Hotel Management Company Tips of the Week | November 8, 2024

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

Motivational Quote of the Week
"The ballot is stronger than the bullet." - Abraham Lincoln

• Hotel Team Application: On Election Day, remind your team of the power in their choices, both at the polls and in their daily roles at the hotel. Just as voting shapes a community, each team member’s actions impact the hotel’s culture and guest experience. Encourage your staff to choose integrity, kindness, and accountability in their interactions. Let them know that, like casting a vote, every choice they make can have a lasting effect, helping build a positive, welcoming environment for all guests and colleagues.

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
Roof Drainage System Maintenance

• Explanation: Ensuring proper roof drainage prevents water accumulation and leaks.
  
• Impact: Avoidance of costly water damage, reduced maintenance costs, and prolonged roof lifespan.
  

Steps:

• Schedule regular inspections of the roof drainage system, including gutters and downspouts.
• Clear debris and obstructions from gutters and downspouts during inspections, especially in the fall due to leaves.
• Ensure that the roof drainage system directs water away from the building's foundation.
• Address any issues or leaks in the roof drainage system promptly.
• Maintain records of roof drainage system inspections, maintenance, and repairs.
• Check the structural integrity of gutters and downspouts and repair any damage.
• Install gutter guards or screens to prevent debris buildup and clogging.
• Consult with roofing professionals for periodic comprehensive inspections and maintenance.
• Implement a seasonal maintenance plan to address specific weather-related issues (e.g., snow removal in winter).

Management Tip of the Week
Regular Team Huddles

• Explanation: Short daily meetings foster communication and alignment within the team.
  
• Impact: Improved communication, streamlined operations, and potential for enhanced guest experiences.
  

Steps:

• Schedule daily or weekly team huddles at consistent times.
• Set an agenda for each huddle to keep discussions focused.
• Encourage open and transparent communication during huddles.
• Use huddles to share updates, address challenges, and set priorities.
• Ensure that action items and follow-ups are documented and tracked.
• Invite team members to contribute agenda topics for huddles.
• Rotate the facilitator role to encourage participation and engagement.
• Allocate time for team bonding or informal discussions during huddles.
• Adapt huddle frequency or structure based on hotel needs.

Housekeeping/Laundry Tip of the Week
LAUNDRY—Training for Safe Chemical Handling

• Explanation: Proper chemical handling practices ensure staff safety and prevent accidents.
• Impact: Employee well-being, reduced risks, and uninterrupted laundry operations.

Steps:

• Identify and label all chemicals used in the laundry.
• Train staff on chemical safety procedures.
• Provide appropriate PPE, such as gloves and goggles.
• Implement clear protocols for chemical spills or accidents.
• Store chemicals in a secure and well-ventilated area.
• Regularly inspect chemical storage conditions.
• Conduct safety drills for chemical emergencies.
• Display emergency contact information for chemical incidents.
• Ensure staff are familiar with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
• Encourage reporting of any chemical-related issues.

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Front Desk Tip of the Week
Timely Check-In and Check-Out

• Explanation: Streamlined check-in/check-out processes minimize guest wait times and stress.
• Impact: Enhanced guest satisfaction, reduced guest frustration, and positive reviews.

Steps:

• Implement efficient check-in/check-out procedures and technology.
  
• Train front desk staff to manage peak times effectively and reduce wait times.
  
• Provide options for expedited check-in/check-out, such as mobile check-in.
  
• Monitor and review check-in/check-out processes to identify and address bottlenecks.
  
• Collect guest feedback to continually improve check-in/check-out efficiency.