Tips of the Week | February 16, 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 your dream becomes impossible is in your own thinking.” -Robert H. Schuller

• Hotel team application: Motivate your employees to think big and be ambitious in their pursuit of excellent service and guest satisfaction. By breaking self-imposed limitations, they can achieve remarkable results for the hotel.

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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. ​

How to be Environmentally Friendly and Save Money with Energy-Efficient Lighting
(Maintenance Tip of the Week)
Use of Energy-Efficient Lighting

• Explanation: Adopting energy-efficient lighting reduces utility costs and environmental impact.
• Impact: Cost savings, reduced energy consumption, and potential for positive guest perceptions.

Steps:

• Audit the hotel's lighting systems to identify opportunities for energy-efficient upgrades.
• Replace traditional bulbs with energy-efficient LED or CFL bulbs.
• Install occupancy sensors or timers in low-traffic areas to reduce unnecessary lighting.
• Develop a lighting maintenance schedule that includes bulb replacement and fixture cleaning.
• Monitor energy consumption and cost savings resulting from energy-efficient lighting upgrades.
• Implement natural lighting solutions where applicable, such as skylights or larger windows.
• Regularly recalibrate or upgrade lighting controls for optimal efficiency.
• Consider smart lighting systems that automatically adjust brightness based on natural light levels.
• Educate staff about energy-efficient lighting benefits and best practices for usage.
• Explore government or utility incentives for energy-efficient lighting upgrades to maximize cost savings.

How to Boost Your Staff Well-Being with Work-Life Balance
(Management Tip of the Week)
Promote a Healthy Work-Life Balance

• Explanation: Valuing work-life balance reduces burnout and enhances well-being.
• Impact: Increased staff satisfaction, reduced turnover, and potential for improved guest interactions.

Steps:

• Develop policies that support work-life balance, such as flexible work hours.
• Encourage employees to use their vacation days and take breaks.
• Provide stress management resources and wellness programs.
• Lead by example in respecting boundaries and unplugging from work after hours.
• Monitor workload distribution to prevent excessive demands on any individual.
• Offer workshops on time management and prioritization.
• Implement strategies for efficient delegation to alleviate workload.
• Conduct regular surveys or check-ins to gauge employee stress levels.
• Foster a culture where taking time off is not seen as a sign of weakness.
• Encourage hobbies and activities outside of work to promote balance.

How to Extend Your Linen Life and Save Energy with Optimal Drying Cycles
(Housekeeping/Laundry Tip of the Week)
LAUNDRY—Tips for Optimal Drying Cycles

• Explanation: Optimal drying cycle settings prevent over-drying and linen damage.
• Impact: Prolonged linen lifespan, reduced energy consumption, and potential for cost savings.

Steps:

• Train staff on selecting appropriate drying cycles.
• Establish clear guidelines for load sizes in dryers.
• Monitor drying cycles for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Implement sensor-based drying technology if available.
• Encourage staff to shake out linens before loading the dryer.
• Regularly clean lint filters to maintain dryer efficiency.
• Consider using dryer balls to speed up drying times.
• Rotate linens within dryers for even drying.
• Conduct regular maintenance on dryers to prevent issues.
• Monitor and adjust drying temperatures as needed.

How to Improve Guest Satisfaction by Managing Personal Phone Use at Work
(Front Desk Tip of the Week)
Personal Phone Usage Etiquette

• Explanation: Limiting personal phone use during work hours ensures attentiveness to guests.
• Impact: Improved guest interactions, reduced distractions, and heightened professionalism.

Steps:

• Develop clear guidelines for personal phone usage during work hours.
• Train front desk staff on the importance of minimizing personal phone use while on duty.
• Establish designated break times or specific areas for staff to use their personal phones, never while standing behind the front desk.
• Provide staff with alternative ways to stay connected during breaks, such as dedicated break rooms.
• Monitor personal phone usage and provide reminders when necessary.
• Encourage staff to prioritize guest interactions and responsibilities over personal phone use.
• Recognize and reward staff who consistently demonstrate professionalism in their phone etiquette.