Skip to the tool
Compliance guide

Decide when to hire employees or subcontractors

Use this guide to weigh compliance requirements, cost impact, and operational control for each staffing model.

  • Compare legal and tax considerations for employees versus subcontractors.
  • Understand how staffing choices impact service quality and client experience.
  • Download a checklist you can share with HR, finance, and legal partners.
Decision matrix comparing employees and subcontractors

Choose the staffing model that fits each contract

Staffing decisions affect compliance risk, service quality, and profitability. This guide walks through the criteria to consider before you expand into a new market or vertical.

Share it with leadership and HR to create a consistent framework for future decisions.

Decide when to hire employees or subcontractors

Use this guide to weigh compliance requirements, cost impact, and operational control for each staffing model.

  1. Walk through the decision matrix to see which questions to ask before choosing a staffing model.
  2. Evaluate the financial, legal, and operational implications for your business.
  3. Download the checklist and align with HR, finance, and legal on next steps.
Subcontractor vs Employee Rules for Commercial Cleaning Businesses

Subcontractor vs Employee Rules:
Commercial Cleaning Businesses

Hover or click on a state to view its worker classification summary.

State Information

Hover or click on a state on the map.

Map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors. Data: State Worker Classification Summaries (example).

Put the insights to work

Use these recommendations to turn the calculator output into measurable results.

Map compliance requirements by region

Labour laws vary widely. Document requirements for each state or province so every contract meets local regulations.

Align staffing with client expectations

Some clients prioritise direct employees for consistency, while others allow subcontractors. Record preferences during onboarding.

Create a staffing decision checklist

Include legal, financial, and operational questions. Review the checklist whenever you open a new market or pursue a specialised contract.

Use the checklist to brief legal counsel or advisors if you’re unsure about classification.

Turn insights into profitable decisions

Plug the numbers from this tool into Swept’s job costing toolkit to keep pricing, staffing, and profitability aligned.

  • • Unite wage, supply, and overhead assumptions in one workflow.
  • • See instant margin and lifetime value impacts before you commit.
  • • Share polished outputs that align every stakeholder.
Unlock the free bidding toolkit

What’s included

  • ✔ Interactive job costing calculator
  • ✔ Saved templates for recurring contracts
  • ✔ Benchmark library for wages, supplies, and overhead
  • ✔ PDF export with branded cover page

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to help your team get the most value from this tool.

Do the rules change by state or province?
Yes. Always review local labour laws and consult legal counsel before finalising your staffing model.
What documentation should I keep?
Maintain contracts, proof of insurance, training records, and compliance checklists for each subcontractor or employee.
How do staffing choices impact insurance?
Insurance requirements differ between employees and subcontractors. Work with your broker to ensure coverage remains adequate.
Can I blend employees and subcontractors on one contract?
Yes, but document responsibilities clearly to avoid confusion. Review the arrangement with legal and clients before launch.