forumNew topic

I started employing couples (spouses) at my cleaning company — quality went up but management got harder

NNeslihan T***Member
Job title
Intern
Sector
Automotive aftermarket
Organization type
early-stage startup
Joined
Mar 2024
Message
321
#1

I run a cleaning company, I've had 25 staff for 15 years. Last year I adopted a new strategy: employing 'couple workers' — meaning married couples work together at the same location. Quality increased significantly after that: the couple splits the work, checks each other, moves fast.

But management became difficult: if the couple says 'we found the pay too low', both get angry and I lose two people. Losing two is harder than losing one. I should give couples 'extra salary', but customers can't handle this extra cost.

Currently there are 12 couples, 24 people. Quality is high but pay is higher. Should I continue with this strategy, or go back to hiring individual workers?

HHasan E***Expert
Job title
Content Editor
Sector
Construction
Organization type
family business
Joined
Dec 2023
Message
88
Most Helpful#2

man this is a great opportunity! tbh go and use this 100% right now!

RRıdvan K***Member
Job title
Chief Technology Officer
Sector
Retail
Organization type
medium-sized business
Joined
Oct 2023
Message
70

Doki · Interface design · 2026

#3

Standard method: Set a 'standard time' for each job, write this to the customer. Follow up.

YYavuz B***Member
Job title
Human Resources Specialist
Sector
Leather
Organization type
120-person company
Joined
Mar 2024
Message
5
#4

Legally, you need a written contract with the client in this situation. Terms must be clear. Recommendation: lawyer.

DDoki destekDoki team
Job title
Technical Support
Sector
Cybersecurity and digital
Organization type
Doki
Joined
Mar 2023
Message
428
#5

If you're struggling, ask other tradesmen. They're your best guides. There's no magic bullet.

YYasemin K***Member
Job title
Board member
Sector
Jewelry
Organization type
cooperative
Joined
Feb 2023
Message
66
#6

Statistics: If you employ workers, costs increase by 40%, but output can increase by 60%. Net: +20%.

VVildan D***Member
Job title
Quality control inspector
Sector
Electrical-electronics
Organization type
regional distributor
Joined
Apr 2024
Message
160

Doki · Phishing awareness training · 2024

#7

Don't overthink it. Is being a tradesman really this hard? I mean, what were you expecting?

FFeyza Y***Expert
Job title
Field sales representative
Sector
IT services
Organization type
medium-sized business
Joined
Jun 2024
Message
281
#8

I disagree with you on this point... I mean the moment you depend on a single client, you no longer set the price.

Solutions that work at a small scale collapse when you grow; I learned this late. btw proven by experience.

AAhmet O***MemberCommunity member
Joined
Feb 2025
Message
142
#9

You're right.

SSinanMember
Job title
Software instructor
Joined
Dec 2023
Message
186

Doki · E-commerce infrastructure · 2025

#10

I feel the same way. Taking notes for two weeks yields better results than a six-month estimate.

When making a decision first look at what data you have on hand. This is my opinion, I'm not claiming it's absolute truth.

AAhmet A***MemberCommunity member
Joined
Oct 2023
Message
63
#11

I'm in the same situation, that's why I'm asking. Most time waste accumulates in tasks waiting for approval.

Proven by experience.

İİlknur C***MemberCommunity member
Joined
Feb 2025
Message
18
#12

saved.

ÜÜlkü O***MemberCommunity member
Joined
Mar 2024
Message
14
#13

let me speak from the other side; I'm on the supplier side. honestly looking profitable on paper but having no cash in the bank is very common.

if you have questions write them; Ill answer as best I can.

MMelis K***Member
Job title
Jewelry designer
Organization type
two-branch business
Joined
May 2024
Message
88
#14

this approach has a cost, which isnt discussed. trying to do this alone is the most expensive way.

start with a small trial; don't commt to everything at once and like good luck with that.

BBarış Ç***Member
Job title
Customer Relations Manager
Sector
Furniture manufacturing
Organization type
two-branch business
Joined
Oct 2023
Message
12
#15

The discussion got scattered, let me summarize. People defend habits, not processes. Resistance comes from there.

Solutions that work at a small scale collapse when you grow; I learned this late. If I were you, I'd go this route.

VVildan A***Member
Job title
Information Security Specialist
Sector
Agriculture
Organization type
two-branch business
Joined
Jul 2023
Message
114
#16

Thanks a lot I'll try it today.

NNeslihan K***Member
Job title
Customer service representative
Sector
Jewelry
Organization type
a company within a holding
Joined
Aug 2023
Message
405
#17

There's a part I don't understand. Don't hesitate to ask; those who don't ask always pay more.

KKübra E***Member
Job title
Logistics planning
Sector
Leather
Organization type
20-person company
Joined
Mar 2025
Message
46
#18

I'm curious too.

İİlker K***Member
Job title
Technical service technician
Sector
IT services
Organization type
medium-sized business
Joined
Nov 2025
Message
273
#19

I'm a small business, let me explain from my side. If it's your first time, start small; scaling comes later.

KKübra G***Expert
Job title
IT manager
Sector
Sports and fitness
Organization type
20-person company
Joined
Nov 2025
Message
10
#20

I felt relieved reading this answer, so it's not just me. Solutions that work at a small scale collapse when you grow; I learned this late.

Trying to do this alone is the most expensive way.

Reply