Some businesses in the cleaning industry cut corners to save money, and one of the most common ways they do this is by misclassifying workers. Instead of hiring employees the right way, they label them as independent contractors. While this may reduce payroll costs for the company, it’s often illegal—and unfair to the workers who get shortchanged.

A Real-World Example: Jan-Pro in the District of Columbia

A major case in Washington, DC, in 2022 highlights this issue. The DC Attorney General accused Jan-Pro of running a franchising system that wrongly identified janitors as independent contractors. These workers signed “franchise agreements” after being promised the chance to run their own cleaning businesses. But in practice, they were treated like regular employees—with set schedules, strict instructions, and little control over their work.

Because Jan-Pro had direct control over how these workers performed their jobs and how much they were paid, they were employees in the eyes of the law. By calling them independent contractors, Jan-Pro avoided paying payroll taxes and providing benefits. Sadly, many of these workers were paid less than the legal minimum wage.

Why This Should Matter to You as a Business

If your company hires a cleaning service that uses these shady tactics, there are risks you should be aware of:

1. Brand Reputation – Being linked to a vendor involved in labor violations can damage your company’s public image.
2. Service Gaps – If the janitorial provider faces a lawsuit or enforcement action, they could suddenly stop service, leaving you without cleaning support.
3. Low-Quality Work – Workers who aren’t fairly paid may rush through jobs or cut corners just to survive.
4. Values and Ethics – If doing business the right way is important to you, that standard should apply to your vendors too.

Is It Ever Okay to Hire a Company That Uses Independent Contractors?

In some cases, yes. There are legal ways for cleaning companies to use independent contractors. However, those contractors must be truly independent—meaning they decide how and when to do the work. This limits the company’s ability to manage quality or make changes. If you're considering a contractor-based service, ask careful questions to make sure the company is following legal guidelines.

A Better Option: Choose a Company That Employs Its Workers

For peace of mind and reliable service, it’s often better to go with a janitorial company that directly hires its staff. These businesses manage their teams, support them with fair pay and benefits, and are more likely to deliver consistent results.

Cutting corners with labor might save a few dollars at first—but it can lead to big problems down the road. If you want a cleaning partner that follows the rules and values its workers, we’re here to serve you.