There are many remarkable reasons to consider a peer-led approach to conducting training for janitors.
Your employees are the backbone of your company, as well as your most valuable asset. Even after hiring extremely qualified employees, it’s still important to establish routine training for janitors. From a change in janitorial software to the development of new policies and procedures, there’s always the chance to learn something new. And while you could hire third-party instructors or invest time (and money) into coaching materials, there’s an even better way to approach employee education: encourage your team to engage in peer-to-peer training methods.
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7 Reasons to Promote Peer-to-Peer Training Methods for Janitors:
1. Because employees usually feel more comfortable around their peers
Feedback from one’s peers is a lot less intimidating, which is why people are more likely to share job-related concerns with their co-workers than their boss. They can ask questions candidly, and without the fear of being judged or fired. Open communication can help your team quickly tackle crucial topics that may not be noticed by management.
2. Because direct interaction between co-workers promotes continual learning
There’s no need to stress about scheduling additional time for training sessions when your team can experience peer-guided, hands-on learning every day. You can easily encourage continual learning by pairing qualified workers with newly hired employees or cleaners that aren’t as familiar with a client’s facility. Instead of having to wait to get back to the office to ask essential questions, workers can get answers on the job. Everyone can work more efficiently and more confidently knowing that they are keeping your clients happy.
3. Because experienced employees can reinforce their own skills by instructing others
New hires aren’t the only ones that benefit from peer-to-peer training for janitors. As the old saying goes, “practice makes perfect.” When experienced workers teach company policies and procedures, they’re able to sharpen their own skills, too. From honing in on basic job requirements to revisiting more complicated tasks, you can be sure everybody is ready to handle any client request, big or small.
4. Because you can save a lot of money on training expenses and overtime
You can reduce the need to hire third-party training organizations when your team engages in peer-led education. You can also eliminate after-hours coaching sessions that result in higher payroll costs. Besides, your employees understand daily challenges better than any outside party ever could, and they don’t want to fail any more than you do. Trust them to know which training topics will help make them more powerful employees, and more often than not, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
5. Because engagement increases when you implement peer-to-peer training methods
Peer-led coaching gives your workers the chance to examine challenges and work together as a team to come up with practical solutions. Let your team choose relevant training topics instead of buying into generic janitorial training programs. They will be more engaged while working on everything from safety to security and quality control procedures that have an actual impact on their days at work. By letting employees train each other, they will feel a sense of pride by connecting themselves to the success of your company.
6. Because disengagement can be toxic
According to a Gallop State of the Workplace Study, 70% of workers are “not engaged” or “actively disengaged,” which makes them emotionally disconnected from their employers and also less productive. They’re also more likely to steal from your company, scare away valuable clients, and negatively influence your other employees. Sounds like a nightmare, right? It can be if you don’t find effective ways to combat disengagement.
7. Because everyone benefits when you nurture engagement with peer-to-peer training for janitors
Janitorial managers:
Finding the right training for your team can not only be stressful; it can be expensive and time-consuming, too. By implementing a successful peer-led training program, managers can free up precious time and resources to focus on valuable quality control and customer retention activities.
Janitorial employees:
Peer-to-peer training methods benefit veterans and rookies alike.
Veteran employees feel valued because they are trusted enough to take leadership. And newcomers can get acclimated more quickly because instead of having to schedule training, they can receive instant guidance from experts on the job.
Janitorial clients:
Peer-led training for janitors benefits your clients, too. Designated team leaders can gather customer feedback and concerns, then quickly turn that content into useful training routines. Customer concerns are resolved immediately, reducing harmful cleaning complaints and proving to your clients that their satisfaction is your team’s main priority.
How to promote training for janitors with a peer-to-peer approach:
- Make sure all managers and administrators are on board and ready to support peer-led training in the workplace.
- Create (or update) your company janitorial handbook. Be sure to include all essential company guidelines and compliance procedures.
- Identify your most skilled employees and appoint them as training leaders.
- Encourage all appointed training leaders to develop weekly training strategies that align with your company handbook and client concerns.
- Monitor accountability and effectiveness of peer-led training by observing on-site inspection outcomes.
- Always welcome feedback from your employees and acknowledge exceptional work.
- Promote trainees to peer-leaders once they gain valuable skills that they can share with other employees.
Peer-to-peer training for janitors appeals to various learning styles.
When you hire outside training organizations, you can’t guarantee that they will present janitorial training materials in a way that employees will learn well. There is only a short window of time for employees to absorb information. This can be intimidating and frustrating for all parties involved. Daily on-the-job training led by your most skilled employees can help your team focus on areas they need to improve on the most, without being rushed.
Encourage teamwork culture with peer-led training.
Creating an environment where teamwork is valued helps to build a stronger, more reliable team. Instead of putting pressure on one person to execute and manage training, peer-led training inspires everyone to take responsibility for the success of the company.
Manage projects, stay in touch with clients, and more with Janitorial Manager. Contact us for a free demo right now and see how it works!