Would you mention this or let it go ?

[FearBreedsCompliance]

We’ve had a cleaner a while now and gradually she has been leaving earlier and earlier …..

At first it was just a couple of minutes so I didn’t say anything as tbh I didn’t think anything of that at all as it was literally a min or two.
However, then it was regularly 5 mins early and I’ve noticed the last couple of times it’s been 8-10 mins early. That feels unfair as in that time something else could be done and I really need the help that I’m paying for !

Sometimes I’m not there but can see from the door open time, I’m going to try to be in next time but what do I say ? I feel like 1-2 mins is ok but not more than 5 mins?

I would have to say something, if its only an hour clean 10 minutes is a big chunk of that. Do they have a list of jobs to work through? Moving forward maybe a list would be helpful, you can then ask for the extra jobs on the list to be completed if they finish the basic clean with time to spare.

It’s a 2 hour clean so it does make a difference i think and I feel like leaving more than 5 mins early is a bit off, I don’t want to appear petty at all but it has annoyed me

You should say something - she's not coming in a bit earlier I assume?

@FindingMeno

You should say something - she's not coming in a bit earlier I assume?

No she gets here exactly on time

To me, this wouldn't be an issue if the clean was how it should be.
Why force the cleaner to stay for 10 minutes twiddling their thumbs if they've finished the job?
However, if there's still cleaning to do, this isn't on.

Yes, definitely say something.
Or if you're there catch her on the way off and say something like " ooh could you just quickly do so and so for me - I think you still have time. Thanks!"

@ExPatHereForAChat

To me, this wouldn't be an issue if the clean was how it should be. Why force the cleaner to stay for 10 minutes twiddling their thumbs if they've finished the job? However, if there's still cleaning to do, this isn't on.

Yes there were still things that could have been done !

I’ll have to say something. I just don’t like situations like this as I’m not very confident

@FindingMeno

Yes, definitely say something. Or if you're there catch her on the way off and say something like " ooh could you just quickly do so and so for me - I think you still have time. Thanks!"

I think this is what I’ll have to do as it’s less confrontational!

Op I hope that isn't me op?!!
Due to traffic I was 7 mins late on Friday but left at the same time due to having to get to another job... Next week I may be 7 mins early. I always make up the few mins late but happy to finish what I have started and stay over when I can.

For a two hour clean I personally would not say anything for 10 mins. For all you know she may have really steamed on or had not break if any sort etc.
There is still stuff to be done yes but do you think she has done what you expected for a 2 hour stint ?

I suppose it depends whether you are paying for a job (ie list of tasks to be completed) or her time. Over the years my cleaner has got more efficient at cleaning my house so is faster than she used to be. I don't think you should "punish" that by adding more tasks. If everything agreed as tasks for her is done to the required standard then this is fine.

I pay my cleaner for 2 hours but if she’s done in one or 1.5 I really don’t mind. As long as the jobs done I don’t care how long it takes. It think you’re being petty.

It will soon become 15 minutes if you don't raise it

@HeronLanyon

For a two hour clean I personally would not say anything for 10 mins. For all you know she may have really steamed on or had not break if any sort etc. There is still stuff to be done yes but do you think she has done what you expected for a 2 hour stint ?

I don't have a cleaner but I wouldn't have thought she'd need a break in a 2 hour cleaning slot?

@Lasair

I pay my cleaner for 2 hours but if she’s done in one or 1.5 I really don’t mind. As long as the jobs done I don’t care how long it takes. It think you’re being petty.

So you could pay for an hour but you're paying for two

Seems odd

I think it massively depends on whether she has got everything done or not, but this needs to be overlaid with what is possible. Eg, if she's not done everything but really, it's a 3 hour job and she's managed to squeeze 90% of it into 2 hours, then I wouldn't be complaining.

My cleaners were about to leave a few minutes early the other day but hadn't dusted the tv stand/windowsills in the lounge. Dusting is listed as my number 2 priority after cleaning the kitchen and floors. I lightly just said, "oh, you've got a few minutes and I see the dusting in the lunge isn't done can you quickly do that please". If they hated me, so be it. But they should have done it.

I would say something if it’s happening every week. It’s an issue, a lot can get done in 10 mins!

If there are things that are left undone then raise it because she isnt doing her job.

If shes just finished early and is super efficient id leave it and be thankful you've got a good cleaner!

Another view here... I wouldn't say anything.

Wait and see.

Basically, you can't make a slacker/piss taker into someone who is responsible and honest.

If you pull her up on this, she would know you're watching and correct that behaviour. But that wouldn't change the fact that she's a corner cutter and piss taker. She'd probably know she couldn't slack on time so would just go more slowly when at yours, knowing there's no advantage to whizzing through.

Is she good otherwise? Are things cleaned properly?

If no... I would watch and wait and probably find someone else. I would want someone good, not someone you've had to let know you're keeping an eye on.

If yes... I would frame it differently. Say you'd like to arrange things differently and it would be easier for you if a clear list of jobs were agreed for each week. Make the list, make sure it's 2 hours worth. If she says 'well that's more than I did last time, you've added X to the list' look innocent and say oh yes I did notice you left early?

Honestly, I think 10 minutes or less is nitpicking a bit; most cleaners don’t work to the clock and “x hours” is just how they price the job. If she’s good, I’d let it go for the sake of holding on to her….

Did you agree to pay her by the hour for 2 hours work or for a set lists of jobs?

@Santaischeckinglists

Op I hope that isn't me op?!! Due to traffic I was 7 mins late on Friday but left at the same time due to having to get to another job... Next week I may be 7 mins early. I always make up the few mins late but happy to finish what I have started and stay over when I can.

It’s ok !!! We don’t have a Friday booked !!! 😄

@Fallagain

Did you agree to pay her by the hour for 2 hours work or for a set lists of jobs?

Paid by the hour

Leave a note with a cheery 'if you have a few mins left can you please do xy/x..'..

It’s awkward to have to say something isn’t it, but in a 5 week month, 10 minutes a week is 50 minutes, so you are paying for nearly an hour of cleaning time that you are not receiving. I’d say something like ‘oh, you’re leaving already’!! Could you just do X before you finish? I do take the point of the PP though, that someone who cuts corners, will always cut corners. She may start to keep to her time, but slack a bit during that time!