Hotel Management Company Tips of the Week | November 22, 2024

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Hotel Best Practices from a Family-Owned, Third-Party Hotel Management Company

​Motivational Quote of the Week
"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." -Helen Keller

• Hotel Team Application: This week is the 2024 IHG Americas Investors & Leadership Conference. As the conference kicks off, remind your team of the value in gathering with peers to share knowledge, experiences, and new ideas. Just as this conference brings together industry leaders to learn and grow, your hotel team thrives when they collaborate and support one another. By embracing collaboration, your team can improve the guest experience and achieve far more collectively than they could individually.

​Click 'Read More" (below, if necessary) to view the rest of this week's digest of tips and best practices for hotel maintenance, management, housekeeping/laundry, and front desk from the team at Jackson Hotel Management company in Virginia. Click here to learn more about our hotel management services. ​​

​Maintenance Tip of the Week
Proper Seals and Sweeps for Windows and Doors

• Explanation: Ensuring tight seals on doors and windows helps maintain room temperatures, reduce drafts, minimize exterior noise, and is a key component of proper pest control.
• Impact: Energy efficiency, reduced pest activity, and improved guest comfort.

Steps:

• Inspect door and window sweeps and seals regularly for gaps and/or cracks.
• Replace damaged or worn seals and/or sweeps as soon as identified.
• Use high-quality, weather-resistant sealants for durability.
• Train staff to identify signs of poor sealing, such as draftiness or moisture buildup.
• Conduct periodic audits to ensure all rooms have effective seals.
• Keep a log of inspections and replacements for tracking purposes.

Management Tip of the Week
Encourage Work Flexibility Where Possible

• Explanation: Offering flexibility allows employees to manage work-life balance more effectively.
• Impact: Higher job satisfaction, reduced burnout, and improved employee retention.

Steps:

• Identify roles suitable for flexible scheduling.
• Implement a system to request flexible work arrangements.
• Promote a culture that values work-life balance.
• Monitor productivity and guest feedback with flexible hours.
• Address challenges with flexibility openly and adjust if needed.
• Recognize departments with effective flexibility practices.

Housekeeping/Laundry Tip of the Week
LAUNDRY—Optimized Laundry Cycle Settings

• Explanation: Selecting optimal cycle settings conserves resources and maintains linen quality.
• Impact: Reduced utility costs, extended linen lifespan, and improved efficiency.

Steps:

• Review manufacturer recommendations for different fabrics.
• Adjust cycles based on load type (e.g., towels vs. sheets).
• Train staff on proper cycle settings for various fabrics.
• Monitor washing machine settings weekly for accuracy.
• Track energy usage to identify high-efficiency cycles.
• At least twice a year, have your laundry chemical supplier check your equipment settings for proper calibration.
• Gather feedback on fabric wear and adjust cycles if needed.

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Front Desk Tip of the Week
Adaptability and Flexibility

• Explanation: Being flexible in accommodating guest preferences or special requests enhances their experience.
• Impact: Guest satisfaction, potential for positive reviews, and a reputation for exceptional service.

Steps:

• Encourage staff to be proactive in accommodating guest requests and preferences.
• Provide training on flexibility and problem-solving techniques.
• Develop guidelines for handling special requests and adjustments.
• Empower staff to make decisions that enhance the guest experience.​
  
• Monitor guest feedback to assess adaptability and make improvements as needed.