Hotels

The Ultimate Guide to a Shift as a Housekeeper

Two Gigpro housekeepers making a bed during a hotel shift.

Are you considering a new career as a housekeeper or looking to pick up extra shifts in the gig economy through Gigpro? Being a housekeeper can be a fulfilling job option for many individuals. Whether you’re working in a hotel, a resort, or providing cleaning services to private clients, being a housekeeper requires a specific set of skills and a dedication to maintaining a clean and welcoming environment.

What to Expect

Housekeepers play a crucial role in maintaining cleanliness and organization in various settings, but ultimately, you can expect your responsibilities to include the below tasks.

Cleaning and Sanitizing

  • As a housekeeper, your primary duty is to clean and sanitize the assigned areas thoroughly. This may involve making beds, dusting furniture, vacuuming carpets, mopping floors, and cleaning bathrooms. Attention to detail is essential to ensure every nook and cranny is spotless.

Restocking Supplies

  • Housekeepers often replenish towels, toiletries, and other necessary items to ensure guests have everything they need during their stay.

Laundry and Linen Cleaning

  • In hotels and resorts, housekeepers are typically responsible for collecting, sorting, washing, drying, and folding linens and towels. Attention to proper laundering techniques and ironing skills may be required.

Guest Interaction

  • Depending on the setting, housekeepers may have direct contact with guests or residents. Your employer will likely have guidelines for guest interactions, but friendly and professional communication is important in any scenario.

Maintenance Reporting

  • Housekeepers may be required to report any maintenance issues or damages they come across during a shift. This helps ensure a safe and comfortable environment for guests and reduces the time it takes to repair any issues.

Tips for a Successful Shift

Prioritize High-Traffic Areas

  • Focus on cleaning and maintaining areas that receive the most foot traffic or are frequently used by guests or residents. This ensures that the most important spaces are consistently clean and presentable.

Use Efficient Cleaning Techniques

  • Learn and implement time-saving cleaning techniques. For example, using microfiber cloths for dusting can be more effective than traditional feather dusters.

Pay Attention to Special requests

  • Be attentive to any special requests or instructions from guests, residents, or supervisors. Accommodating specific needs and preferences contributes to high customer satisfaction and can often lead to tips.

Practice Proper Chemical Handling

  • Familiarize yourself with the correct usage and handling of cleaning chemicals. Follow safety guidelines to protect yourself, others, and the environment. Proper storage and labeling of cleaning chemicals is crucial for a safe work environment.

Seek Feedback and Learn From It

  • Take any feedback and constructive criticism as an opportunity for growth. Use it to improve your skills and performance in future shifts. Many times, employers will ask about how you’ve grown in your professional career – this is a great opportunity to develop these stories for interviews.

Being a housekeeper offers a fulfilling and versatile career option, whether you chose to work in hotels, resorts, or as an independent contractor. By understanding the role, knowing what to expect on the job, and implementing the tips provided above, you can excel in your role and provide exceptional service. Companies are constantly posting housekeeping shifts on Gigpro, so you can start your career as a gig worker or take on additional work to earn more money and make business connections. Remember, attention to detail, effective prioritization and strong guest interaction skills are key to success in this position.