Hotel Management Company Tips of the Week | June 21, 2024

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

Motivational Quote of the Week
"Leadership is not about having all the answers, it's about asking the right questions." -Unknown

• Hotel Team Application: Cultivate a culture of curiosity and continuous learning within your hotel team. Encourage them to approach challenges with an open mind and a willingness to seek out diverse perspectives and innovative solutions. Inspire them to ask thought-provoking questions that spark creativity and drive progress.

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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 Ensure Guest Safety By Inspecting Exterior Structures
(Maintenance Tip of the Week)
Regular Inspection of Exterior Structures

• Explanation: Inspecting exterior structures prevents safety hazards and property deterioration.
• Impact: Guest safety, reduced liability, and positive guest perceptions.

Steps:

• Develop a regular inspection schedule for all exterior structures, including storage units, awnings, canopies, and outdoor seating areas.
• Inspect structures for signs of wear, damage, and safety hazards.
• Address any structural concerns or maintenance needs promptly, including repairs or reinforcements.
• Train maintenance staff on structural inspection procedures and safety measures.
• Keep records of all exterior structure inspections, maintenance activities, and structural improvements.
• Implement a preventive maintenance plan based on inspection findings to mitigate structural deterioration.
• Periodically review and update safety protocols and guidelines for outdoor structures.
• Collaborate with architects or structural engineers for periodic assessments and recommendations for improvements.

How to Organize Appreciation Events for Improved Team Dynamics
(Management Tip of the Week)
Regular Staff Appreciation Events

• Explanation: Organizing appreciation events boosts staff morale and fosters a positive work environment.
• Impact: Increased job satisfaction, improved team dynamics, and potential for positive guest interactions.

Steps:

• Plan regular staff appreciation events or activities.
• Tailor appreciation efforts to individual employee preferences, when possible.
• Ensure events are inclusive and consider different preferences.
• Encourage staff to suggest and organize appreciation events.
• Use these events to express gratitude for employees' hard work and dedication.
• Invite team members to participate in organizing and executing these events.
• Follow up after events to gather feedback and suggestions for improvement.
• Consider rotating themes or activities to keep events fresh and engaging.
• Connect appreciation events to the organization's values and mission.
• Explore diverse ways to appreciate and recognize staff beyond traditional events.

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How to Ensure Smooth Housekeeping Operations with Proper Linen Inventory Management
(Housekeeping/Laundry Tip of the Week)
LAUNDRY—Efficient Linen Inventory Management:

• Explanation: Effective linen inventory management is crucial to ensuring the availability of clean linens for guest rooms, preventing needless shortages, and contributing to smooth housekeeping operations, ultimately enhancing the potential for positive guest experiences.
• Impact: Smooth operations, reduced guest inconveniences, and potential for positive guest experiences.

Steps:

• Inventory Assessment: Begin by conducting a comprehensive assessment of the current linen inventory. This should include a detailed count of all linens such as sheets and towels.
• Establish Inventory Par: Determine the ideal quantity of each linen type required for daily operations, including peak and off-peak periods. Consider factors like 30 and 90-day room occupancy forecasts.
• Regular Inventories/Audits: Conduct routine audits of the linen inventory to verify accuracy. This helps identify discrepancies and areas that may require process improvement.
• Linen Care Protocols: Develop and enforce strict linen care protocols to extend the lifespan of linens. This includes proper washing, drying, and folding techniques.
• Rotational Usage: Institute a rotational system for using linens to ensure even wear and tear. Rotate linens between different rooms and areas to prevent overuse of specific sets.
• Reorder Process: Establish a clear and efficient process for reordering linens when quantities reach predetermined reorder points in relation to par level. Ensure timely communication with the GM or whomever places the orders.
• Quality Control: Implement a rigorous quality control process for incoming and outgoing linens. Check for stains, tears, or signs of wear before redistributing linens to guest areas.
• Training: Train laundry staff in efficient linen handling and storage practices. Emphasize the importance of minimizing waste and maintaining quality.

How to Seek Guest Feedback
(Front Desk Tip of the Week)
Solicit Guest Feedback

• Explanation: Actively seeking feedback shows a commitment to improvement and guest satisfaction.
• Impact: Valuable insights for improvement, guest appreciation, and positive online reviews.

Steps:

• Implement a feedback collection system through comment cards, online surveys, or mobile apps.
• Train front desk staff to actively encourage guests to provide feedback.
• Create a dedicated feedback email address or hotline for guests to share their thoughts.
• Regularly review and analyze guest feedback to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Develop action plans based on guest feedback to address concerns and enhance services.
• Recognize and reward staff who actively solicit feedback and contribute to improvements.