Hotel Management Company Tips of the Week | June 14, 2024

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

Motivational Quote of the Week
"Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire." -Arnold H. Glasow

• Hotel team application: Encourage your employees to be proactive and take ownership of their roles in driving the hotel's success. Provide opportunities for professional development and empowerment, so they feel motivated to go above and beyond in their duties.

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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 use Motion Sensors to Improve Energy Efficiency and Save on Utilities
(Maintenance Tip of the Week)
Use of Motion Sensors for Lighting

• Explanation: Installing motion sensors reduces energy waste in low-traffic areas.
• Impact: Cost savings, improved energy efficiency, and potential for positive guest perceptions.

Steps:

• Install motion sensors in appropriate areas, such as hallways, stairwells, and storage rooms.
• Program motion sensors to activate lighting when motion is detected and automatically turn off lights when areas are unoccupied.
• Educate staff and guests about the presence of motion-sensor lighting and its energy-saving benefits.
• Monitor energy savings resulting from motion-sensor lighting and adjust settings as needed.
• Regularly inspect and maintain motion sensors to ensure proper functionality and responsiveness.
• Implement a schedule for sensor recalibration and sensitivity adjustments based on occupancy patterns.
• Periodically review guest feedback to gauge satisfaction and comfort levels with motion-sensor lighting.
• Conduct staff training sessions on troubleshooting and basic maintenance for motion-sensor systems.

How to Build Trust with Ethical Leadership
(Management Tip of the Week)
Promote Ethical Decision-Making

• Explanation: Upholding ethical standards reinforces a culture of trust and integrity.
• Impact: Positive brand image, guest loyalty, and potential for repeat business.

Steps:

• Develop a code of ethics that aligns with the organization's values.
• Train employees on ethical decision-making and the code of ethics.
• Encourage reporting of ethical concerns through a confidential system.
• Investigate and address ethical violations promptly and fairly.
• Model ethical behavior at all levels of leadership within the organization.
• Regularly review and update the code of ethics to reflect evolving standards.
• Recognize and reward employees who uphold ethical standards consistently.
• Provide ongoing ethics training to new hires and existing staff.
• Foster discussions and case studies to reinforce ethical principles in action.

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How to Establish and Maintain Great Lines of Communication Between Departments
(Housekeeping/Laundry Tip of the Week)
HOUSEKEEPING—Effective Communication with Maintenance

• Explanation: Coordinating with maintenance staff ensures timely repairs and improvements.
• Impact: Reduced guest inconvenience, improved room quality, and potential for positive reviews.

Steps:

• Establish open lines of communication between the housekeeping and maintenance departments.
• Develop protocols for reporting maintenance issues or repairs needed within guest rooms.
• Train housekeeping staff on the procedures for reporting maintenance needs, including documentation.
• Collaborate on a system for prioritizing and responding to maintenance requests promptly.
• Maintain a log or digital system for tracking maintenance requests and their status.
• Conduct regular meetings or briefings between housekeeping and maintenance teams to address concerns and updates.
• Provide cross-training opportunities for housekeeping staff to learn basic maintenance tasks.
• Encourage staff to report potential maintenance issues they observe during their cleaning duties.
• Celebrate successful collaborations between housekeeping and maintenance teams to boost morale.
• Continuously evaluate and refine communication processes to enhance efficiency and guest satisfaction.

How Accurate and Prompt Billing Minimizes Guest Concerns
(Front Desk Tip of the Week)
Prompt Billing and Invoicing

• Explanation: Accurate and timely billing minimizes discrepancies and guest concerns.
• Impact: Positive guest perception, reduced disputes, and efficient revenue collection.

Steps:

• Implement a streamlined and accurate billing and invoicing system.
• Train front desk staff on billing procedures and the use of billing software, including those with vendors like CLC and partners like the OTAs.
• Provide guidelines for addressing billing inquiries and disputes.
• Communicate billing policies and procedures to guests during check-in.
• Monitor guest feedback related to billing accuracy and transparency.
• Recognize and reward staff who excel in providing clear and accurate billing and invoicing services.