When it comes to cleaning operations, labour is by far the largest expense, accounting for up to 85% of total costs. That’s a significant portion of any facility’s budget, and one that deserves close attention.
Yet, for many organisations, cleaning services remain under the radar, often not scrutinised in the same way as other operational costs. The question is: can you afford not to benchmark your cleaning provision?
Why benchmarking matters
Benchmarking is more than just comparing costs; it’s about understanding value, efficiency, and effectiveness. It gives organisations the insight needed to determine whether their cleaning operation is:
- Appropriately resourced
- Delivering value for money
- Meeting hygiene, quality and compliance standards
- Using the right processes, schedules, and technologies
By benchmarking your cleaning service, you can spot inefficiencies, reduce unnecessary spend, and ensure that every pound invested is working hard for your organisation – without compromising on cleanliness or safety.
The real cost of not knowing
If labour costs are too high relative to the size or needs of your site, or if staff hours are not optimally deployed, you could be spending significantly more than necessary every month. On the other hand, under-resourcing can lead to service failures, increased complaints, and even health and safety risks.
Benchmarking allows you to make informed decisions backed by data and sector knowledge, rather than relying on assumptions or outdated models.
At The Litmus Partnership, we specialise in helping organisations take a clear-eyed look at their cleaning operation. Our experts conduct thorough operational reviews, benchmarking your service against industry standards, peer organisations, and the specific needs of your site. We assess everything from staffing levels and shift patterns to equipment use and productivity metrics – all with a view to identifying opportunities for improvement.
Whether your service is delivered in-house or outsourced, we’ll give you a detailed picture of what’s working, what’s not, and what could be done differently. Most importantly, we help you move forward with practical, realistic recommendations that balance efficiency with service quality.
Clarity, control and confidence
In today’s cost-conscious environment, understanding where your money is going – and whether it’s delivering results – is more important than ever. With labour making up such a high percentage of cleaning costs, the case for benchmarking is clear.
If you’d like to hear more about how we can support your organisation in reviewing your cleaning operation, get in touch with us here
The Litmus team