At what point do you complain about a service person who works in your home? I know this is totally deserving of a #whitegirlproblem tag, but I need some advice.
You see, we pay for a cleaning service and she comes every two weeks. She comes on Fridays when my husband is home from work so I'm not there. I know that I'm much pickier than him, but there are several things I've asked to be done a certain way since we've been married and I don't feel like she's listening.
For example:
I've asked her to use actual towels instead of paper towels. Sometimes she abides, but today I found an entire roll of paper towels was used. To me, that's a waste of money and paper.
She requested we get a rope mop, but I resisted since they don't get put away to dry properly. But, I bought the mop (after my husband told me she hand mopped the floors) and it was put away in a bucket strings down, still wet. Not good.
And there are other things that bother me. She used to leave a list of things we are out of for my husband. Now that we're married? No list. So, I don't know we're out until I need it.
A few months ago she complained we didn't tip her. We give her a bonus at Christmas and have given her tickets to baseball games as well. From what I can tell it's not customary to tip a cleaning service.
These are the big (ish) things and there are smaller things I could look past if it was only one. But, all of these together make me think it's time to request someone new.
I kind of feel like she's being passive aggressive to me since I'm the one to request all of the changes since getting married. I'm pretty sure my husband never noticed any of these things.
What do you think? Would you request a new person after three years? Should I plan to be at home the first time they come so I can set my expectations? Am I being too picky?
Thanks for listening and allowing me to ask your advice. I know we aren't all so fortunate to need to worry about these things.
8 comments:
It's time to get another cleaning person! Seriously, tips? Especially when she is not doing a good job? Make a list of everything you want done. Right down to the products you want used etc. Put all of your cleaning supplies in a portable carrier. Add a pen and pad. Write down any issues or questions for her and have her do the same. If the pad is in the carrier she will see it, as will you. Print off a check list if you need it. Remember she works for you, not the other way around. Christmas and birthday bonuses are always appreciated but tips....Good Lord!
I would be hiring a new cleaning lady. You are paying her to do a job. She is obviously not doing what you want but still has the gall to complain about tips?? Cut her loose!
I'm with everyone else. If she's getting paid to do a job, it should be done correctly. It does sound like she's being a little passive aggressive. Go ahead and request a new cleaning lady.
I'd hire a new person. That is not ok. You give direct requests and they are not followed? You are paying her do comply with your direct requests. At this point, you've let her get away with it for 3 years, so she is probably testing you to see what she can get away with.
We do tip our lady every time though. She comes biweekly and we give her a little extra. I think in the long run, it pays off. When we call last minutes (needing help for a party, or holiday) she drops everything for us. I know she reschedules other clients to see us when we want. So, I tip her.
There's nothing wrong with complaining (even to her) if she's not doing the things she has asked. In fact, as someone who ashamedly admits I've slacked off in some jobs I would appreciate someone pointing me back in the right direction. But if I knew I wasn't doing everything in my job description I definitely wouldn't ask for a tip!! Maybe she can bring her own paper towels? My cleaning lady brings mostly her own stuff. I think the only thing she uses of ours is the vacuum.
If you've already expressed your concerns to her and things don't change I would say get someone new!! Good luck :)
It seems like you've done what you can to make it work with her and she's just not willing to do what you ask. You aren't obligated to just keep paying her if she's not doing what you need her to do. If you're paying, you get to decide who you pay.
I'd probably get a new cleaning person. Your requests are not out of the norm & asking/complaining about tips is a huge signal to me that it is time to move on.
I'm with everyone else. It's time to request a new cleaning person. You aren't asking for anything crazy. She is getting paid to perform a job and it seems she's not going it very well.
Post a Comment