At Easy Life, we invest heavily in the training of domestic helpers. What's more, we even have a genuine Easy Life Academy! We spoke with Katrien Troch, one of the driving forces behind the training programs. Taking domestic helpers to the next level, ensuring they work safely, and sending them out with more confidence—that is what it is all about!
Every cleaner who starts working at Easy Life receives training after the intake. “In principle, every new domestic helper receives 1.5 days of training, possibly supplemented with additional ironing training. During this training at the Easy Life Academy (ELA!), we teach them more about good work organization and ethics, a logical cleaning sequence, and customer-oriented communication. Cleaning may seem simple, but we work with people from different cultures, with different (cleaning) habits and customs. We clearly explain to them what is expected by the families, how to handle feedback, and how to communicate in a customer-friendly manner or point out issues themselves. These are all elements that are essential for building a good bond with the family,” explains Katrien.
The necessary practical tricks of the trade are also taught. “We provide our domestic helpers with a solid foundation in product knowledge, although we cannot cover every product available in stores. During the cleaning techniques training, we get down to practical work. From optimally wringing out a mop to washing windows and working ergonomically: it is all covered in our training. This way, our families can be sure that the domestic helper coming to do the work knows how to get things done.”
Cleaning helpers are often expected to iron as well, especially now that many companies have phased out their ironing centers. “Therefore, we provide ironing training for some domestic helpers. Not everyone is equally skilled at it, but we can teach them a lot in just a few hours.”
It is not only new cleaning assistants who pass through ELA!; more experienced staff also regularly receive training. “Of course, we no longer need to teach people who have been working longer how to clean. Here, it is more about further training in ergonomic working practices, and we also delve deeper into the changing relationship with the client. The longer a domestic helper cleans for a family, the better the bond. It then becomes more difficult to refuse certain extra requests. But topics such as 'how to deal with a terminally ill client' can also be covered. A great deal can be learned from the stories that emerge.”
Workplace coaching is a third pillar of our academy. “Our team of coaches also regularly accompanies the cleaning staff to families. This can be done at the request of the family, the office, or the domestic helper. They observe, provide guidance, demonstrate, and assist with communication. This is something that is greatly appreciated by our clients.”
For Katrien, it is crystal clear that these training courses provide significant added value for the client. “A well-trained cleaner is a better cleaner. The family is assured of high-quality cleaning, while our domestic helper is better able to handle the demanding job, has more self-confidence, and feels better about themselves. A win-win for all parties. We continue to invest in our academy and are certain that by doing so, we are helping to make a difference,” concludes Katrien.
Your family member would like to hire a cleaner, but is unable to apply for service vouchers. Your neighbor wants to switch to electronic service vouchers, but is not comfortable using a computer. These are all situations where it is easier if someone else handles the application. But can I order service vouchers for someone else? Cleaning agency Easy Life explains!
You can be sure that Branch Manager Stefanie Vanhove is a jack-of-all-trades. She has been running the office in Ypres all by herself for about three months, and that can certainly be called a success! The number of domestic helpers at work is increasing, and in the meantime, more than 240 families have already been made happy with a clean home.
Nature is blossoming, the days are getting longer, the mercury is slowly climbing… There is no better way to start spring than with a sparkling clean home! Tidy cupboards, freshly aired rooms, a clean fridge, a cleaned extractor hood… During Spring Cleaning Week, you steam your house completely ready for the new season. Could you use a few extra hands? Easy Life to the rescue!