Tips of the Week | March 29, 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 being the hero, it's about empowering others to be heroic." -Unknown

• Hotel Team Application: Encourage your hotel team to cultivate a culture of shared leadership, where everyone has the opportunity to contribute their unique strengths and talents. Inspire them to support and uplift their colleagues, recognizing and celebrating the collective achievements that propel the team towards success.

​​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 Energy Audits to Improve Efficiency
(Maintenance Tip of the Week)
Energy Audit and Efficiency Improvements

• Explanation: Conducting energy audits identifies areas for efficiency improvements.
• Impact: Cost savings, reduced energy consumption, and potential for positive guest perceptions.

Steps:

• Conduct a comprehensive energy audit of the hotel to identify areas of inefficiency.
• Implement energy-efficient upgrades based on audit findings, such as HVAC system improvements, insulation, and sealing.
• Monitor energy consumption and cost savings resulting from efficiency improvements.
• Educate staff about energy-saving practices, such as turning off lights and adjusting thermostat settings.
• Continuously evaluate and update energy efficiency initiatives to maximize savings.
• Develop training modules or workshops to educate staff about the impact of energy-saving behaviors on overall consumption.
• Establish benchmarks to track energy usage and savings over time for a clearer understanding of improvements.
• Consider incentives or recognition programs for staff actively engaged in energy-saving practices to encourage participation.
• Regularly communicate updates and progress on energy-saving efforts to staff to maintain awareness and engagement.

How to Lead Effective Communication Workshops to Enhance Team Performance
(Management Tip of the Week)
Effective Communication Workshops

• Explanation: Providing communication training enhances interactions and reduces misunderstandings.
• Impact: Improved guest interactions, streamlined operations, and potential for positive reviews.

Steps:

• Arrange communication workshops or seminars for all employees.
• Cover topics such as active listening, nonverbal communication, and conflict resolution.
• Encourage employees to practice effective communication skills.
• Provide feedback and coaching on communication improvement.
• Monitor the impact of communication training on workplace interactions.
• Offer resources like reading materials or online courses for continuous learning.
• Integrate practical scenarios in workshops to apply learned communication skills.
• Encourage role-playing exercises to enhance communication strategies.
• Create a safe space for employees to discuss challenges in applying communication skills.
• Acknowledge and celebrate instances where improved communication positively impacted operations. ​

How to Prevent Shortages through Proper Linen Inventory Practices
(Housekeeping/Laundry Tip of the Week)
LAUNDRY—Regular Monitoring of Linen Inventory

• Explanation: Keeping track of linen inventory prevents shortages and ensures efficient operations.
• Impact: Smooth housekeeping operations, reduced guest inconveniences, and potential for positive guest experiences.

Steps:

• Implement an inventory management system.
• Assign staff responsible for inventory tracking.
• Set par levels for each type and size of linen.
• Conduct routine linen counts and audits.
• Reorder linens when inventory levels drop below par.
• Monitor linen usage trends and adjust orders accordingly.
• Implement a system for identifying damaged or worn linens.
• Dispose of unsalvageable linens responsibly (e.g., recycling).
• Conduct quarterly or annual inventory reconciliations.
• Review and adjust par levels based on usage patterns.

How to Improve the Guest Experience by Having a Knowledge of Local Events
(Front Desk Tip of the Week)
Maintain Knowledge of Local Events

• Explanation: Awareness of local events helps staff recommend activities to guests.
• Impact: Enhanced guest experience, extended stays, and potential for event-related revenue.

Steps:

• Establish a system for staying updated on local events, including festivals, concerts, and exhibitions.
• Train front desk staff to regularly review local event calendars and updates.
• Share information about upcoming local events with guests during check-in and stay.
• Provide staff with talking points and recommendations for guests interested in local events.
• Collaborate with local event organizers or venues for special offers or ticket arrangements.
• Recognize and reward staff who excel in providing information and recommendations about local events.