Housekeeper

What is a Housekeeper?

Duties

The following major functions are undertaken by housekeepers:

• Complete routine activities like dusting, vacuuming, mopping and cleaning furnishings, offices, hallways and rooms; scrubbing and sanitizing bathrooms as required.
• Ensure that all equipment is operating smoothly by following the operating manuals, troubleshooting defective machinery, stocking up supplies and performing preventative maintenance work.
• Promote a health, safe and courteous working environment for all staff by following and establishing standards, processes and security protocols.
• Maintain a comfortable and trusting relationship between clients, co-workers and other residents at the facility, which includes both staff in the housekeeping department (e.g. cleaners, floor supervisors) and those in other departments.
• Participate in regular mandatory meetings like weekly or monthly team discussions and all-staff meetings; complete all compulsory training at hire and annually in a timely manner.

Day In The Life

Similar to professions like house cleaners and maids, you will be occupying most of your time with washing, cleaning and sweeping different parts of a home, hospital or hotel when working as a housekeeper. To excel at your tasks, you will have to display the eagerness to do hard work and complete your work with no compromise on the finer details. You must also function well in both team settings as well as independently without direct supervision based on the type of work you are doing.

Being a housekeeper is not for the faint of heart as it is tough cleaning up other people’s messes over long hours. If you are someone that treasures cleanliness and finds satisfaction in a fresh stack of cleaned towels, this is the ideal job for you. Through the day, you will be required to lift things (up to 50 lbs.) on a regular basis, interact with a wide range of clients and their guests, and perform laundry duties.

Work Schedule

Housekeepers generally work in shifts, which will include holidays, late nights and weekends as per demand. Once in a while, you may be able to work part-time hours depending on the employer. This role requires you to work in different settings like hotels, holiday homes, medical facilities, hospitals and private clubs.

Growth Of The Job

Job opportunities in housekeeping are expected to improve, however the job rate is closely linked to the current state of the economy. With sufficient experience, housekeepers can move up the ladder to senior roles like accommodation manager, front office manager, training manager, rooms division manager and domestic services manager. If you begin with an entry-level position, you will eventually be promoted to a supervisor or team leader capacity. With enough ambition and entrepreneurial spirit, you can even open an independent cleaning services venture and become your own boss.

Typical Employers

If you are friendly, competent and approachable, employers will single you out for promising job opportunities as a housekeeper. Some however, require additional qualifications like prior relevant work experience and a minimum of a high school diploma or GED equivalent. As a housekeeper, you may be employed to work at different parts of a hospital, such as accident and emergency, medical or surgical wards, specialized units such as those for people with disabilities or mental health problems. In addition, you may also find work with medical health centers, private residences, retirement homes and cleaning services.