Ben Brown from Oakville News recently reached out to us as part of a story about local businesses featured on the latest Living Wage Employers Directory, which can be found here. I was thrilled to share our perspective on why paying a living wage is essential – not only for supporting our hardworking staff but also for the overall success of Oakville Maids. For us, providing fair wages is a reflection of our commitment to creating a positive, sustainable workplace and delivering exceptional quality to our clients.
Greg’s answers to Ben’s questions below:
What made you decide to change your business to paying everyone a living wage?
We’ve always maintained a commitment to paying a living wage because we firmly believe that the strength of a business lies in its people. At Oakville Maids, our philosophy centers on respect and appreciation for our team. Today, many businesses reduce labor costs to compete on price, but we see things differently. By paying what our employees truly deserve, we not only attract top talent but also build loyalty, as our team members know they’re valued.
Our decision to earn a living wage certification wasn’t just for internal practice; it’s also a promise to our customers. This certification signals that we don’t compromise when it comes to respecting the people who work tirelessly to make their homes comfortable and clean. It’s about ensuring that quality and integrity guide everything we do.
How has your business changed for the better or worse?
Paying a living wage has brought only positive changes. A motivated, dedicated team performs at a higher level, creating the exceptional service that’s become our hallmark. When employees aren’t worrying about basic financial stability, they’re able to focus fully on delivering their best. This focus not only boosts their job satisfaction but also leads to enhanced performance, which directly benefits our clients and the business as a whole.
We also go a step further by recognizing our top performers. By compensating our team based on their hard work and dedication, we foster a culture where hard work is acknowledged and rewarded. This approach helps us retain our best people and continually improve our quality of service, which has been one of our keys to success.
Can we come take a photo or get a photo of the interview subject at the storefront of your business soon?
Absolutely! I’d be happy to meet you for a photo at our storefront. Here’s one of me, Greg, the proud CEO of Oakville Maids. Looking forward to sharing more about what we do and our commitment to quality and fairness!