Fransiska Barla’s rise from a housekeeping worker to supervising 150 staff in a Ranchi hospital is a story of grit and growth. With no formal training, she learned on the job and now leads with empathy and discipline, writes Manka Behl
More than a decade ago, when Fransiska Barla left her village for Ranchi she was looking for work that would help her family get through each day.
Before joining the Manipal Hospital, she took up domestic work for about a month – sweeping, washing utensils and whatever came her way. “It was difficult in the beginning; I had never worked before this,” said Fransiska.
In 2015, she joined Duster Total Solutions Services (DTSS), the facility management company responsible for the services at the hospital.
Experience Teaches
“Initially, I began with the most basic responsibilities — cleaning clothes, women’s washrooms. Over time, I moved to ward cleaning, learning each task step by step”.
Fransiska learned everything on the job. From understanding hygiene protocols to handling cleaning chemicals in precise dilutions, her knowledge came from observation, practice and persistence.
Today, she speaks of chemical compositions and cleaning techniques with clarity. Fransiska’s sincerity did not go unnoticed. “They liked my work,”. Referring to her seniors in DTSS — Sameer and Subodh Sir, she said: “They asked me if I would like to be a supervisor of the housekeeping team”.
The transition, however, was not easy. “It was very difficult initially. I would cry too”. But my seniors supported and encouraged me. Today, she speaks of chemical compositions and cleaning techniques with clarity.
Fransiska’s sincerity did not go unnoticed. “They liked my work,”. Referring to her seniors in DTSS — Sameer and Subodh Sir, she said: “They asked me if I would like to be a supervisor of the housekeeping team”. The transition, however, was not easy. “It was very difficult initially. I would cry too”. But my seniors supported and encouraged me.
“If you scold, the workers’ mind doesn’t work. If you explain calmly, they understand.”
Empathy, Not Authority
Fransiska’s promotion to supervisor in 2019 marked more than a professional shift — it changed how the world addressed her, and how she saw herself.
She remembered being addressed as “Ma’am” very early, which felt unfamiliar. “When people suddenly started wishing me ‘Good Morning Ma’am’, it felt strange,” she remembers. But over time, the hesitation gave way to comfort and eventually to pride.
Today, Fransiska oversees nearly 150 staff members, all women. Her day begins before her shift with checking attendance, assigning duties, conducting briefings, and ensuring every area is covered.
But what defines her leadership is not authority — it is empathy. “If someone does not do the work properly, I explain it with patience” . She consciously avoids scolding. “If you scold, their mind does not work. If you explain calmly, they understand”.
Her approach comes from experience — of having once been inexperienced, unsure and naïve.
Even as she manages a large team, she remains conscious of the limitations. “We are not very educated, but we try to gain knowledge through everyday experiences”.
Lead By Example
In a workforce where staff is all women, Fransiska’s journey carries a deeper significance. She is not just managing teams — she is quietly setting an example.
Her message to other women is simple and grounded: work with sincerity, support your family, and don’t hold yourself back.
Cleaning, for her, is not just routine – it is directly linked to safety of the patients. “In a hospital, hygiene is most important. If it is not clean, patients can get infections”.
Her understanding of cleanliness goes beyond surface-level — it is about ensuring that every space – from washrooms to wards – is maintained in a way that does not put patients at risk. “We are well aware of what cleaning agents to use and in what proportions. Different surfaces require different approaches, and we are mindful of that”.
Among the many days that have passed in routine, one moment has stayed with her. During a round in a private ward, a patient noticed her work and appreciated the cleanliness of the premises. “I do not remember the patient’s name, but I do remember his room number was 124. I felt very happy that day.”
Family Support
With parents and siblings to support, the responsibility rests entirely on her shoulders. “My family is very happy now”.
Her income supports not just daily needs, but also her siblings’ education — making her a key pillar in her family’s progress.
Where Work was Never Small
If there is one belief that defines her journey, it is this: Dignity lies in how you approach your work. “Never consider work a burden,” she says. “When you earn your own money, it feels good.”
Fransiska sees this as the beginning. “I now aim at becoming an executive,” she said.