Content Types

Women and Franchising: How a Janitorial Franchise Could Be Your Ticket to Independence

by

Before the pandemic, the number of female business owners was growing at an unprecedented rate, with a 45% increase from 2007 to 2016 compared to a 9% increase among all businesses. That’s an impressive five times the national average, although it’s worth noting that as of 2022, only 31% of small businesses and franchises are owned and run by women.

The coronavirus pandemic undeniably created some setbacks for women in the business world. Women were statistically more likely to have been furloughed or had to change careers as a result of the pandemic’s economic fallout, and at that time, around a quarter of all women were considering downshifting their careers. Thankfully, though, life has begun to return to normal, and women are returning to the workforce in droves. 

The problem is that despite the ongoing shift in many industries towards female workforces, women still don’t have an equal chance when it comes to corporate leadership. The glass ceiling is still firmly in place in most companies, and the gender pay gap persists across all management levels.

If you’re sick of working long hours for less pay with fewer opportunities for advancement, you’ve come to the right place. Owning a janitorial services franchise, such as a Corvus Janitorial Systems franchise, offers a way out for women who are tired of dealing constantly with corporate America’s ongoing gender inequality problem. You can find out how below.

The Future of Franchising Is Female

Let’s start at the beginning. A franchise is a type of business license. It grants you, the franchisee, access to another business, the franchisor’s knowledge, processes, and trademarks so that you can provide services or sell products under a known and trusted business name. To acquire a franchise, all you need to do is pay for licensing and give the franchisor an initial start-up fee. 

According to the International Franchise Association, women owned just 8.5% of all franchises in 1995. Now, that number has grown to 31%, and there is no indication that it will plateau. There are currently more women looking for information about how to purchase a franchise than men, especially among the younger generations.

Why Women Make Fantastic Franchise Owners

Have you ever stopped to think about the amount of unpaid labor you provide in the home? From cooking and cleaning to childcare, the chances are good that it’s a lot. On average, women spend almost four and a half hours on unpaid labor, which is more than many people spend each week at part-time jobs.

There are few bright sides to the extremity of the gender gap in unpaid caregiving and home maintenance, especially if you’re still working a full-time, 9-5 job for 17% less pay than your male counterparts. Thankfully, though, women tend to be more adaptable than men and better at both multi-tasking and quick thinking. After all, you have to be able to handle everything on the average American woman’s plate. 

In many families, women keep their homes organized. They keep track of all kinds of details, from grocery lists to home finances and personal schedules, and communicate all of that information effectively to the entire family so that everyone is on the same page. If there’s one thing all of these varied skills have in common, it’s that they are fantastic qualities in a business owner.

These observations may sound anecdotal, but they’re backed up by research. In 2012, researchers evaluated 7,200 surveys tracing the judgment of different leaders’ peers, bosses, and reports. Participants rated leaders’ overall effectiveness and strength over 16 competencies. Women were rated higher in 12 of those 16 core business competencies, including in traits that have historically been considered male strengths, such as taking initiative and pushing to get results.

The Unique Benefits of the Franchise Business Model

If you finished reading through those last few paragraphs and feel empowered, that’s good. You should. Now, it’s time to talk about why you should take all the skills you’ve developed both at home and in the corporate world and put them to a different kind of use. It’s time to discuss the unique benefits of the franchise business model for modern women.

Create Your Own Opportunities

When women start working at corporate offices, they’re almost always told that there will be plenty of opportunities for advancement. While that may be true for lower- to middle-management positions, CEOs and other higher-ups are still overwhelmingly male, and women are rarely offered the level of mentorship and help with advancement extended to their male colleagues.

As a result of these and other factors, men outnumber women at the CEO level by around 17:1. While it’s perfectly understandable to be upset about these statistics and laudable to put in the work to change them, it’s also undeniable that women with an entrepreneurial spirit will have a better chance of success creating their own opportunities by opening franchises.

Greater Freedom and Flexibility

Office jobs don’t tend to offer much flexibility. Even companies that have made the switch to offering remote work to some of their employees some of the time still place exacting demands on workers and expect them to build their lives around their jobs. This applies to men as well as women, but because women take on the bulk of unpaid household labor, they suffer more as a result.

Purchasing a franchise offers women an opportunity to take control of their careers and levels of work-life balance. Instead of building their lives around their jobs, franchise owners build their businesses around their lives. This level of flexibility will allow you to prioritize not just family but also yourself. In a world where women are taught from childhood to prioritize the needs of others, that change can be incredibly empowering.

Fewer Financial Barriers to Entry

Men aren’t just paid better, on average, than their female counterparts in the corporate world. They’re also 20% more likely to be able to secure small business loans as entrepreneurs. This statistic might help to explain why male entrepreneurs continue to make twice as much money, on average, as their female counterparts.

Thankfully, franchises offer a lower barrier to entry. Most have either in-house financing options or established relationships with outside financial institutions that can be leveraged by potential franchisees to fund their ventures. Corvus Janitorial Systems, in particular, strives to provide strong financial support and guidance throughout the franchise purchase and onboarding process. This creates new opportunities for women who are unable to secure traditional small business loans.

Help Other Women Succeed

Finally, owning a franchise offers an opportunity to help other women succeed in the business world. It’s not just that as the owner of the franchise location, you’ll have the ultimate say over who gets hired and will be able to ensure gender parity in the hiring process. Once you’ve gotten on your feet, it will also offer an opportunity to act as a mentor and serve as a positive role model for girls and younger women. At Corvus, we make the hiring and vetting process easy and straightforward for our franchise owners and will provide strong support along the way. 

It can be incredibly frustrating to continue working towards a gender-equal economy only to find additional barriers every step of the way, and some women leaving the business world feel like they’re giving up the fight. In reality, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Women who choose to redefine their roles in what is still a male-dominated business world and step into positions of leadership are doing their part to create a more inclusive society.

Why the Janitorial Industry?

Hopefully, by now, you’re suitably excited about the possibility of franchise ownership. The question remains, though, of why the janitorial industry offers such a great opportunity for gaining true independence. There are a few answers to that question, so each new franchisee will have a different set of reasons for starting a local janitorial business, such as a Corvus Janitorial franchise. Some of the most common include:

Meeting the Needs of the Market

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the market for all sorts of cleaning services has exploded, and that includes commercial cleaning. There are plenty of residential cleaning services out there, but few janitorial businesses that can meet the increased needs of local schools, hospitals, gyms, offices, and other large or specialized spaces. At Corvus Janitorial Systems, we have the infrastructure and support in place to provide cleaning services to all industries.

Easy Transition From Residential Cleaning

While the janitorial industry has historically been male-dominated, the majority of residential cleaning businesses are run by women. Making the transition over to owning a janitorial franchise will be much easier than learning the ins and outs of an entirely new and unrelated industry. Corvus is there with our franchise owners every step of the way to guide them on building a successful janitorial franchise business.

Support From Established Franchisors

While it’s true that women-owned businesses, in general, and franchises, in particular, are becoming more common every day, not every industry is keeping up with the changing times. In the janitorial industry, female entrepreneurs can find the support and acceptance they need from Corvus Janitorial. In fact, business owner guidance and mentorship is a core tenant of the Corvus franchise program and one reason our franchisees have enjoyed strong success and opportunities.

Contact Corvus Janitorial Systems

If you’re a female entrepreneur ready to embrace everything that janitorial franchises have to offer, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can fill out our quick and easy contact form online, or call us today, to schedule a meeting with a Corvus representative who can tell you everything you need to know about starting a woman-owned janitorial business with the help of the established Corvus Janitorial Systems brand.

Corvus Janitorial Systems Opens New Territorial Master Franchise in Knoxville, TN

by

The following is a press release posted on PR Newswire:

CLEVELAND, Nov. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Corvus Janitorial Systems (“Corvus”), a national franchisor of office cleaning and janitorial services, is pleased to announce expansion into the Knoxville, Tennessee market by an existing, multi-territory Master Franchisee, Mr. Chad Weaver and his team. Corvus of Knoxville will support local Franchise Owners in delivering high-quality office cleaning services to businesses and facilities in the Knoxville territory, leveraging Corvus’ nationally recognized and time-tested brand and systems. “Chad Weaver and his team have been extraordinary partners to Corvus for over two decades,” Corvus founder and co-CEO Justin Douglas remarked. “Chad has built a fantastic business and has cemented the purpose and values of the system at large. We’re thrilled to see what his team does in Knoxville.”

Chad Weaver, Master Franchise Owner since Corvus’ inception in 2004, has partnered with long-time teammates Ryan Patrick, Clint Smith, and Wes Furnish to bring their expertise to Knoxville. “Collectively, this partnership carries over 50 years of experience and we’re excited to further expand our partnership with an outstanding brand like Corvus. The process, support, and strategy Corvus delivers as a franchisor works; if it didn’t, I wouldn’t be investing more. With the office cleaning industry in high demand and interest in franchise ownership rising, there are plenty of opportunities to grow here.” Mr. Weaver will add this territory to his portfolio after his recent purchase of the Corvus of Orlando Master Franchise in 2020, and his ownership and operation of the Raleigh-Durham, Indianapolis, Louisville, and Lexington markets for 18 years.

“Over the past two years, organizations have come to expect more out of their janitorial services. Our Franchise Owners have an important role in the economy – one of keeping businesses doors open. We will continue to differentiate ourselves with industry-leading cleaning protocols, top-notch training, and a fair and honest culture. We are beyond excited to venture into the Volunteer State,” Weaver adds.

Meet Master Franchise Owner Chad Weaver

About Corvus Janitorial Systems

Founded in 2004, Corvus Janitorial Systems is a franchisor of office cleaning and janitorial services, which provide cleaning and disinfecting services on a recurring basis to commercial facilities through its nationwide network of owner-operated local franchisees. Presently, Corvus is marketing the Kansas City, Missouri and Dallas, Texas territories to third parties, and is otherwise not pursuing expansion through non-existing Master Franchisees.

Read Press Release on PR Newswire

The Biggest Germ Gathering Spots In Your Office

by

Surfaces and items that get touched often in an office space will risk having bacteria and germs on them. From desktops to keyboards, coffee pots to door handles, numerous areas around an office space could have germs growing on them. When someone touches these surfaces, the germs attach to their hand and get carried to their next stop. Human contact is the highest risk factor for germ transmission in an office or workspace. The more people that use an elevator button, the higher the number of germs growing on it.

We like to think that we keep our hands clean when moving from place to place. Even using hand sanitizer between touching high-contact surface areas isn’t always enough to kill all germs. It’s easy for companies to keep their office spaces clean and germ-free by hiring professional cleaning and sanitizing services regularly. These cleaning companies, such as Corvus Janitorial Systems, have experience in keeping high-contact surfaces germ-free.

Why Hire a Janitorial Service?

Companies that offer office cleaning services are excellent assets for high customer volume business locations. Restaurants, office buildings, stores, schools, hospitals, and clinics are all high-volume locations that see numerous customers daily. Add to that the number of employees at the business location, and the number rises significantly. The more people that visit a business location and touch surfaces, the higher the risk of germs and bacteria. A professional cleaning and janitorial service can reduce this risk significantly.

Common Locations for Germs

Germs live on almost every surface around an office. There are, however, certain areas where constant human contact creates a breeding ground for germs to survive for long periods. Surface areas such as elevator buttons, light switches, doorknobs, door locks, toilet handles, faucets, vending machines, and other high-contact surfaces will retain germs longer the more they get touched. Keeping these surfaces cleaned and sanitized is the only defense an office space has against germs.

The following is a detailed list of surface areas that germs will find easier to breed in due to high contact:

Elevator Buttons

Elevator controls see a lot of attention throughout the day. Both the controls in hallways and the control inside the cab of an elevator see constant contact from visitors riding the elevators through an office building. It’s always a good idea to clean doors and rails inside the elevator cab due to contact from riders.

Door handles, knobs, and locks

Doors will see the most use in an office space throughout the day. Everyone in the office will use a door multiple times during their work shift, making them a high-contact surface area to sanitize when fighting germs in an office space. Always clean the door’s surface around the handles also, due to people pressing on the door to help open it at times. Locks and latches will also need sanitizing when cleaning doors.

Desktop

Workspaces often carry the most germs due to being high-contact surfaces. These workspaces can include cubicles, countertops, tabletops, desktops, and other flat surfaces where someone spends time constantly. Germs travel by contact with people’s hands, spreading about as far as a person can reach from any given point.

Keyboard, Mouse, and Trackball

Electronics that get constant use, such as input devices for computers like keyboards and mice, will see the most germs in a workspace. People constantly eat at their computers while working, leaving crumbs, oil, grime, and other tidbits that contribute to germs. If co-workers share a workspace, the amount of germs rises significantly.

Telephones, Fax Machines, Printers, and Other Shared Devices/Appliances

There are many appliances and devices in an office space that co-workers share amongst themselves. Coffee makers, printers, fax machines, copiers, shredders, vending machines, kitchenettes, microwaves, refrigerators, and many other devices or appliances get constant use in an office space. Co-workers using the same copier repeatedly will have shared their germs and others that have used the machine. Watercoolers are also a high-contact area for germs to breed.

Sinks, Dishes, Sponges, and Soaps

Having a nice breakroom is excellent until the kitchenette doesn’t get cleaned properly. Sinks and dishes are the most common breeding grounds for coli and salmonella. Most new sponges will have these bacteria on their surfaces within three weeks. Using these germ-ridden sponges throughout the day will spread the germs to other surface areas. Two minutes in a microwave can kill most germs on dishes, but we recommend replacing the sponge every two weeks to prevent these bacteria.

Restrooms

Coli bacteria thrive in bathrooms. Every surface in a bathroom is likely to have some stage of E. coli bacteria growing on it. Faucets, sinks, countertops, trashcans, handles, rails, and everything in between is at risk of bacteria in a restroom. Keeping these areas cleaned regularly can help reduce the risk the bacteria poses.

Environment

The most overlooked hotspot in any building for germ distribution is the air around us. You cannot sanitize the air itself. The recent Covid pandemic has taught us that contaminants can linger in the area for a while. Good ventilation helps keep the air cleaner to breathe. Adding fresh air into the mix will help, especially with a fan running. Replacing air filters in HVAC systems and keeping them well maintained also helps.

Depending on the type of business, hiring professional cleaning services like Corvus can often be the best solution for a workspace to remain a germ and bacteria-free environment. Some companies will have other high-contact areas that pose a risk of bacteria or germs growing on them. Restaurants, for instance, will have surface areas like tables, chairs, booths, menus, and other items or surfaces that customers come into contact with daily.

Staying Germ-Free

Keeping an office space germ-free is easy with the help of a professional cleaning service and some patience. Regularly cleaning a workspace and its high-contact surface areas will reduce the number of germs and bacteria that put visitors and employees at risk. Hiring a professional cleaning service is quick and easy. All it takes is making a quick call or scheduling an appointment to get an estimate. Keep your office space, employees, and visitors safe from bacteria like E. coli and salmonella with professional janitorial help.

Office Bathrooms: What Should Be Cleaned Every Single Time

by

Bathrooms are teeming with germs, and germs can make your employees sick. Sick days lead to reduced productivity and eventual profit losses. Keeping your office bathrooms clean and free of germs is essential.

Most business owners do not have time to focus on cleaning chores, and their office bathrooms sometimes only receive a partial cleaning. Many business owners do not realize how dirty and full of germs their office bathrooms are until a professional cleaner, such as Corvus Janitorial Systems, comes in for a deep cleaning treatment.

These Bathroom Cleaning Chores Must Be Carried Out Every Time

While some bathroom chores are done sporadically, many need to be carried out each time the bathroom is cleaned, preferably daily. Daily cleanings prevent germs from growing on bathroom surfaces.

Professional janitorial services will take care of the following office cleaning chores for business owners.  

Toilets

Every surface area of toilets need to be cleaned and sanitized, including the following.

1. Inside and outside of the bowl
2. Top and bottom of the seat, including the hinges
3. Tank and flush handle

Urinals

Urinals will also need to be cleaned. Janitorial services will clean and sanitize the following components.

1. Urinal handles
2. Internal screens
3. Inside and outside of the urinal
4. Pipes

High Contact Areas

Some surfaces of office bathrooms are touched much more frequently than others. High contact areas must be cleaned and sanitized daily, sometimes multiple times a day. Some of the high contact areas in a bathroom include the following.

1. Door handles
2. Bathroom stall handles
3. ADA switches
4. Light switches

Sinks & Countertops

Sinks and countertops are also full of germs because these are areas where people wash their hands after using the restroom. The following must be cleaned and sanitized daily.

1. Faucet handles
2. Sinks
3. Sink drains
4. Countertops
5. Mirrors
6. Soap dispensers

Storage Shelves

Storage shelves need dusting and restocking to ensure the bathroom is fully stocked with supplies. Because these surfaces can also pick up germs, they should be disinfected regularly.

Bathroom Flooring

Bathroom flooring needs constant care to ensure it is free of dirt and germs. Attendants will need to remove any trash from the floor. Sweeping and mopping are essential chores that remove dirt, debris, and germs that may be hiding out in the crevices of the flooring.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Janitorial Service

Keeping office bathrooms clean and sanitized requires consistent work. Most business owners are too busy running their companies to devote themselves to cleaning bathrooms. Corvus can help.

Hiring a professional janitorial service offers many benefits. Business owners need to be aware of the advantages of hiring these professionals so they can take appropriate action for the health and safety of their employees and customers.

1. Creates a Good First Impression

First impressions are everything in the business world. When customers use your facilities, they will judge your business on the level of cleanliness. If your bathrooms are not clean or well stocked, customers will notice.

2. Protects Employees and Customers Against Germs

Bathrooms are the germiest places in offices. When bathrooms receive professional cleaning services, employees and customers are less likely to be exposed to germs that can make them ill. By hiring a professional janitorial service, business owners let their customers and employees know they care.

3. Promotes Cleanliness

Studies have shown employees feel more obligated to keep their workspaces clean when professional cleaners come in and carry out cleaning services. Business owners will find employees and customers are more likely to clean up after themselves, which promotes a healthier office environment.

4. Saves Money & Time

Business owners will find they save time and money when hiring a professional cleaning service to handle their office bathrooms and other chores. By hiring these services, business owners will have fewer employees’ sick days. Maintaining their flooring and other bathroom components will prevent expensive repairs and replacement.

5. Improves Employee Satisfaction

Employees report having a higher level of satisfaction when working in a clean environment. Dirty environments decrease employee morale and can affect production.

Choosing the Right Janitorial Service Is Essential

Once you decide to hire a janitorial service, selecting the right one becomes the next critical step. Business owners should not hire the first name they come across. Research allows business owners to ensure they pick the janitorial service that will offer them the highest level of professionalism.

When looking for a cleaning service, consider the following attributes.

  • If you are looking for a janitorial service, only select one that is certified and fully insured. Certified and licensed services prove the company is operating legally. Insurance coverage protects both the business owner and the janitorial service’s employees.

  • Ensure the service hires employees who are skilled and service-oriented. Inquire about the hiring practices. Learn what kind of screening employees go through before being hired.

  • Reliability is crucial when hiring any cleaning service. Business owners want to be sure they choose a service that is going to be dependable and flexible. As your needs change, the service should adapt to meet them.

  • Business owners should also consider environmentally conscious janitorial services. These services attempt to protect the environment by using cleaning products that are made from natural ingredients whenever possible. While not every cleaning business is concerned about their environmental impact, the best businesses care and take the appropriate steps to lessen their carbon footprints.

  • Checking the reputation of the cleaning service will give you a good idea of what to expect from the level of cleaning they offer. Read reviews and ask for referrals from the company before deciding.

Professional Janitorial Services Keep Your Office Bathrooms Sparkling

Taking care of the needs of your business can be time-consuming and stressful. It is especially arduous to care for your office cleaning needs.

Bathrooms are one of the dirtiest and germiest spaces in any workplace. If you are not performing the cleaning steps above each day, your office bathroom may not be clean enough for employees or customers.

Hiring the best janitorial service will ensure your office bathrooms are clean and free of excessive germs that make people sick. Seeking professionals for these chores means one less worry for you. If you are looking for a new cleaning service, contact Corvus Janitorial Systems today.

Franchisee Spotlight – Jorge Rodriguez, Corvus of San Antonio

by

October’s Franchisee Spotlight Series features Corvus of San Antonio Franchise Owner Mr. Jorge Rodriguez. Read on to learn more about the standout Franchisee who goes above and beyond to Make Lives Better!

To keep up with the Franchisee Spotlight Series and all things Corvus, follow us on Instagram! @corvus_janitorial_franchising

As the second Franchise Owner to partner with Corvus of San Antonio, Mr. Jorge Rodriguez has had a big impact on the market’s success. “I don’t know where we’d be without him,” states Mr. Reed Warren, Regional Director.

Mr. Rodriguez runs his business full time and can service accounts any time of day. He even performs extra work, such as carpet cleanings. His flexibility for taking accounts and his great customer service has helped Mr. Rodriguez expand his business and partnership with Corvus. While he continues to grow his business, Jorge sets revenue goals and works toward them by making informed business decisions. While he is always grateful for new accounts, he is selective to make sure he can fully commit to his customers and provide consistent top quality service.

It’s very clear that Jorge takes pride in his work and it shows by the way he takes his time cleaning all of his accounts. Two of his customers have left Google reviews, stating “We have been through many other cleaning companies in the past and have never experienced such excellent service and attention to detail. Always on time, outstanding performance and great communication,” and, “Our school is cleaner than it has ever been. I am so impressed. I am increasing our time to 5 days a week starting in June. I am a happy customer and our teachers are thrilled to have their classrooms so clean. It matters!”

Thank you Mr. Rodriguez for your commitment to your business and customers. We look forward to continuing this partnership for many years to come!

Janitorial Franchises: Embracing Diversity

by

Valued at almost $293 billion, the commercial cleaning industry is growing by the day—and Corvus Janitorial Systems offers people from all social classes the chance to become part of a unified, cooperative, and collaborative community. In efforts to become more inclusive, we’re looking for franchisees of all ages, genders, religions, races, and abilities. We believe that, as our workforce becomes more diverse, we will use our franchisees’ unique experiences and perspectives to drive growth, increase competition, and solve industry-wide problems.

Although the push for diversity and inclusion isn’t a new concept, America’s industrial sector still has work to do. Minorities will have more than $3 trillion in purchasing power by 2030; just 20 years after that, people of color will make up almost half of the country’s population. While these changes are promising, they’re not reflected in the makeup of most companies’ executive boards. For instance, women are promoted 20% less often than men, and less than 20% of the workforce is disabled.

As our country changes, it’s becoming increasingly important for companies to recognize the societal and competitive advantages of diversity, and to ensure that their workforces reflect current demographics. Here, we’ll explain the differences between diversity, equity, and inclusion, why these qualities are so important in janitorial franchising, and we will also offer a few tips for the advancement of diversity.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Similar, but Different

To understand the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the franchising world, employers must first learn the significance of each variable and how it drives change.

  • Diversity is the concept of a group of people from different backgrounds, all coming together to achieve a common goal. It also refers to differences in identity, preferences, experiences, and thought patterns. A person’s identity encompasses numerous aspects, including their age, race, gender identity, religion, body size, and social status. Workplace diversity is defined as the hiring of people from all backgrounds and identities. While a single person cannot be diverse, a group of people certainly can be.
  • Equity is access, advancement, opportunity, and fair treatment for all. It’s a practice that requires companies, even cleaning franchises, to find and remove obstacles that have, in the past, prevented certain groups from taking part in the workforce. Equity largely determines who can access career opportunities and how workers are valued. The implementation of workplace equity plans should be well thought out and purposeful, and franchise owners must thoroughly evaluate their procedures and guidelines to ensure that their workplaces are fair.
  • Inclusion is more than a byproduct of diversity; it’s also the result of decisive actions that make employees feel respected and valued. Inclusive workplaces are safe spaces where team members can speak freely and work according to their own needs, responsibilities, and schedules. Along with these qualities, inclusion also encompasses assorted styles of work, leadership, and communication. To create an inclusive workplace, a cleaning franchise owner must meet workers’ unique requirements and allow their voices to be heard.

Corvus is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusivity in its practices and philosophies. Contact us today to learn more about our views or to discuss franchising opportunities in your area.

Fostering Creativity and Innovation

The commercial cleaning industry is run by people of various backgrounds, experience, and skill levels, which means that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives will build a spirit of innovation and creativity. When franchise owners focus on these qualities and create a diverse and welcoming work environment, employees are more likely to share their thoughts with others. DEI offers several benefits, but its ability to help businesses stand out is one of the most important.

Offering a Selection of Skills

Cleaning franchise owners who hire workers from diverse backgrounds are more likely to gain access to the skill sets needed for business growth and expansion. By building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment, franchisors and franchisees bring in new perspectives that make brainstorming and problem-solving easier.

Recruiting Top Talent

Inclusion and diversity are important criteria for many job seekers, even in today’s employment market. When potential team members see that a cleaning business hires people of all races, nationalities, ability levels, and backgrounds, they’re more likely to feel welcome. This level of acceptance allows franchises to recruit the area’s top talent, as hiring decisions are based on qualities other than physical appearance.

Increasing Employee Morale

Working in a diverse and inclusive environment increases workers’ morale and job satisfaction, which will reflect in the quality of results produced. When employees feel truly at home, they tend to thrive in their roles—and the business will flourish as well.

Boosting Productivity

As diversity and inclusion come to the forefront, so does a commercial cleaning franchise’s collaborative spirit and, in turn, its productivity. A diverse team brings a range of skills and experience to the table, facilitating team-wide learning and collaboration. As productivity increases, so does the free flow of ideas—putting DEI-focused cleaning franchises ahead of competitors who are still doing things the old-fashioned way.

Understanding Customers’ Needs

Increasing diversity and inclusivity doesn’t just bring internal benefits; it also allows franchisees to market their janitorial services to the right audience. When employees come from backgrounds like those of the target demographic, promotional opportunities and growth come naturally.

Raising Revenue

With the successful management of an inclusive and diverse workforce, revenue increases are a virtual certainty. As employees become happier and more fulfilled in their roles, they’ll introduce productivity-boosting concepts that differentiate your business from its competitors. DEI isn’t just about the money, though; it’s also about your cleaning company’s culture.

Driving Financial Performance

The economic benefits of an ethnically, gender, and demographically diverse team cannot be understated. Numerous studies show that diverse companies typically achieve financial returns exceeding national industry averages.

The advantages don’t stop there—a team’s makeup should reflect that of the community and the company’s customer base. Whether you’re a franchise owner or a franchisor, the team you’ve built will make a significant difference in the business’ performance.

Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace: Tips for Commercial Cleaning Franchises

Now that we’ve gone over the importance of diversity and inclusion in business, we’ll offer a few franchise-friendly tips.

  1. Assess the franchise’s current state. Even the best diversity initiatives are useless without a preliminary diversity audit. The process is simple; it starts when owners learn about community perceptions, supplier relationships, and consumer demographics. When owners know who they’re marketing to and hiring, they’ll learn where to focus their DEI efforts.
  2. Find financial support. When franchisees come from diverse backgrounds, some may be economically disadvantaged. Corvus Janitorial works strongly to offer the financial aid minority franchisees need to get started.
  3. Focus on minority suppliers. Diversity in ownership is just one way for franchisees to become more inclusive. Another way is to focus on minority and women-owned supply businesses. Finding a diverse selection of vendors strengthens the community in which a franchise runs and increases competition, improving the quality of goods and services.
  4. Create innovative recruitment strategies. Using conventional talent recruitment methods provides run-of-the-mill results. To increase the breadth and depth of your franchise’s talent pool, consider going to job fairs in disadvantaged communities, taking part in workforce development programs, and recruiting at community colleges.
  5. Rewrite job descriptions. To attract a wider selection of potential hires, it’s best to write inclusive job descriptions. Use a text editing utility to cut antiquated, biased verbiage, and re-evaluate skill requirements so roles appeal to more applicants. By focusing on qualities needed to do the job, rather than a person’s work history, you’ll find more candidates.
  6. Approach interviews differently. The job interview process is sometimes biased against candidates from certain genders, races, and cultures. Your cleaning franchise’s interview process must fairly assess applicants’ qualifications without relying on outdated stereotypes.
  7. Be more supportive. Diverse hiring practices are a great first step, and increasing support and engagement is a natural progression. Providing career development and resource assistance further supports new employees and allows them to grow, thrive, and broaden their career prospects.
  8. Take an active role in the community. Participating in professional groups and community organizations helps cleaning franchise owners respect, understand, and tap into the diversity that’s already within their companies. Becoming part of the community creates lasting connections that help franchise owners attract new clients and find a diverse choice of potential hires.

 

Creating a more diverse cleaning franchise is a long-term effort. Results will be slow to come, and the process will naturally create challenges. With time, hard work, and commitment at the franchisor and franchisee levels, everyone will enjoy the public relations, business, and profitability benefits that come with an inclusive workplace.

Create a More Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Workplace

Recent events have brought matters of equity, diversity, and inclusion to the forefront, and nowhere is it more important than in today’s work environment. At Corvus Janitorial Systems, we’re committed to inclusivity in everything we do, and we’d love to share that focus and commitment with you. Receive more information via our online form or call today to discuss franchising with one of our friendly client service representatives.