How lean management makes hotel housekeeping more efficient

Good staff management is crucial for a well-functioning hotel. However, there’s a lot involved and it’s a process where there’s often much room for improvement. In this article, we highlight how to do this using the lean management method. Including examples and practical information.

What is lean management in hospitality?

Lean management in hotels essentially means that “unnecessary activities are eliminated”. It’s a well-known management method that is applied in various industries. In the hospitality sector, you can implement this through collaboration with a housekeeping partner, among other ways.

The goal of lean management is optimizing the customer experience. The lean management method can be divided into five steps, which we’ve listed below:

• Determine value: what does the guest expect from a stay at your hotel, and how can you describe your target audience?
• Value stream: in what ways can you create added value for your guests?
• Flow: how can you improve the flow? For example, by having solutions ready during busy periods.
• Pull: only offer what guests demand at that moment.
• Perfection: continuously improving the process and customer experience.

Which housekeeping processes can you optimize?

The lean management method is a way to address efficiency in housekeeping. Practical examples of lean processes within a hotel include inventory management with minimal waste, flawless linen management (even during peak periods), and room checklists that are regularly updated (also based on customer feedback).

Real-world example: Only Housekeeping’s approach

A good example of the lean method is outsourcing housekeeping tasks during a busy season. This way, you have more time for guests yourself, while the rooms are always in tip-top condition.

Only Housekeeping is a company that takes hotel cleaning services off your hands, while they themselves also apply the lean method. Such as providing cleaning personnel to perform cleaning tasks to optimize these individual processes.

What are the benefits for hoteliers and their guests?

Outsourcing housekeeping has multiple advantages for the hotel itself, the permanent staff, and the guests, including:

• Time savings: employees know what their tasks are and as a manager, a large part of the administrative workload disappears
• Higher customer satisfaction: since consistent quality can be maintained, ensuring guests always enjoy a hygienically clean room
• Fewer errors: because all tasks are clearly divided

Lean management is a method you can use in multiple areas to optimize business processes in your hotel. However, the management method lends itself perfectly to the housekeeping process and a partnership with a specialized housekeeping partner.

FAQ

What is lean housekeeping?

It’s a management method consisting of five steps based on “continuous improvement“.

With the goal of optimizing processes and better serving the customer.

Can you apply lean to cleaning services?

Yes, this management method can be applied to all kinds of processes, including cleaning services and housekeeping.

Which tools do you use for lean processes in hotels?

Various types of tools can be deployed, think of smart schedules, management software, and strategic partnerships.

What are the advantages for hotel managers?

The biggest advantage is saving time and costs while improving the guest experience.

How do you start with lean in hospitality?

In this article, you’ll find examples of lean management in the hospitality field.