Question 1

What is the difference between an office cleaner and a general cleaner?

Accepted Answer

Office cleaners specifically work in corporate and commercial office environments, focusing on workstations, meeting rooms and corporate amenities. They typically work after hours and require discretion around confidential documents. Both roles are covered by the Cleaning Services Award 2020, but office cleaners may have specific requirements around security clearances and professional conduct in corporate settings.

Question 2

What award covers office cleaners in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Office cleaners are covered by the Cleaning Services Award 2020 (MA000022). This modern award applies to employees performing cleaning work in commercial buildings, offices and corporate facilities. Classification levels depend on experience, qualifications and the level of supervision required.

Question 3

What classification level should I use for an office cleaner?

Accepted Answer

Under the Cleaning Services Award, office cleaners typically start at Level 1 (entry level) or Level 2 (competent cleaner with some experience). Cleaners who work independently or with minimal supervision may be classified at Level 3. See our Cleaning Services Award pay rates guide for current rates and classification definitions.

Question 4

Should I include pay rates in an office cleaner job description?

Accepted Answer

While not legally required, including indicative pay rates helps attract suitable candidates and sets clear expectations. You can reference the applicable award rate or use phrases like 'Award rates plus penalties' or 'Competitive hourly rate.' Check the current Cleaning Services Award rates for guidance.

Question 5

What qualifications do office cleaners need?

Accepted Answer

Most office cleaning positions do not require formal qualifications, though experience in commercial cleaning is valued. Some employers prefer candidates with a Certificate II or III in Cleaning Operations. More important are reliability, attention to detail and understanding of chemical safety. Training is typically provided on-site.

Question 6

Do office cleaners need any certificates or checks?

Accepted Answer

Requirements vary by client. Corporate office cleaners typically need a current National Police Check due to access to confidential areas and sensitive information. Some high-security buildings may require additional security clearances. Chemical safety training and manual handling certificates are valuable. OH&S induction is mandatory.

Question 7

What experience should I look for in an office cleaner?

Accepted Answer

For entry-level positions, basic cleaning experience or a willingness to learn is sufficient. For experienced roles, look for previous commercial or office cleaning experience, familiarity with professional cleaning equipment, knowledge of chemical safety and demonstrated reliability. Experience working independently after hours is highly valued.

Question 8

Can I hire office cleaners with no experience?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many cleaning companies successfully hire entry-level office cleaners. These staff members require proper induction, training in cleaning procedures, chemical safety and equipment operation. Starting new cleaners in team environments or with supervision helps develop skills before independent work.

Question 9

Should I hire casual or permanent office cleaners?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your contracts and cleaning schedule. Permanent part-time staff provide consistency for regular office cleaning contracts, while casuals offer flexibility for fluctuating demands or covering leave. Many cleaning businesses use a mix — permanent staff for core clients and casuals for additional coverage. See our guide on casual vs permanent employment trends.

Question 10

What penalty rates apply to office cleaners?

Accepted Answer

Under the Cleaning Services Award, penalty rates apply for work on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays and for work performed outside standard hours. Office cleaning typically occurs after business hours (evenings) or early mornings, which may attract penalty loadings depending on the specific times. Casual employees receive a 25% loading instead of leave entitlements. Use award interpretation software to calculate rates accurately.

Question 11

What are the minimum shift lengths for office cleaners?

Accepted Answer

Under the Cleaning Services Award, the minimum engagement for casual employees is typically 2 hours per shift. Part-time employees also have minimum shift requirements. This ensures employees receive reasonable compensation for attending work. Office cleaning shifts are often 2-4 hours per site.

Question 12

What should I include in an office cleaner employment contract?

Accepted Answer

Key elements include: position title and classification level, employment type (casual/part-time/full-time), hourly rate, applicable award, reporting structure, main duties, work locations, shift times including after-hours requirements, uniform requirements and any security clearance needs. Use our digital employment contracts to simplify this process.

Question 13

How far in advance must I provide rosters to office cleaners?

Accepted Answer

Under the Cleaning Services Award, rosters should be provided with reasonable notice. While specific timeframes vary, best practice is to provide at least 7 days notice of rosters and roster changes. Using rostering software helps ensure staff can plan around their cleaning schedules, particularly important for multi-site operations.

Question 14

Can I require office cleaners to work across multiple sites?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many office cleaners work across multiple sites in a shift or throughout the week. This should be clearly communicated in the job description and during recruitment. Travel time between sites may need to be factored into schedules, and transport arrangements should be clarified. Some cleaning contracts require cleaners to have their own transport.

Question 15

What breaks are office cleaners entitled to?

Accepted Answer

Under the Cleaning Services Award, employees working more than 5 hours are entitled to an unpaid meal break. For shorter shifts (which are common in office cleaning), paid rest breaks may not be required. Check the specific award provisions. Use break planning tools to ensure compliance.

Question 16

How do I manage office cleaner schedules around building access?

Accepted Answer

Office cleaners typically work after business hours or early morning before office staff arrive. Ensure rosters align with building access times and security protocols. Provide clear instructions about access cards, alarm codes and emergency contacts. Use rostering software to coordinate schedules across multiple office sites efficiently.

Office cleaner job description