Evolution of Cleaning: From “Cleaning Lady” to Facility Services Expert

The Origins — Cleaning as an In-House Function

Thirty years ago, most companies in Paris and across France hired internal staff to manage cleaning. These workers, often referred to as “cleaning ladies,” were directly employed by the business. Managing contracts, recruitment, training, and absences was time-consuming and outside the company's core expertise.

Companies quickly realized that outsourcing was not only simpler, but also more cost-effective.

The Rise of Cleaning Companies in France

As outsourcing expanded, the professional cleaning industry boomed. Entry costs were low — a cart, uniform, and cleaning products — and hundreds of small businesses entered the market.

Standards were loose, methods varied, and results often depended on the individual cleaner. Still, outsourcing kept its promise: lower costs, fewer management headaches.

At that time, cleaning was seen as a non-strategic service. Ergonomics, structured training, and occupational health were largely absent, leading to high rates of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

Procurement, Pressure & the Push for Efficiency

As French companies faced international competition and shrinking margins, they turned to their non-core spending for cost reductions. Cleaning — often the largest facility services line item — became a key target.

Procurement teams professionalized. Facility managers demanded accountability. But with few alternatives, many cleaning providers simply cut margins to win contracts.

Eventually, it wasn’t enough.

That’s when the industrialization of cleaning services began.

Lean Methods & Structured Operations

The introduction of Lean Management and 5S methodology revolutionized cleaning services. Cleaning carts became fully-equipped workstations. Schedules turned into sequenced operational plans.

This process brought:

• Optimized task flows
• Improved working conditions
• Standardization of methods
• Better quality and safety

Agents de propreté — now referred to as Service Agents — became trained, uniformed, and proud of their profession.

The Risk of “Too Much Optimization”

But some clients pushed the model too far.

A toxic cycle emerged: service providers promising more for less. Training lagged. Margins evaporated. Cleaning companies started cutting corners:

• No replacements for sick leave
• Missed summer cleanings
• Periodic services quietly skipped

Trust suffered. The cleaning industry entered a reputational crisis.

Today — A Diverse Ecosystem of Players

Today in Paris and Île-de-France, the cleaning market includes:

• ESATs & adapted companies (inclusive employment initiatives)
• Traditional cleaning companies
• Digital cleaning platforms

The equipment is more ergonomic. The methods are documented. But the real change is cultural.

No longer hidden in the shadows, cleaning agents are stepping into the light.

The Shift to Daytime Cleaning

The old model — cleaning only before or after working hours — is slowly fading.

In Paris offices, daytime cleaning is gaining ground. It:

• Reduces building energy costs
• Allows better scheduling and supervision
• Humanizes the profession
• Improves trust and engagement between teams

Companies are embracing visibility. Cleaning is no longer “invisible.”

The Future — Human + Robot = Cobotic Cleaning

Looking ahead, cleaning services will be a blend of:

• Human interaction (hospitality, flexibility)
• Cobot-based automation (robotic vacuums, scrubbers)
• Data tracking (IoT sensors, maintenance dashboards)

Cleaning professionals will gain:

• More responsibility
• Better conditions
• Tools to focus on high-value tasks

The Facility Services industry is shifting from operational support to strategic contributor.

In Summary

Cleaning in Paris and across France has evolved from a low-skill, invisible role into a professionalized, human-centric service — supported by tools, training, and now technology.

At fm4all, we help companies in Île-de-France and beyond modernize their facility services through:

• Centralized management
• Verified service providers
• Instant online quotes
• Long-term operational support

Whether you're moving into new offices or simply rethinking your service model, we help you deliver high-performance cleaning tailored to the modern workplace.

👉 Get your quote online and prepare your workplace for the future — today.