Building a Psychologically Safe Workplace: Our Approach at Crystal Clean

WATCH DAVE & JEFF SHARE HOW WE BUILD A PSYCHOLOGICALLY SAFE WORKPLACE

We believe that fostering a psychologically safe environment isn't just a nice-to-have—it's the foundation of our success.

In an industry where talented cleaners have plenty of options, we've made it our mission to create a space where our team feels valued, supported, and part of the family.

Here's how we build and maintain that culture every day.

Putting People First in Hiring and Onboarding

We start by acknowledging the opportunities our cleaners have elsewhere, so we go the extra mile to attract and retain the best.

That means offering competitive pay right from the start and welcoming new team members with open arms—think branded shirts and enrollment in Crystal Clean University for top-notch training.

Flexibility is at the heart of what we do: we customize schedules to fit individual needs, whether that's full-time, part-time, evenings, mornings, or standard day shifts like our day porter roles.

By piecing together the perfect fit, we ensure our team finds satisfaction in their work, which keeps everyone motivated and committed.

Empowering Through Lead Techs: True Leadership in Action

One of our secret weapons is our "lead techs"—a role we've intentionally designed to go beyond traditional supervision.

These aren't just overseers; they're inspirations who motivate, encourage, and teach. They're out in the field, delivering supplies, lending a hand when needed, and guiding on everything from the right chemicals and equipment to critical safety protocols.

In an evolving industry like janitorial services, where there's so much more than meets the eye, this hands-on support sets us apart and strengthens the bonds within our team.

Hiring with Intention: Attitude Over Everything

We've learned from experience that rushing hires can lead to big regrets.

That's why we now hire slow and fire fast, with a thorough two-level interview process. The first level vets the basics, and the second dives deep into alignment with our core values—teamwork, a positive attitude, and a family-first mindset.

You could be the most skilled cleaner out there, but if the fit isn't right, it's not for us. We can train skills, but attitude is key.

Thanks to insights from our business coaches, we've shifted our priorities: family comes first, then our clients, and profits follow naturally.

Co-Creation and Culture: Sustaining What We Build Together

Inspired by high-performance coaching principles, we emphasize co-creation—our team supports what they help shape.

Our lead techs lead by example, stepping in to demonstrate tasks and provide upfront value, rather than just directing. This collaborative spirit sustains our culture, creating an environment that's not only productive but genuinely enjoyable.

When you connect with us, you'll feel the warmth and fun—it's who we are.

And if that's not your vibe? That's okay; we're all about finding our people.Life is short, and at Crystal Clean, we're committed to making work fulfilling for our work family and beyond.

By investing in psychological safety, we've built a team that's strong, loyal, and ready to deliver exceptional service. If you're leading a team, ask yourself: Are you managing, or are you truly leading? We're proud to say we're all in on the latter.

Interested in joining our team? Fill out our Employment Application

Interested in seeing how we can help you? Give us a call, or even text us, at (239) 936-7700 or contact us on our website.

We'd love to see how we can bring our vision to life to help, serve & take care of you!

Dave & Jeff