Tips of the Week | January 5, 2024

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

Motivational Quote of the Week
​"The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.” -Vidal Sassoon

• Hotel team application: Instill a strong work ethic in your employees and remind them that success in the hotel business requires hard work and dedication to providing exceptional service.

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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
Sustainable Landscape Practices

• Explanation: Adopting sustainable landscape practices reduces water usage and maintenance costs.
• Impact: Cost savings, reduced environmental impact, and potential for positive guest perceptions.

Steps:

• Implement sustainable landscaping practices, such as xeriscaping and drought-resistant plants, that reduce water usage.
• Install efficient irrigation systems with timers and moisture sensors to minimize water waste.
• Use organic mulch and natural pest control methods to maintain soil health.
• Educate maintenance or landscaping staff on sustainable practices and proper plant care.
• Monitor water consumption and landscape health, adjusting practices as needed to meet sustainability goals.
• Conduct regular assessments to identify areas for improvement or updates in landscaping strategies.
• Engage with local environmental experts or organizations for guidance on sustainable landscape initiatives.
• Promote sustainable landscaping efforts to guests, demonstrating the hotel's commitment to environmental stewardship.
• Continuously research and adopt innovative sustainable landscaping techniques to further minimize environmental impact.

Management Tip of the Week
Recognition for Extra Effort

• Explanation: Acknowledging and rewarding exceptional effort encourages high performance.
• Impact: Increased staff motivation, improved service quality, and potential for positive guest interactions.

Steps:

• Implement an employee recognition program.
• Encourage peer-to-peer recognition in addition to managerial recognition.
• Use a variety of recognition methods, such as awards, shout-outs, or tokens of appreciation.
• Tie recognition to specific behaviors or accomplishments aligned with company goals or values.
• Continuously review and refine the recognition program based on employee feedback.
• Personalize recognition efforts to suit individual preferences.
• Rotate or diversify recognition methods to ensure inclusivity.
• Track and measure the impact of recognition on staff morale and performance.
• Link recognition to career growth or additional opportunities within the organization.
• Publicly acknowledge and celebrate exceptional efforts during team meetings or daily huddles. 

Housekeeping/Laundry Tip of the Week
LAUNDRY-Proper Handling of Delicate Fabrics

• Explanation: Special care for delicate fabrics ensures their longevity and appearance.
• Impact: Prolonged linen lifespan, reduced replacement costs, and guest satisfaction.

Steps:

• Identify delicate or specialty fabric items, like decorative top sheets with textures or patterns that might be susceptible to snags or pilling.
• Develop and/or follow specific care instructions for each type of fabric.
• Train staff on the handling and care of delicate fabrics.
• Use appropriate detergents and softeners for delicate items.
• If possible, implement separate laundry cycles for delicate fabrics.
• Monitor the condition of delicate fabrics over time.
• Seek housekeeping's feedback on the quality and condition of delicate linens.
• Continuously update care instructions based on experience.

Front Desk Tip of the Week
Privacy and Data Protection

• Explanation: Handling guest data with care ensures customer trust, and compliance with regulations.
• Impact: Guest trust, loyalty, and avoidance of legal and reputational issues.

Steps:

• Develop and implement clear policies and procedures for handling guest data.
• Train front desk staff on privacy regulations and the importance of data protection.
• Use secure systems and encryption to protect guest data.
• Limit access to guest information to authorized staff only.
• Conduct regular privacy audits to ensure compliance with data protection laws.
• Educate staff on how to respond to guest inquiries about data privacy.
• Promptly report and address any data breaches or security incidents, or any suspected attempts like someone calling and saying they represent the franchisor and need remote access to the PMS.
• SIDE NOTE: Ensure the hotel carries insurance coverage specifically designed to address and mitigate risks associated with data breaches or privacy infringements.