Tips of the Week | April 5, 2024

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

Motivational Quote of the Week
"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." -Nelson Mandela

• Hotel team application: Encourage resilience and perseverance among your hotel team. Remind them that setbacks are a natural part of the hospitality industry, but what truly matters is their ability to bounce back stronger and continue providing exceptional service to guests. ​​

​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. ​

How to Conduct Regular Fire Extinguisher Inspections to Increase Safety
(Maintenance Tip of the Week)
Regular Fire Extinguisher Inspections

• Explanation: Ensuring fire extinguishers are functional safeguards guests and staff.
• Impact: Guest and staff safety, reduced liability, and avoidance of negative incidents.

Steps:

• Schedule regular inspections of all fire extinguishers on the property.
• Verify that fire extinguishers are in the correct locations, accessible, and not expired.
• Conduct visual inspections and pressure checks to ensure extinguishers are in working order.
• Train staff on the proper use of fire extinguishers and emergency response procedures.
• Keep records of fire extinguisher inspections, maintenance, and staff training.
• Maintain a detailed map or guide indicating the locations of fire extinguishers across the property for quick access during emergencies.

How to Use Current Industry Trends to Improve Guest Satisfaction
(Management Tip of the Week)
Stay Current with Industry Trends

• Explanation: Keeping up with industry trends ensures the hotel remains competitive.
• Impact: Enhanced guest experiences, potential for innovation, and improved guest satisfaction.

Steps:

• Assign individuals or teams to monitor industry trends and report findings.
• Encourage attendance at industry conferences and seminars.
• Establish a system for sharing industry insights and trends with the team.
• Use industry trends to inform strategic decisions and improvements.
• Continuously adapt the organization's practices to align with current trends.
• Regularly analyze the impact of trends on guest experiences.
• Develop a repository or knowledge base for trend-related information.
• Encourage discussions or brainstorming sessions on implementing new trends.
• Integrate trend awareness into employee training programs.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of implemented changes based on trends.

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How to Maintain Organized Storage Areas to Improve Housekeeping Efficiency
(Housekeeping/Laundry Tip of the Week)
HOUSEKEEPING—Organized Storage Areas

• Explanation: Well-organized storage areas streamline access to cleaning supplies and equipment.
• Impact: Improved efficiency, reduced downtime, and enhanced staff morale.

Steps:

• Designate specific storage areas for cleaning supplies, equipment, and linens.
• Implement a labeling and inventory system to track the quantity and condition of stored items.
• Regularly declutter and organize storage spaces to ensure easy access to supplies.
• Train housekeeping staff on the proper procedures for retrieving and restocking items from storage.
• Conduct routine inventory audits to identify any shortages or overstocked items.
• Store cleaning chemicals and hazardous materials in accordance with safety regulations.
• Utilize storage racks, shelves, and bins to maximize space and organization.
• Establish a rotation system for linens and cleaning supplies to prevent items from expiring or deteriorating.
• Ensure that storage areas are well-ventilated and free from potential hazards.
• Periodically review storage practices and layouts for efficiency improvements.

How to Handle Guest Complaints Efficiently and with Empathy
(Front Desk Tip of the Week)
Efficient Handling of Guest Complaints

• Explanation: Addressing complaints promptly and satisfactorily mitigates negative experiences.
• Impact: Improved guest satisfaction, reduced negative reviews, and enhanced reputation.

Steps:

• Develop a standardized procedure for addressing and resolving guest complaints.
• Train front desk staff on active listening, empathy, and effective resolution techniques.
• Empower staff to make decisions or offer solutions to resolve guest complaints promptly.
• Establish a system for tracking guest complaints and their resolutions.
• Conduct regular follow-up with guests after complaint resolution to ensure satisfaction.
• Monitor guest feedback related to complaint resolution and use it for continuous improvement.​
• Recognize and reward staff who demonstrate exceptional skills in handling guest complaints effectively.