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20 FEATURE HOSPITALITY BIZ AUGUST, 2024
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Evolving Role of

a Housekeeper

The role of a housekeeper has significantly evolved in
the recent years. Various factors, including changing

customer expectations, focus on health and safety,
and technological advancements have been at the

forefront of this evolution. Hospitality Biz talks
to industry experts to present a round up of the

changing scenario.

ousekeeping department has been work with green cleaning products, effective of the reliable nature of their job, they are often
the backbone of and an essential waste management practices including given additional administrative responsibilities
Hpillar for the operational success of a upcycling and going energy efficient,” informed like inventory management.
hotel. Over the years the role of a housekeeper Sarita Fernandes, Director of Housekeeping – “From data driven operations like
has evolved and today their responsibilities do IHCL, Goa. performance analytics to predictive
not only end at keeping the rooms, lobbies and “The housekeeping sector has recently maintenance and inventory management,
other common areas clean, but also includes seen significant evolution driven by things are redefining the role of housekeeping
specialised tasks like maintaining high standards technological advances, consumer preferences, in the hospitality industry luxury segment.
of sanitization in the hotel environment, and sustainability. Advanced technology Backed by data, KPIs could be measured in
specially in light of increased health concerns. integration, such as robotic vacuums and terms of cleaning efficiency, guest satisfaction
Advanced cleaning equipment, eco-friendly AI-powered systems, enhances efficiency and and cost effectiveness of operations. Using data
products and measures are being used to ensure reduces manual labor. Data-driven approaches to predict schedule maintenance proactively
sustainability takes the centerstage. improve operational efficiency, inventory will deter equipment failure. These data-based
Technological advancements and its management, and service quality through solutions will optimise inventory levels of
integration have transformed the role of real-time monitoring and customer feedback. supplies, amenities and manpower,” added
housekeepers. The use of automated systems The adoption of mobile apps and cloud-based Sarita.
for scheduling, inventory management, and systems streamlines task management and “The future of the housekeeping industry
even cleaning has become more common. The communication,” said Vaneeta Arora, Corporate is looking very different from its past. The
housekeepers now need to be tech savvy, capable Director, Housekeeping, The Park, New Delhi. industry is changing and evolving to meet the
of operating sophisticated cleaning machinery “Sustainability practices are also on the needs of an innovative generation of customers.
and digital management systems. This shift rise, with a shift toward eco-friendly, non-toxic Housekeeping has conventionally been seen as
not only enhances efficiency but also allows cleaning solutions and a heightened focus on a low-skilled, low-wage job. However, this is no
housekeepers to provide more personalised health and hygiene, especially post-pandemic. longer the case as the industry is now cherishing
services by tracking guest preferences and Efforts to reduce waste include using reusable employees with higher levels of education
needs. cleaning materials and recycling. Additionally, and training, Trend have change where the
“To cater to today’s discerning guest, where air purifiers and regular HVAC maintenance are companies try to retain their employees and do
in the luxury sector it is expected that the team employed to ensure better indoor air quality. the best to trained them rather than hiring from
curate an experience every time, the scene is These trends highlight a move towards greater other companies, they are growing team within
evolving rapidly. Gone are the days when deep efficiency, personalisation, and eco-friendliness the company,” said Jayashree Nagaraj, Founder
cleaning and sanitisation were the only aspects in response to technological advancements President and Chairperson, Professional
of housekeeping. Today, these factors are given, and evolving consumer expectations,” added Housekeepers Association.
taking this further the housekeepers of today Vaneeta. “The future of housekeeping operations
are working with and managing allergens, air Housekeeping team members are will be driven by technological advancements,
quality etc. Personalising and customising increasingly interacting with customers, and evolving consumer expectations, and a stronger
services like tailored cleaning plans, specialised often serve as the face of the establishment, focus on sustainability and efficiency. Key
cleaning services. Raising the bar with IHCL’s providing information and assistance, thus changes will include increased automation,
Paathya initiatives, our housekeeping teams requiring good communication skills. Because with sophisticated robotic systems taking

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