Given the repetitive nature of housekeepers’ work, finding ways to motivate staff can be challenging. By offering various and unique incentives for short periods of time, managers can seek to increase productivity levels and performance excellence by room attendants, laundry workers, and other housekeeping staff. Here are a few incentives and rewards to consider:
Guestroom Inspection Scores. Offer a non-monetary incentive to any room attendant who can achieve an average 99 percent inspection score for the week. Prizes may include nominal value gift cards, restaurant certificates, bus fare passes, movie tickets, paid time off, or even preferred parking in the employee lot. Consider creating a cumulative system where employees can trade up unused incentives for recognition prizes of greater value, including weeklong vacations.
The Free Lunch. For hotels that don’t offer free or subsidized meals to employees, consider providing a complimentary lunch once each month where all housekeeping employees can come together at the same time, share in a meal, and celebrate individual accomplishments and the department’s success.
The Unannounced Reward. Rewards don’t always have to infer great monetary value. Just the act of giving any small, unannounced token of appreciation can motivate employees. Consider rewarding each housekeeping and laundry employee with a $2 bill, a $1 lottery ticket, or a $5 gourmet coffee gift card. The long-term return for managers will be enormous for such a small but unique gesture.
Dr. William D. Frye, Ph.D., CHE, is coauthor of AH&LEI’s textbook Managing Housekeeping Operations.
