Managing Staff Shortages in Hotel Housekeeping: Is Outsourcing the Answer?

Dealing with staff shortages in hotel housekeeping is an unfortunate reality for many hotel managers. There is an increased demand for housekeeping at hotels but a limited pool of qualified staff willing to work. 

This brings on a unique dilemma for hotels. How do you maintain a full-time hotel housekeeping staff when you can’t find qualified employees? 

Many hotels are outsourcing their housekeeping to dedicated companies like Calgary Trusted Cleaners. In this guide, we’ll explore if this could be the answer to your problem. 

How to Help Hotel Housekeeping? 4 Outsourcing Benefits

Outsourcing housekeeping services can offer several benefits to hotels facing staff shortages. Here are four advantages of outsourcing that can help hotel housekeeping departments overcome staffing challenges:

1. Working with Skilled Professionals

By outsourcing housekeeping at a hotel, you’re guaranteeing that the people in charge of cleaning your hotel are experienced and qualified. This ensures that all the rooms, hallways, and shared spaces in your hotel are properly sanitized and cleaned according to your expectations.

2. Cost-Effective Services

Outsourcing hotel housekeeping is a cost-effective solution because you can pay for services on an as-needed basis. Plus, you’re eliminating the need to pay additional benefits.

3. Easy Scalability 

When you outsource, you create the potential to grow and scale your business as the demand increases. Instead of having to go out and hire a new housekeeper when the hotel is busy, you can simply increase the number of housekeepers the service provider sends you during peak times. 

4. Reduced Administrative Duties

Managing a large housekeeping team requires significant administrative work, including recruitment, training, scheduling, and payroll. Outsourcing housekeeping services eliminates these administrative tasks, allowing hotel managers to streamline their operations and focus on strategic decision-making.

Hotel Housekeeping Tips

Outsourcing hotel housekeeping might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important that you as the hotel owner have set standards in mind even if you’re using an outside service for the job. Here are some hotel housekeeping “best practices” to follow: 

Cross-Train: Depending on the size of your hotel, many managers and owners elect to cross-train certain departments so they can manage this task during peak or off-seasons. A variety of workers can serve as housekeepers when truly needed.

Implement Technology: Embrace technology solutions, such as automated room assignment systems and inventory management software, to streamline operations, and increase efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about outsourcing hotel housekeeping: 

Why do companies outsource housekeeping? 

There are many reasons why hotels outsource housekeeping. The main ones include cost savings, access to a better pool of experts, and time-saving benefits. 

Can a company outsource the cleaning process?

Yes, a company can outsource the cleaning process, including housekeeping services. Outsourcing allows businesses to entrust cleaning responsibilities to specialized service providers while maintaining quality standards and flexibility. 

Final Thoughts on Hotel Housekeeping

While outsourcing housekeeping services can help address staff shortages and provide numerous benefits to hotels, it is essential to strike a balance between outsourcing and maintaining an efficient in-house team. 

By combining the advantages of outsourcing with the implementation of effective hotel housekeeping strategies, hotel managers can successfully manage staff shortages while ensuring high cleanliness standards.

If you’re considering outsourcing your hotel housekeeping, learn more about our hotel and hospitality services today!