What is the solution to the housekeeping manpower shortage?
When thinking about operational efficiency in hotels, people often focus on aspects like in-room dining or amenities. However, without improving the operational efficiency of the housekeeping department, which typically has the most employees, any effort towards efficiency is only half-baked.
Here are three strategies to reduce room cleaning time and improve profitability without hiring additional staff:
1. Standardizing Work Processes
???Managers should set priorities according to a manual when assigning housekeeping tasks. This manual should consider the importance and urgency of tasks such as room cleaning, linen collection, public area maintenance, and laundry. Generally, it’s best to prioritize cleaning for early check-in rooms, regular rooms, and then public areas like the lobby. For public areas, consider customer usage frequency and peak usage times.
???Additionally, optimize cleaning routes to minimize movement by considering room layout and cleaning order. This will reduce the burden on housekeepers, saving time and energy.
2. Creating Schedules Considering Expected Cleaning Times per Room
???Ensure that tasks are evenly distributed among housekeepers by considering the expected cleaning times required for different room types. Analyze cleaning time data for each room type and create optimized schedules accordingly. Reward staff with more credits for longer cleaning times per room type.
???Walter Geering, a hotel supply manufacturer, states that the housekeeping sector struggles with tough working conditions and low compensation, making it hard to retain employees. Fair compensation for each task can motivate employees and lead to more efficient operations.
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3. Building a Digital Platform
???Using digital solutions can greatly enhance efficiency. For example, the 6-star luxury hotel 'Signiel' in Jamsil, South Korea, has implemented a housekeeping solution from DOWHAT to improve operational efficiency. The system allows real-time monitoring of housekeepers' cleaning schedules and progress, eliminating the need for separate checks via walkie-talkie or phone, thus increasing productivity.
???With this solution, you can easily and quickly allocate tasks to housekeepers, as the expected cleaning time and priority for each room are visible at a glance. Housekeepers check items off the list within the app, reducing the chance of mistakes. This not only eases the burden on staff but also improves management efficiency.
???Tasks are assigned credits, and all history is recorded for use in room occupancy analysis. The implementation of this solution enables smart operation, reducing customer wait times and increasing work efficiency.
Finding staff is becoming increasingly difficult, and continuing operations without change may result in high employee turnover.
Relieve the burden on your staff and enhance efficiency with the various methods introduced above!
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