Over the years I have heard horror stories from customers and cleaning service owners alike, and maids stealing are part of these stories. One of the worse was about a family returning from vacation to find their housekeeper gone. The housekeeper they had trusted for years, who were treated as part of the family decided to retire taking everything of value in the house before leaving the country.
Recently, I received an email from a concerned customer who was worried, writing he did “not want to feel insecure when someone is in [his] home wondering if [his] stuff will still be there… when they leave”. I am happy to explain why theft is NOT an issue at Dallas Maids; 1) our hiring process tests for honesty and 2) if an item is missing our people have the option to volunteer for a polygraph test.
Our 5-step interviewing procedure (the most selective interviewing process I know of in Dallas!) has two aspects that test for honesty: 1) information verification and 2) non-verbal analysis to detect deceit.
How to Know if Your Maid is Stealing or Lying
First, from the initial phone interview to the in-office interview, you are collecting data that can be verified.
Did the job candidate claim previous pay of $12.00 an hour but their former employer says $11.75 an hour? Applicant is not hire-able and is out. Did they indicate a clean driving record but driver’s license background check indicates the license is suspended – Out. Or, did they say they never had complications with the law though background check finds forgery fraud – WAY OUT!
From background checks, driver license checks, employment verification and reference checks, we cross-reference what the applicant wrote or stated with our background research for any discrepancies or untruths; more of which I mention here.
Second, we pay attention to the job applicant’s non-verbal actions. A person is an open book for those that have studied body language, specifically lie detection. To a trained interrogator, it’s virtually impossible to get away with a lie. This is because the brain uncontrollably functions differently when engaged in a lie.
Having read a mini-library of books on the topic we’ve implemented this knowledge into our interviewing procedure. From body language to even the construction of a story, if you know what questions to ask and what to look for, detecting dishonesty is much easier than otherwise. With cameras set up throughout the office, reviewing the interview allows for even a more clear analysis of these non-verbal cues.
What Happens When Items Turn Up Missing
Sometimes items turn up missing and when they do, we’re ready! Our procedure is simple and strikingly effective. First, we ask the customer to wait a couple of weeks to see if the item turns up – 95% of the time, it does. Second, if the item doesn’t turn up, an employee will often pay for a polygraph themselves. After all, it is important for people to clear their name. And one of the worst things that someone can accuse you of, as a maid, is stealing.
Dallas Maids will reimburse the employee once they complete the test which we mention during orientation for new hires. Employees appreciate this option to clear their name and save our reputation.
Honest staff is a necessity for customers who entrust us with their biggest investment, their home! and all personal possessions within. Dallas Maids is the only service that I know of that goes to this extent in protecting customers in case there’s a suspicion of a maid stealing. From what customers and maid service owners have told me, theft is an issue in this industry. . .
. . . Just not with us.