Steve, we have some janitorial accounts that we are cleaning regularly. There seems to be a problem with the locking of the doors. They want us to check to see if the doors are locked when we leave. The problem is that we don’t use ANY of the doors that they seem to always say that we left unlocked. They CLAIM that they lock them before they go home and that we don’t check behind them when we finish at night. But it is not in our contract to ensure security. We do lock all doors that we use to exit with. What can we do to end this problem?
Thank Steve, I know this is not your line of work but please help!!!!
Gnashing My Teeth in Los Angeles
Dear Gnashing,
“Not my line of work”? I cut my teeth in this industry over 40 years ago when I opened my first janitorial service at the tender age of 16! I quickly learned one basic principle: The janitor always gets blamed!
So I feel your pain. Seriously. So, Gnashing, in my view you have three choices:
1. How much additional work would it be to introduce a routine for your employees to check all the doors? Even though it is “not in the contract” sometimes it is better to pick your battles.
2. Go to the manager and explain you ONLY enter through this door. You could even leave a sticky note on it saying “Locked and checked by Jon-Don Janitorial Service”.
3. Quit.
I lean toward the first option but I don’t know the building. Once again, the janitor always gets the blame!
Steve
Absolutely agree with Steve. I learned long ago that you must pick your battles wisely. Something as simple as checking some doors will not break the bank but if you don’t do this, your client may begin to find other issues to pile on and then cancel the contract. Just passify them and lock the doors. If they begin asking you to do their personal office work, then we have a problem. 🙂