The International Housekeeping Week traditionally celebrated during the second week of September, was observed between September 11 and 17 across the country this year. A glimpse
The International Housekeeping Week being practiced since 1981 enables organisations to honour housekeeping professionals for their efforts and dedication towards maintaining a clean, safe and healthy environment. Be it schools, hospitals, office buildings or hotels, often the efforts of housekeepers go unnoticed or are taken for granted. The International Housekeeping Week gives an opportunity to recognise the contribution of the housekeeping team who make our lives comfortable and safe and on how essential they are and how much they are appreciated. Alongside, the talent of these unsung heroes of housekeeping are showcased during the week.
It is time when many games, challenges and activities are organised, the housekeepers are awarded and the entire week is made memorable with special lunch, gifts and other programmes. The main focus is to present and maintain the cleanliness standard and educate what housekeeping is all about.
Vivanta by Taj-Blue Diamond, Pune, celebrates the Diamonds of Cleanliness during the Housekeeping week. A Housekeeping Associate’s work is often difficult, tiresome and largely unappreciated, yet it is a critical task in any kind of property.
The Associates who help to maintain all indoor environment and the hotel keep us in business were thanked. During the week some team work activities were organised to appreciate and encourage the entire team of diamonds and make them proud that they are associated with the best hospitality chain.
There were activities during the entire week such as cricket match, throw ball game, Antakshri, and dumb charades where Associates participated in large numbers. “The purpose behind the activities was to motivate the team and make them feel special as they are the backbone of any property,” said Roopali Panse, Executive Housekeeper.
At Ramada Powai Hotel & Convention Centre and The Residence Hotel & Apartments the week recognized horticulture, laundry, housekeeping and cleaning personnel for their work. The activities included BBQ lunch, bed making contest, towel art, a bull’s eye contest, best trolley contest, new creative sustainable ideas the team have applied to reduce waste of time & effort and appreciation of guests for “Stay during HK Week”. Each room attendant had decorated guest rooms by using towels, tissues and flowers in making magnificent shapes to impress guests & also familiarize them about International Housekeeping Week.
“The contest between Housekeeping Heroes called “Pantry Competition” on each floor was judged on the appearance of the pantry, cleanliness & smell. We celebrated the week with candy bags, cookies, certificates, flowers and pizza lunch. It was a jam packed week of excitement and recognition for our wonderful Housekeeping team with awards on the last day,” said Sonia Mital, Executive Housekeeper.
Rodas & Meluha The Fern conducted games, briefing talent, brain teaser activities, housekeepers’ communication and coordination skill tests and towel art. “The judges had a tough time deciding the winners. During the week, we also celebrated Engineers day. The week concluded with awards and entertainment and an inspirational talk by our Area General Manager Punish B Sharma,” said Vaishali Sinha, Director of Housekeeping.
“We also welcomed relatives of our staff who performed dance, this was where we had maximum team involvement as well as showing deep gratitude to all the participants.”
On a similar note Courtyard By Marriott Agra organised games for the HK associates besides Towel art competition, Blind folded bed making, Tug-of war and Talent hunt. “A gala party was organized for the team and personalised gifts were given away by the General manager,” said Nishant Kumar, Executive Housekeeper.
The week-long celebrations at Cidade de Goa recognized housekeepers and other frontline cleaning personnel. “The competitions included blind-folded bed making, rubber glove race, tower of soap, pillow race, mop race, mummy wrap, housekeeping quiz and dust bunny,” said Rajasekar S, Executive Housekeeper. Besides entertainment programmes, the week also held an exhibition showcasing housekeeping talent of Flower arrangements, Towel Origami, Bed decoration and Wealth Out of Waste (WOW).
Hotel Lagoon Karakoraum, Kochi and The International Hotel, Kochi, too initiated activities like memory test, bed making, flower arrangements and towel art. “We also had a property cleaning carried out by housekeeping staff. In fact, we do not buy flowers from outside we decorate the rooms with the flowers and leaves available in our garden,” said Annie Mendez, Executive Housekeeper.