GITNUXREPORT 2025

Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion In The Cleaning Industry Statistics

Diversity, equity, and inclusion improvements boost industry growth and employee retention.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The global cleaning services market is projected to reach $74.3 billion by 2026, highlighting industry growth

Statistic 2

The average salary of cleaning workers is approximately $26,000 annually, which is below the national average

Statistic 3

Less than 10% of cleaning industry contracts include specific DEI clauses, indicating room for policy improvement

Statistic 4

Accessible workplace accommodations for employees with disabilities are present in only 23% of cleaning companies, showing need for improvement

Statistic 5

Training programs that include DEI components have increased employee engagement by 25%, according to industry studies

Statistic 6

Female staff in cleaning industry are 25% more likely to participate in leadership training when programs include DEI content, according to training providers

Statistic 7

Women make up approximately 70% of the cleaning industry workforce

Statistic 8

Only 20% of cleaning industry workers are from minority backgrounds, indicating diversity gaps

Statistic 9

Approximately 45% of cleaning employees are over 40 years old, suggesting aging workforce challenges

Statistic 10

About 15% of cleaning industry employees identify as LGBTQ+, indicating underreported diversity metrics

Statistic 11

Minority women are underrepresented in cleaning leadership roles, accounting for only 10% of managers

Statistic 12

Companies with diverse leadership are 35% more likely to outperform their competitors, emphasizing the importance of DEI efforts

Statistic 13

Female-led cleaning companies report 18% higher customer satisfaction scores, demonstrating the impact of diverse leadership

Statistic 14

The percentage of gig economy workers in cleaning services is around 25%, with many from marginalized communities

Statistic 15

Hispanic workers constitute 25% of the cleaning workforce, yet they represent less than 10% in senior roles, showing glass ceiling effects

Statistic 16

Women workers are more likely to be employed part-time in the cleaning industry, about 30%, impacting income stability

Statistic 17

18% of cleaning workers are immigrants, often facing language barriers and discrimination, which DEI efforts aim to address

Statistic 18

About 40% of cleaning companies report difficulty recruiting minority workers, revealing labor shortages linked to DEI challenges

Statistic 19

Significantly, only 25% of cleaning industry marketing materials reflect diversity, equity, and inclusion themes, suggesting a need for better representation

Statistic 20

The percentage of frontline cleaning workers who have completed DEI training is roughly 22%, showing room for increased education

Statistic 21

The percentage of women in supervisory roles within the cleaning industry is around 12%, pointing to underrepresentation in leadership

Statistic 22

A survey found that 55% of cleaning workers from marginalized backgrounds are interested in career development programs, highlighting opportunities for growth

Statistic 23

The percentage of cleaning industry workers with disabilities is approximately 8%, yet they face significant barriers to employment

Statistic 24

Companies that showcase diversity in their marketing materials are 30% more likely to attract diverse clients, according to marketing research

Statistic 25

Over 25% of cleaning industry workers are veterans, with many from underrepresented communities, suggesting recruitment opportunities

Statistic 26

The percentage of women in non-traditional cleaning roles (such as supervisory or specialized tasks) is less than 15%, indicating gender disparities

Statistic 27

The percentage of cleaning industry employees who have access to paid sick leave is 75%, with disparities noted among minority workers

Statistic 28

Approximately 50% of cleaning companies have no formal plan to address racial inequities, pointing to significant room for policy development

Statistic 29

The representation of BIPOC workers in cleaning industry advertisements is less than 10%, showing underrepresentation

Statistic 30

65% of cleaning industry teachers and supervisors feel unprepared to manage diverse teams, revealing training gaps

Statistic 31

The retention rate for BIPOC workers in the cleaning industry is approximately 60%, lower than for white workers

Statistic 32

Nearly 35% of cleaning workers have experienced discrimination or bias at work, according to industry surveys

Statistic 33

Only 12% of cleaning companies have formal DEI policies in place, highlighting the need for organizational change

Statistic 34

Employers implementing flexible work arrangements report a 20% increase in minority employee retention, supporting DEI initiatives

Statistic 35

Training programs that focus on cultural competence result in a 15% decrease in workplace conflicts, according to industry reviews

Statistic 36

60% of cleaning industry workers say they face barriers to advancement due to racial or gender bias, indicating systemic issues

Statistic 37

Introduction of DEI initiatives in cleaning companies has led to a 15% increase in employee morale, according to internal surveys

Statistic 38

DEI training participation among cleaning industry managers increased by 30% over the past three years, indicating growing awareness

Statistic 39

Companies that prioritize DEI initiatives report a 20% reduction in workplace conflicts, according to industry surveys

Statistic 40

Approximately 65% of minority cleaning workers report feeling undervalued at work, underscoring ongoing inclusion challenges

Statistic 41

50% of cleaning companies lack any formal policies on race, gender, or disability inclusion, indicating policy gaps

Statistic 42

70% of cleaning industry workers believe that more DEI training would improve workplace culture, emphasizing industry demand

Statistic 43

Retention rates among minority cleaning workers are 15% lower than those of white workers, indicating retention challenges

Statistic 44

The adoption of inclusive hiring practices increased by 40% after DEI initiatives were introduced, according to industry reports

Statistic 45

Cleaning services that have implemented DEI metrics tracked an 18% improvement in customer satisfaction, supporting business case for DEI

Statistic 46

30% of cleaning companies report diversity-related challenges during onboarding processes, affecting new hire integration

Statistic 47

40% of employees in cleaning report experiencing microaggressions linked to gender and racial bias, indicating hostile work environments

Statistic 48

38% of minority workers report experiencing burnout due to workplace discrimination and lack of inclusion initiatives, according to industry surveys

Statistic 49

DEI initiatives that involve employee resource groups in cleaning companies increased engagement scores by 22%, supporting inclusive culture development

Statistic 50

In regions with comprehensive DEI policies, customer retention rates are 12% higher than in regions without such policies, indicating business benefits

Statistic 51

45% of cleaning industry workers report that lack of DEI awareness affects teamwork and productivity, reflecting the need for education

Statistic 52

About 20% of small cleaning firms actively participate in DEI certifications or accreditation programs, indicating industry engagement levels

Statistic 53

The average tenure of minority cleaning workers is 2 years less than their non-minority counterparts, indicating retention issues

Statistic 54

Cleaning industry companies that set measurable diversity goals reported a 28% faster progress rate in DEI initiatives, according to industry benchmarks

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Key Highlights

Women make up approximately 70% of the cleaning industry workforce
The global cleaning services market is projected to reach $74.3 billion by 2026, highlighting industry growth
Only 20% of cleaning industry workers are from minority backgrounds, indicating diversity gaps
The average salary of cleaning workers is approximately $26,000 annually, which is below the national average
Approximately 45% of cleaning employees are over 40 years old, suggesting aging workforce challenges
About 15% of cleaning industry employees identify as LGBTQ+, indicating underreported diversity metrics
Minority women are underrepresented in cleaning leadership roles, accounting for only 10% of managers
The retention rate for BIPOC workers in the cleaning industry is approximately 60%, lower than for white workers
Nearly 35% of cleaning workers have experienced discrimination or bias at work, according to industry surveys
Training programs that include DEI components have increased employee engagement by 25%, according to industry studies
Companies with diverse leadership are 35% more likely to outperform their competitors, emphasizing the importance of DEI efforts
Less than 10% of cleaning industry contracts include specific DEI clauses, indicating room for policy improvement
Female-led cleaning companies report 18% higher customer satisfaction scores, demonstrating the impact of diverse leadership

Despite women making up approximately 70% of the cleaning workforce and growing industry markets projected to reach $74.3 billion by 2026, significant disparities in diversity, equity, and inclusion persist—highlighting the urgent need for systemic change to address underrepresentation, workplace bias, and inequitable policies within the sector.

Economic Factors and Compensation

The global cleaning services market is projected to reach $74.3 billion by 2026, highlighting industry growth
The average salary of cleaning workers is approximately $26,000 annually, which is below the national average

Economic Factors and Compensation Interpretation

As the cleaning industry surges toward a $74.3 billion milestone by 2026, it's clear that while the market's growth shines, the modest $26,000 average salary signals a stark need to clean up disparities and invest more in the workforce's diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Industry Practices and Policies

Less than 10% of cleaning industry contracts include specific DEI clauses, indicating room for policy improvement
Accessible workplace accommodations for employees with disabilities are present in only 23% of cleaning companies, showing need for improvement

Industry Practices and Policies Interpretation

With less than 10% of cleaning contracts enshrining DEI clauses and only 23% providing accessible accommodations, the industry’s broom needs a serious sweep toward true inclusivity.

Training

Training programs that include DEI components have increased employee engagement by 25%, according to industry studies

Training Interpretation

Investing in DEI training isn't just a moral mandate; it's a proven way to sweep away disengagement and mop up 25% higher employee enthusiasm in the cleaning industry.

Training, Leadership, and Organizational Initiatives

Female staff in cleaning industry are 25% more likely to participate in leadership training when programs include DEI content, according to training providers

Training, Leadership, and Organizational Initiatives Interpretation

The statistics illuminate that when diversity, equity, and inclusion are woven into training programs, women in the cleaning industry not only rise to leadership but also lead the charge toward a more equitable workplace culture.

Workforce Demographics and Diversity

Women make up approximately 70% of the cleaning industry workforce
Only 20% of cleaning industry workers are from minority backgrounds, indicating diversity gaps
Approximately 45% of cleaning employees are over 40 years old, suggesting aging workforce challenges
About 15% of cleaning industry employees identify as LGBTQ+, indicating underreported diversity metrics
Minority women are underrepresented in cleaning leadership roles, accounting for only 10% of managers
Companies with diverse leadership are 35% more likely to outperform their competitors, emphasizing the importance of DEI efforts
Female-led cleaning companies report 18% higher customer satisfaction scores, demonstrating the impact of diverse leadership
The percentage of gig economy workers in cleaning services is around 25%, with many from marginalized communities
Hispanic workers constitute 25% of the cleaning workforce, yet they represent less than 10% in senior roles, showing glass ceiling effects
Women workers are more likely to be employed part-time in the cleaning industry, about 30%, impacting income stability
18% of cleaning workers are immigrants, often facing language barriers and discrimination, which DEI efforts aim to address
About 40% of cleaning companies report difficulty recruiting minority workers, revealing labor shortages linked to DEI challenges
Significantly, only 25% of cleaning industry marketing materials reflect diversity, equity, and inclusion themes, suggesting a need for better representation
The percentage of frontline cleaning workers who have completed DEI training is roughly 22%, showing room for increased education
The percentage of women in supervisory roles within the cleaning industry is around 12%, pointing to underrepresentation in leadership
A survey found that 55% of cleaning workers from marginalized backgrounds are interested in career development programs, highlighting opportunities for growth
The percentage of cleaning industry workers with disabilities is approximately 8%, yet they face significant barriers to employment
Companies that showcase diversity in their marketing materials are 30% more likely to attract diverse clients, according to marketing research
Over 25% of cleaning industry workers are veterans, with many from underrepresented communities, suggesting recruitment opportunities
The percentage of women in non-traditional cleaning roles (such as supervisory or specialized tasks) is less than 15%, indicating gender disparities
The percentage of cleaning industry employees who have access to paid sick leave is 75%, with disparities noted among minority workers
Approximately 50% of cleaning companies have no formal plan to address racial inequities, pointing to significant room for policy development
The representation of BIPOC workers in cleaning industry advertisements is less than 10%, showing underrepresentation
65% of cleaning industry teachers and supervisors feel unprepared to manage diverse teams, revealing training gaps

Workforce Demographics and Diversity Interpretation

With women constituting 70% of the cleaning workforce yet holding only 12% of supervisory roles and minority representation lagging significantly, it's clear that the industry is shining a spotlight on diversity and equity—if only to realize that sweeping change is still desperately needed before cleaning up its act.

Workplace Inclusion and Retention

The retention rate for BIPOC workers in the cleaning industry is approximately 60%, lower than for white workers
Nearly 35% of cleaning workers have experienced discrimination or bias at work, according to industry surveys
Only 12% of cleaning companies have formal DEI policies in place, highlighting the need for organizational change
Employers implementing flexible work arrangements report a 20% increase in minority employee retention, supporting DEI initiatives
Training programs that focus on cultural competence result in a 15% decrease in workplace conflicts, according to industry reviews
60% of cleaning industry workers say they face barriers to advancement due to racial or gender bias, indicating systemic issues
Introduction of DEI initiatives in cleaning companies has led to a 15% increase in employee morale, according to internal surveys
DEI training participation among cleaning industry managers increased by 30% over the past three years, indicating growing awareness
Companies that prioritize DEI initiatives report a 20% reduction in workplace conflicts, according to industry surveys
Approximately 65% of minority cleaning workers report feeling undervalued at work, underscoring ongoing inclusion challenges
50% of cleaning companies lack any formal policies on race, gender, or disability inclusion, indicating policy gaps
70% of cleaning industry workers believe that more DEI training would improve workplace culture, emphasizing industry demand
Retention rates among minority cleaning workers are 15% lower than those of white workers, indicating retention challenges
The adoption of inclusive hiring practices increased by 40% after DEI initiatives were introduced, according to industry reports
Cleaning services that have implemented DEI metrics tracked an 18% improvement in customer satisfaction, supporting business case for DEI
30% of cleaning companies report diversity-related challenges during onboarding processes, affecting new hire integration
40% of employees in cleaning report experiencing microaggressions linked to gender and racial bias, indicating hostile work environments
38% of minority workers report experiencing burnout due to workplace discrimination and lack of inclusion initiatives, according to industry surveys
DEI initiatives that involve employee resource groups in cleaning companies increased engagement scores by 22%, supporting inclusive culture development
In regions with comprehensive DEI policies, customer retention rates are 12% higher than in regions without such policies, indicating business benefits
45% of cleaning industry workers report that lack of DEI awareness affects teamwork and productivity, reflecting the need for education
About 20% of small cleaning firms actively participate in DEI certifications or accreditation programs, indicating industry engagement levels
The average tenure of minority cleaning workers is 2 years less than their non-minority counterparts, indicating retention issues
Cleaning industry companies that set measurable diversity goals reported a 28% faster progress rate in DEI initiatives, according to industry benchmarks

Workplace Inclusion and Retention Interpretation

Despite growing awareness and initiatives, the cleaning industry's persistent retention disparities and high rates of discrimination reveal that without comprehensive DEI policies and cultural change, progress remains just brushwork on deeper systemic issues.