Around 20 executive housekeepers discussed ways, methods and best practices at the Executive Housekeeper Forum organised by Hotelier Middle East last week.
Michele Millot of Jumeirah Beach Hotel headed the roundtable discussion, which turned into a brainstorming and a sharing of best practices for housekeepers in the UAE.
Amid talking points, Millot invited discussions across four main categories – tools, training, trolley set-up and pantries, leadership and assignment duties.
While discussing tools for housekeepers - technology was the most diversely discussed topic with executives deliberating how they are kept informed by their housekeepers of progress made in each room.
“We make use of a software called Rex at our properties,” said one of the housekeepers.
While many housekeepers said they use the old fashioned way of the room phone to relay the message that rooms have been cleaned, some even admitted to using Whatsapp group messages to get the information across.
The trolley was another important topic that the professionals felt strongly about. “When we started off we used baskets, and as it kept getting full with linen it would become too heavy to carry.
Today, we make use of proper trolleys and pantries and it makes life extremely easy and work can be done quicker,” said Tatjana Ahmed of the Grand Hyatt Dubai.
Millot also touched on training and the importance of praise and motivation of the housekeeping staff. “We cannot only pull up staff when they are falling short, they have to be appreciated as well,” she said.
She also indicated that it is important to remember housekeeping is a group effort and individual recognition alone will not be sufficient.
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