Cleaning Employee Handbook Template (+ Free PDF Download)

Creating an employee handbook is crucial for cleaning businesses that want to set clear guidelines, train consistently, and foster professionalism in the workplace.

A good handbook is like a mission statement; it will improve team performance, reduce confusion, and create a positive work environment. This guide introduces a free employee handbook template to help you and your human resources team communicate, outline company policies, and support your new hires.

Download the free template to build a stronger, more organized cleaning business.

Introducing your cleaning employee handbook template

The Cleaning Employee Handbook Template is essential to set clear expectations, policies, and procedures in your cleaning business. It includes the company mission and values, employment policies, code of conduct, and health and safety guidelines. 

Each section is designed to be professional, compliant, and positive.

Customize the handbook to your business’s operations to make it relevant to your team by adding in specifics like:

• Special cleaning protocols

• Uniform guidelines

• Extra benefits for your employees

Consider the existing roles and responsibilities within your organization to develop the code of conduct and employee rights and responsibilities sections. Then, have it reviewed by legal counsel to ensure it complies with local laws. A digital or printed version will make it accessible and easy to update as policies change.

Handbooks are a simple way to streamline your operations, create a united team culture, and protect your business.

Using this template, cleaning business owners can simplify onboarding and create a professional and supportive environment for their team.

What is a cleaning employee handbook?

A cleaning employee handbook is a comprehensive document that outlines a company’s policies, procedures, and expectations for all staff. 

This is especially important for cleaning businesses as it covers industry-specific practices like:

• Safety protocols

• Client interaction guidelines 

• Dress codes

It’s a reference manual for employees to understand their roles and responsibilities from day one. Employee handbooks contain company policies, expectations, and employee rights, so they’re essential for new employees to know the company culture and be transparent and compliant with legal requirements. 

An employee handbook is the key to a cohesive, compliant, and efficient cleaning business, making it easy to run smoothly and keep the focus on delivering outstanding service. 

Why does your cleaning company need an employee handbook?

An employee handbook is crucial for cleaning businesses as it:

• Sets clear policies

• Trains consistently

• Professionalizes the team

• Informs employees of their rights and responsibilities

By defining standards, the handbook is a valuable resource for employees, from training to their employment journey with your company.

1. Clear Expectations

An employee handbook sets clear expectations for performance, conduct, and company values so every team member knows their role. It outlines expected employee behavior and quality standards so there’s no confusion for new employees, especially as you’re scaling your workforce. 

When employees know what’s expected, they are more likely to meet or exceed those standards. This clarity creates accountability, which leads to better service and customer satisfaction.

2. Consistency in Training and Operations

A handbook ensures consistency in training programs and operational procedures across all staff—vital to maintaining service quality. Every new employee gets the same foundational knowledge, whether it’s safety protocols or customer service practices. 

So, every client receives the same level of service, and the brand reputation is reinforced.

3. Enhanced Professionalism

A formal handbook shows employees and clients that you have high standards of professionalism. It shows structured processes, clear guidelines, and industry standards. 

Employees see this as a company with clear priorities and professional expectations, and clients know the company is well-organized and reliable.

4. Legal Protection

A well-written employee handbook provides legal protection by outlining company policies on harassment, discrimination, and termination. This transparency protects your business from potential disputes or lawsuits by showing consistent and fair practices are in place. 

Documenting policies also reduces misunderstandings and compliance with employment laws.

With that in mind, consider the handbook a vital tool for your business’s success and growth.

What should a cleaning employee handbook include?

A clean and tidy cleaning employee handbook covers all the essentials and sets the foundation for company culture, employee roles, and safety procedures. The handbook should also cover all cleaning services so task execution is thorough and effective. 

Here are the key sections your cleaning business employee handbook should include:

1. Introduction and Welcome

A welcome message from the business owner or management helps new employees feel valued from day one. This section sets the tone for the handbook and the company culture.

2. Company Mission and Values

State your company’s mission and core values to inspire employees and define what makes your cleaning business different. Values like quality, integrity, and teamwork can guide employee’s daily actions.

3. Employment Policies

Overview of employment policies, including employment status classifications, equal employment opportunity, medical leave, use of company property, leave of absence, conflict of interest, jury duty, and anti-discrimination policies. 

This section shows the company’s commitment to fairness and compliance.

4. Code of Conduct and Employee Behavior

Outline expectations for professional behavior, including dress code, client interaction standards, cell phone usage, conduct requirements, and delivery of high-quality cleaning services and subsequent employee evaluations. 

This ensures consistency across the team.

5. Work Schedules and Attendance

Work hours, timekeeping, attendance, and time off policies. This helps employees understand their scheduling responsibilities and reduces misunderstandings.

6. Health and Safety Protocols

Essential safety procedures, including handling of cleaning chemicals and equipment. This creates a safe environment for employees and clients.

7. Training and Development

Outline any required training, certifications, and opportunities for professional growth. This section shows your commitment to employee development and safeguarding any personnel files.

8. Performance Reviews and Disciplinary Actions

Explain how performance reviews are conducted and an overview of the disciplinary process. This shows transparency on performance expectations and consequences.

9. Employee Benefits

Overview of employee benefits like health insurance, paid time off, vacation, payday schedule, and other full-time and part-time perks. 

This helps employees understand the full value of their employment.

10. Acknowledgment Form

Add a form for employees to sign, confirming they have read and understood the handbook. This is for compliance and a record of employee acknowledgment.

Each section provides a complete, transparent, supportive handbook that prepares employees for success.

Going beyond templates: Manage your cleaning business efficiently with Aspire

Using a handbook is just the starting point; efficiently running your cleaning business requires tools that streamline operations and compliance. 

Aspire’s cleaning business software helps business owners manage tasks, employees, and scheduling—all of which are key to running a professional and compliant cleaning service. 

Save time by streamlining processes and reducing time-consuming tasks with Aspire’s tools:

Employee management

Aspire’s offline-capable mobile app for Android and iOS brings the field and office together with three-way communication with clients, including photo and video uploads. Easily track your teams' routes with geofenced clock-in/clock-out and ensure service delivery with task checklists for every job. 

Scheduling and job management

Automate scheduling and job assignments with Aspire’s scheduling tools. Aspire reduces human error with single-click route optimization, building crew schedules based on job location, employee availability, and skill set. Save time and improve employee accountability and job completion rates.

GPS and dashcam integrations make it easy for operations to maintain contact with crews without micromanagement, improving team morale and safety. 

Integration with payroll

Timetracking with Aspire automatically feeds to payroll, ensuring accurate hours for employees and reducing the time spent with repetitive tasks and paper timesheets. The Aspire Pay OnDemand feature lets employees access some of their earned but unpaid wages for added financial security for team members.

Combine Aspire’s best-in-class functionality with an employee handbook to scale ambitiously while maintaining high standards.

It’s your turn now

A handbook is the starting point for consistency, professionalism, and compliance in any cleaning business. 

From onboarding to daily operations, clear guidelines help employees and management have a smoother workflow and higher employee satisfaction. 

Aspire’s cleaning bussiness management software takes this to the next level by streamlining and automating routines processes to unlock new efficiency and profitability.

Ready to drive new revenue from your existing operations? Book a free demo with Aspire today.