How to Motivate Your Housekeeping Team: Proven Tips from a Housekeeping Consultant

Motivating a housekeeping team in healthcare facilities or luxury hotels can sometimes feel like a challenge. As a housekeeping consulting trainer, I’ve worked with housekeeping employees across various industries, from hospitals to five-star hotels, and I’ve learned that engaging your team through entertaining and interactive methods, combined with kindness, makes a significant difference. So, how do you keep your team motivated, energized, and excited to take on their tasks each day? Let’s explore some proven strategies, with insights from Gallup on employee engagement and references from hospitality experts like Forbes Travel.

1. Lead by Example, With Kindness, Not Just by 'Living in a Van'

Your team watches your every move, so it’s essential to lead by example. Show them you’re right there with them in the trenches. Leading by example is one of the best ways to motivate housekeeping teams, and just as importantly, lead with kindness. Showing compassion and understanding when things get tough builds trust and respect. A kind leader who sets the right example is a leader that inspires.

According to a Gallup report, employees who feel supported by leadership are significantly more engaged, and engaged employees are 17% more productive. So, as a housekeeping manager or consultant, ensure your actions reflect the standards and work ethic you expect from your team.

2. Create a Positive, Kind Work Environment

A positive and kind work environment is a driving force behind team motivation. Create a space where housekeeping employees feel appreciated, respected, and part of a cohesive unit. Celebrate the small wins, like a room cleaned to perfection or a guest complimenting the cleanliness. Kindness, coupled with recognition, builds loyalty and encourages your team to exceed expectations.

In fact, Forbes Travel shares that 5-star hotels succeed because they foster a culture of care, teamwork, and attention to detail. Hospitality teams that feel connected and valued provide better service, and this can start with a simple thank you or acknowledgment of a job well done.

3. Incorporate Entertaining and Engaging Training Methods

While traditional training has its place, creating entertaining and interactive methods to engage and train your team is far more effective. Whether it’s through role-playing, hands-on demonstrations, or fun, competitive team exercises, these methods help your housekeeping employees learn in an enjoyable and memorable way.

Not only does this break up the monotony of routine tasks, but it also encourages active participation, fostering a deeper understanding of best practices. Engaging training methods are especially important in the hospitality and healthcare industries, where the smallest details can significantly impact guest satisfaction or patient care.

4. Offer Training and Growth Opportunities with Kindness

Many employees want to feel like they’re growing, learning, and advancing in their careers. Offering ongoing training sessions and certifications shows you care not only about their professional growth but also about their well-being. When you combine training with kindness, you demonstrate that their development matters to you, which leads to a more committed workforce.

5. Incentivize Top Performers

Everybody loves a good incentive. Motivate your team by offering rewards for top performers. Whether it’s extra time off, gift cards, or the coveted “Housekeeping Star of the Month” award, incentives go a long way in pushing team members to exceed expectations. Recognizing achievements, especially in an entertaining way (such as a monthly themed award), makes the recognition more memorable and impactful.

According to Gallup, employees who receive regular recognition are more productive and show higher levels of engagement. Keep this in mind when designing your incentive programs.

6. Promote Work-Life Balance with Empathy

No one wants to feel like they’re constantly on the clock. Help your housekeeping employees achieve a healthy work-life balance by creating flexible schedules and encouraging them to take time off when needed. A rested employee is a motivated employee. Leading with kindness here means understanding your team's needs and ensuring they are taken care of, both in and out of work.

7. Communicate Clearly, Consistently, and Kindly

Clear communication is essential, and when done with kindness, it helps create an environment of trust. Make sure your team understands their responsibilities and what’s expected of them. Regular check-ins, brief meetings, and open lines of communication foster better relationships and increased motivation. Forbes Travel often highlights the importance of clear communication in luxury hospitality settings to ensure seamless operations and guest satisfaction.

Wrap-Up

Motivating your housekeeping team in luxury hotels or healthcare facilities doesn’t require high-pressure tactics, but it does take intentional leadership, communication, kindness, and engaging training methods. As a housekeeping consultant and trainer, I’ve seen firsthand how these strategies can transform a team from simply getting by to thriving in their roles. Start incorporating these tips into your management approach, and watch your team’s motivation soar!

And remember: leading with kindness is the new cool!