. This means cleaning crews are often on the job during evenings or night shifts. While it makes sense for business operations, it’s not ideal for workers with families, second jobs, or other commitments.

As a result, many cleaners view their role as short-term, filling the gap until they find a position with more regular hours.

5. Many workers see it as temporary

Finally, cleaners is often treated as a stepping stone. Workers may take on cleaning jobs to cover unexpected bills, save for a major purchase, or bridge the gap between other opportunities. Once their financial goals are met, they move on.

This temporary mindset makes it difficult for businesses to build stable, long-term custodial teams.

What Businesses Can Do to Improve Retention

1. Offer competitive pay

One of the simplest—but most effective—ways to attract strong candidates is to offer slightly higher wages than the market average. Even small raises or performance-based bonuses show custodial workers that their contributions matter.

When workers feel they are fairly compensated, they are more likely to stay, reducing turnover costs and improving service consistency.

2. Recognize and celebrate achievements

Recognition is powerful. Something as small as a thank-you note, a team email, or public acknowledgment can boost morale. Celebrating milestones like work anniversaries or team achievements reinforces the idea that custodial workers are valued members of the organization.

At Northern Star, we take pride in recognizing our staff’s hard work because we know that when they feel appreciated, they deliver better results for our clients.

3. Recruit proactively

Instead of waiting for a vacancy, businesses should always keep an eye out for reliable, hardworking people. Employee referral programs are especially effective—great workers often know others who share the same work ethic. Offering a small bonus for successful referrals can go a long way.

Proactive recruiting ensures that when turnover does happen, businesses already have a pipeline of candidates ready to step in.

4. Create a supportive work environment

Retention isn’t just about pay—it’s about how workers feel in their role. Providing proper training, safe equipment, and clear communication makes custodial staff feel supported. When employees know their company cares about their well-being, they are far more likely to stay loyal.

5. Outsource janitorial services

For many businesses, the most effective solution is to outsource to a professional cleaning company. Outsourcing eliminates the stress of recruiting, training, and managing a custodial team. Instead, a qualified contractor takes full responsibility for staffing and quality control.

At Northern Star Commercial Cleaning, we specialize in helping Jacksonville-area businesses avoid the challenges of custodial turnover. Our trained and supervised teams handle everything from daily janitorial services to deep cleaning projects, ensuring your facility always looks its best without the headache of managing staff directly.

Final Thoughts

Finding and keeping reliable custodial workers is one of the biggest challenges for any organization. The work is demanding, often undervalued, and sometimes treated as a short-term solution rather than a career. But with competitive pay, recognition, proactive recruiting, and supportive management, retention is possible.

For businesses that don’t want the burden of constant hiring and training, outsourcing is the smartest choice. By partnering with a trusted commercial cleaning company like Northern Star Commercial Cleaning in Jacksonville, you can ensure reliable service, a consistent team, and peace of mind knowing your workplace is always clean and professional.