New Recruit: Jumeirah Creekside's Prakash Abimannan

Could you tell us how you began your journey in the hospitality industry?

My curiosity to be a part of the hospitality industry was sparked by my neighbour when I was very young; he was a chef working in a hotel. I consider it a pleasure to be in an industry where people serve others. Inspired by his work, I completed my studies in hotel management in Bharath College, Thanjavur.

What drew you to the housekeeping department within hospitality?

Housekeeping is my passion; since childhood my family noticed that I like to keep things neat, tidy and organised throughout the house. That drove me towards picking housekeeping.

How has the journey so far been, and what have you learned?

Starting my career in 2008 as a guest service associate at Courtyard by Marriott, Chennai, I swiftly moved through the hierarchy and in 2009 was promoted to lead guest service associate. I then moved to the Leela Palace Chennai in 2011 as a pre-opening supervisor. After two years, I took the leap and got on a plane to Dubai, joining Flora Apartments as a supervisor. Then in 2015, I was lucky enough to get a chance to work with the Jumeirah Group. I joined as team leader in Jumeirah Mina A’Salam and continued to grow within the housekeeping team volunteering as a rooms’ colleague trainer for the newest property in Jumeirah’s portfolio — Jumeirah Al Naseem. The turning point in my career after seven years was my promotion to assistant housekeeping manager at Jumeirah Creekside Hotel. Having spent eight years within the housekeeping vertical, my key take-away is that it’s better to grow stronger than faster. Hard work and effort will never go to waste so when you go the extra mile, it will always be rewarded through new experience and knowledge. This has always been my motivation to strive harder.

What are some of the aspects you wish to change at the hotel with regards to housekeeping?

It would be great to implement a ‘clean as you go’ initiative to encourage the team at the Jumeirah Creekside Hotel to keep the hotel clean as it is everyone’s responsibility to do so.

How do you motivate your team, and empower them?

I always give my team members feedback after they complete any given task. This makes your team eager to engage in their task and motivates them. To empower the team I always give them a chance to find their own solutions or give them a nudge in the right direction to take the initiative in any given situation.

How do you deal with staffing issues. such as recruitment, accommodation and other common concerns?

Every organisation has different challenges, and I just view them as a learning opportunity to see what works best on a case-by-case basis.

What is your opinion on the casual (outsourced) housekeeper quota and the quality issues  related to that?

I personally believe that it’s a good initiative that requires training and engagement. I have seen colleagues who have started as casual housekeepers and have grown to be team leaders in five-star hotels.

What are some of your most significant achievements throughout your career?

I’d consider being a rooms’ colleague trainer for Jumeirah Group as one of my achievements in my eight-year career. I have grown quickly in my career to my current role as assistant manager within Jumeirah, with experience across many Jumeirah properties — this also fills me with a  sense of accomplishment.