Managing payroll for cleaning companies can be complex, especially when navigating the myriad of compliance requirements tied to industry awards. However, selecting the right payroll software can significantly streamline these processes. In this blog post, we will compare Workstem with leading competitors like Deputy and Tanda, focusing on features essential for cleaning companies in locations such as NSW, VIC, and QLD.
Why Cleaning Companies Need Specialized Payroll Software?
Cleaning businesses face unique challenges:
- Complex award rates (MA000022 – Cleaning Services Award)
- Shift penalties (weekends, nights, public holidays)
- Casual loading & allowances (travel, laundry, equipment)
- State variations (NSW, VIC, QLD differences)
Manual payroll increases errors and Fair Work risks. The best software auto-calculates wages, penalties, and entitlements.
Key Features to Look for in Payroll Software
Award Rate Calculations: Look for software that auto-calculates the specific award rates for your cleaning staff. This feature saves time and reduces the risk of errors.
Penalty and Allowance Management: Ensure the software can manage various penalties and allowances to remain compliant with the Fair Work Commission’s regulations.
Easy Rostering and Scheduling: A user-friendly interface for rostering will help you allocate jobs efficiently, ensuring you have the right staff available while minimizing labor costs.
Mobile Access: In an industry requiring flexibility, mobile access allows staff to check schedules and enter time sheets on the go.
Integration Capabilities: Choose software that can integrate seamlessly with other business systems you may be using, such as accounting software, to streamline operations.
Comparing Workstem, Deputy, and Tanda
Workstem
Auto-Calculates Award Compliance: Workstem simplifies payroll by automatically calculating compliance with the Cleaning Services Award (MA000022), making it ideal for cleaning companies operating in NSW, VIC, and QLD.
Seamless Scheduling: The platform features a comprehensive rostering tool that allows owners to schedule jobs efficiently, ultimately improving job allocation.
User-Friendly Interface: Designed for simplicity, employees can easily clock in/out and manage their schedules through the mobile app.
Deputy
Advanced Scheduling Features: Deputy shines with its powerful scheduling capabilities, allowing managers to create and share rosters quickly.
Compliance Tools: While Deputy also focuses on compliance, its features may not be as tailored specifically for the cleaning industry as Workstem’s.
Integration: Deputy integrates well with various payroll solutions but may require additional configurations.
Tanda
Flexible Time Tracking: Tanda offers robust time tracking features suitable for businesses that need flexibility.
Compliance Management: While Tanda has tools for compliance, insights for cleaning industry specifics may lack compared to Workstem.
User Experience: The software offers an easy-to-navigate interface but may have complexities that take time to master.
| Feature | Workstem | Deputy | Tanda |
| Award Automation (MA000022) | √ Yes | × No | Partial |
| Auto Penalty Rates | √ Yes | ×Manual | ×Manual |
| Rostering + Payroll | √ Yes | √ Yes | ×Separate |
| Fair Work Updates | √ Yes | ×No | × No |
| Cost-Effectiveness | √ High | Medium | Medium |
How Workstem Helps Cleaning Services Award Businesses
Simplify award interpretation and payroll processing with Workstem, the all-in-one workforce management & payroll software designed for every industry. Our system supports 122+ modern awards & 34 EAs, including the Cleaning Services Award 2025, and keeps you up-to-date with changes in wage rates, penalty rates, and overtime rules.
Managing payroll under the Cleaning Services Award 2025 can be complex. Workstem’s workforce management software ensures:
- Our award interpretation software
- Auto-calculates penalties + casual loading
- Flags classification errors
- Generates Fair Work-compliant payslips
- Seamless integrations with Xero, NetSuite, and more
Choose from our Standard or Advanced plan to suit your business needs, and stay Fair Work compliant with confidence.
Book a free demo with our payroll experts and experience how Workstem can streamline your payroll and workforce operations.
FAQs About the Cleaning Services Award 2025
Q1: What’s new in the 2025 Cleaning Services Award?
A1: 3.5% minimum wage increase (projected) for all cleaner levels；Stronger record-keeping requirements for remote/work-from-home cleaners；Clarified overtime rules for mobile workers (travel time between sites now counts toward daily hours).
Q2: Are casual cleaners entitled to the same benefits as part-time or full-time employees?
A2: No, casual cleaners receive a casual loading but do not have access to paid leave benefits provided to part-time or full-time employees.
Q3: What are the common penalties for misclassifying cleaning staff?
A3: Employers can face fines and legal penalties if they incorrectly classify cleaning staff or fail to comply with the pay rates set forth in the Cleaning Services Award.
Q4: Do part-time cleaners get penalty rates?
A4: Yes! Part-timers receive the same penalties as full-timers:
- 125% Saturdays
- 150% Sundays
- 250% Public Holidays
Q5: Can Workstem help with casual employee management?
A5: Absolutely. Workstem supports casual loading, dynamic rosters, and real-time tracking to ensure casual workers are paid correctly and fairly under the award.
Q6: Is Workstem compliant with Fair Work and STP2?
A6: Yes, Workstem is fully compliant with Fair Work obligations and Single Touch Payroll Phase 2 (STP2), ensuring seamless reporting to the ATO.
Read More：
Cleaning Services Award Guide [MA000022]
Automate MA000022 compliance with Workstem’s payroll software. [Start Free Trial]
