Publisher's Synopsis
Every house, whether private, like yours, or commercial like offices, shops, hotels, hospitals, clubs, etc., needs to be kept clean and tidy, so that it looks inviting to all. This is where housekeeping comes in. Cleaning and maintenance services can be spotted very easily anywhere. Todays professional housekeeper must be knowledgeable about staff diversity issues, building relations with unions, and maximising the uses of available technology while staying aware of the bottom line. The professional housekeeper must also be aware of growing health and safety concerns. A Professional Housekeeper is an extra pair of hands -- whether its cleaning, laundry, ironing or any other household chores. A housekeeper is a person employed to manage a household, and the domestic staff. The housekeeper is second in command in the house and except in large establishments, where there is a house steward, the housekeeper must consider his/herself as the immediate representative of her mistress. Housekeeping managers see to it that hotel guests have adequate supplies both within their hotel rooms and in the public areas that they visit, such as the spa and washrooms. Different categories of hotel rooms entitle guests to different supplies. For example in a standard room, guests might receive only bathroom supplies, while in executive rooms, hotel services could include mini-bars, laundry and pressing services. It is the responsibility of the housekeeping manager to ensure that a hotel guest receives all the housekeeping services he purchased. Housekeeping managers receive and act on complaints from hotel guests relating to the state of their rooms or public areas. A hotel housekeeping manager is in a unique position to make recommendations about improvements to the hotel services due to his close interaction with the guests. This is an invaluable tool for this ever-changing profession. With the advent of new technology, new markets, and new products, the rapidly changing responsibilities of the professional housekeeper demand a guide for todays lodging industry. This book addresses the changing, growing role of the housekeeping department to include maintenance of grounds, room service management, and foodservice facilities.
