Knowing when to fire a cleaner is one of the toughest (but most consequential) decisions you make as a business owner.
But, if you think you should fire someone, you should. If the thought has crossed your mind more than one time, it’s likely time to let them go. Here’s why:
Chances are, they are unreliable, disrespectful, or just don’t do a good job. If you’re thinking of someone specific and nodding along, let this by the sign you’re looking for to let them go. You will feel lighter and your business will be better off for it.
You might hit some bumps in the road immediately afterward, but if you’ve positioned yourself well, you’ll come out on top.
How to fire (without creating an enemy)
Before you ever have the conversation, it’s important that they see it coming. If anyone is surprised when you fire them, you haven’t done your job. Your job as the owner or manager is to coach and correct when needed. If someone is completely blindsided by getting fired, it means you failed to correct or coach.
In most businesses, a 3 strike policy is more than enough.
Strike 1: verbal warning
Strike 2: written warning and ultimatum
Strike 3: end of the road
One of my favorite ways to fire (is it bad to have a favorite way to fire?) is to start the conversation like this:
(Name) do you know why (mistake) is a big deal?
If they say “yes”, you say: “Then you understand why we can’t continue to work together.”
If they say “no”, you say: “That’s why we can no longer work together.”
If you’ve done it right, firing can be a relief for you and your cleaner. They can tell when it’s not a good fit and they’ve likely been thinking about quitting. You taking the initiative resolves the pain on both ends.
What did you think of this email? Hit ‘reply’ and let me know!
Until next time!
Logan
