Efficiently running an on-premise laundry (OPL) facility requires more than just the right equipment—it also means making the right decision to hire laundry room staff who are well-trained and dependable. Whether you’re overseeing operations for a hotel, healthcare facility, or multifamily property, having the right team in place is essential to ensure high-quality results, maintain safety standards, and prevent costly downtime.

Understand the Roles You Need

Before you begin hiring, it’s essential to outline the specific roles within your laundry facility. Most OPL operations benefit when they have clearly defined positions such as laundry attendants, machine operators, supervisors, and maintenance personnel. Clear job descriptions help you recruit individuals with the right skill sets and ensure that they operate smoothly once onboarded.

In some facilities, multitasking staff is a necessity. Still, it’s important to avoid overloading employees with too many responsibilities, which can lead to burnout and inefficiencies. Setting realistic expectations from the start helps promote a healthier work environment and reduces turnover.

Hire for Skill—and Train for Success

While experience in a laundry setting is beneficial, not every hire needs to be an expert on day one. In fact, many facilities have found success by hiring based on attitude and reliability, then investing in proper training to build technical proficiency.

Well-developed training programs make a big difference in productivity and quality. Staff should be educated on machine operation, linen handling procedures, chemical safety, and best practices for preventing cross-contamination—especially in healthcare and hospitality environments.

Checklists and reference materials placed near workstations can support ongoing learning. Periodic refreshers or training updates also keep staff informed about new procedures or technologies introduced to the facility.

Prioritize Preventive Maintenance Knowledge

Staff should not only know how to use equipment but also recognize early signs of wear or malfunction. Empowering your team with basic preventive maintenance training can lead to faster issue resolution and minimize downtime.

In some cases, facilities partner with service providers that offer support programs to handle routine maintenance and equipment servicing. These partnerships can reduce the burden on in-house staff and ensure machines are always running at peak performance.

Build a Culture of Accountability

A well-run laundry operation functions best when employees take pride in their work. This starts with creating a supportive, respectful environment where expectations are clear and achievements are recognized.

Encouraging open communication, rewarding consistency, and providing opportunities for advancement helps foster team morale. When your staff feels valued, they’re more likely to stay engaged and deliver better results.

Support to Help Hire Laundry Room Staff Efficiently

Many successful OPL facilities rely on a combination of internal staff and external expertise to keep operations running smoothly. Industry partners who specialize in laundry room optimization can provide insights into staffing strategies, equipment training, and efficiency improvements.

Southeastern Laundry, for example, has worked with facilities across a variety of sectors to support staffing strategies and equipment planning. With decades of experience, they’ve developed resources and solutions tailored to the unique needs of OPL operations—whether that means assessing current staffing models or exploring ways to improve workflow.

A high-performing laundry team doesn’t happen by accident. With a thoughtful approach to hiring, ongoing training, and the right support, your facility can consistently deliver clean, professional results while keeping operations efficient and your team motivated.

Need guidance on how to set up your staffing plan or maintain equipment performance? Reach out to a trusted laundry partner to explore options that fit your facility’s needs and budget.