In our June edition, we focused on challenging the long-standing misconceptions that have marginalised the housekeeping profession, often viewed as a cleaning function. Industry voices reframed it as a gold-collar career offering growth, creativity and leadership. Let us now explore how this renewed identity is being lived and led by Pamini Hemaprabha, Hospitality Professional; Sivakumar Palaniyappan, Director of Housekeeping, Waldorf Astoria, Kuwait; Sumesh Krishnankutty, Assistant Housekeeping Manager-HOD, Studio One Hotel, Dubai, UAE; Snehal Sakpal, Subject Matter Expert-Soft Services, JLL and Dilani Hewage, Manager-Housekeeping, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Galle, Sri Lanka
From adopting smart technologies and driving sustainability to managing complex logistics, budgeting, vendor relations and guest experiences, housekeeping is a critical force behind operational excellence. This has been the case across sectors including hospitality, healthcare, aviation and corporate workplaces.
Professionals across India, Sri Lanka, Kuwait and the UAE are demonstrating that the true strength of housekeeping lies in its adaptability. Blending data-driven inventory control, brand storytelling, global mobility and cross-functional influence has modified their approach. Marked by innovation, recognition and rapid progression it goes to show how organisations position housekeeping as a strategic function to reap measurable gains in performance and prestige.
The narrative now shifts from career advocacy to business transformation, as the department once confined to the back-of-house emerges as a pivotal contributor to profitability, guest satisfaction and long-term brand value.
Housekeeping is not just about cleaning. It opens doors to experiences, recognition, travel, and continuous professional engagement.”
Pamini Hemaprabha
Housekeeping gives you a platform to shine. Name, fame, using the latest tech, travelling, meeting famous people from all walks of life, salary – it is not just about cleaning, shares Pamini Hemaprabha, a Hospitality Professional. Her own journey, having made a choice to stay away from home to make a name for herself in housekeeping, highlights the scope for ambition and achievement within an often underestimated field.
The undervaluation of housekeeping roles stems from a “lack of awareness and broad spectrum of understanding the whole concept,” observes Sivakumar Palaniyappan, Director of Housekeeping, Waldorf Astoria, Kuwait. In both hospitality and facility management, “the opportunities are unlimited provided you keep your mind open and constantly enhance your skills and expertise aligning with business objectives.”
Opportunities in housekeeping grow when professionals align their skills with evolving business needs and remain open to continuous learning.”
Sivakumar Palaniyappan
Housekeeping provides “learning opportunities towards developing the hospitality professional in many dimensions – people leadership skills, art of luxury through going beyond their routine, space for unlimited creativity & organisation skills and professional growth as well.” Trained and knowledgeable housekeeping professionals, “are always an asset to any hospitality segment and are great contributors towards organisation success.”
Sumesh K, Assistant Housekeeping Manager-HOD, Studio One Hotel, Dubai, UAE, believes that improving the perception of housekeeping among hospitality students begins with a redefinition of the discipline. “Housekeeping is not just about cleaning. It is the backbone of operational excellence in hospitality.” The skill sets involved in housekeeping include “logistics, inventory management, human resource handling, interior aesthetics, sustainability practices and guest satisfaction.” Housekeepers are “often the silent heroes who ensure comfort, safety and hygiene in each of the spaces guests interact with, from luxury hotels and hospitals to airlines and cruise liners.”
Housekeeping is the backbone of hospitality operations, involving logistics, aesthetics, sustainability and guest satisfaction.”
Sumesh Krishnankutty
To address outdated perceptions, Sumesh proposes a four point plan:
• Education and Awareness – incorporating modules on technology, leadership roles, and sustainability in hospitality curricula
• Showcasing Career Growth – highlighting structured career paths through to senior management
• Rebranding the Image – using social media and industry campaigns to share behind the scenes work and achievements
• Interdisciplinary Engagement – encouraging collaboration with design, sustainability, technology and HR teams to demonstrate the department’s breadth.
Housekeeping requires expertise that spans inventory control, chemical use and budget planning. This is far beyond its conventional perception.”
Snehal Sakpal
Snehal Sakpal, SME-Soft Services, JLL, agrees that hotel management education often presents housekeeping through “a narrow lens, primarily as a labour intensive department focused on cleaning.” This limited view overlooks expertise in “inventory and linen management, fabric care, flooring and crystallisation processes, machine and chemical innovations, sustainability practices and technology adoption.”
Housekeeping professionals develop skills in “manpower planning, vendor management, leadership, cost control, and budgeting.” This makes them valuable for operational performance and senior management roles across sectors such as corporate facilities, hospitals, aviation and retail.
Housekeeping is about creating safe, hygienic, and comfortable spaces. It calls for both technical skill and emotional intelligence.”
Dilani Hewage
Dilani Hewage, Manager-Housekeeping, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Galle, Sri Lanka, calls for “reshaping the narrative.” Housekeeping is not merely about cleaning; “it is about creating experiences, ensuring safety, maintaining hygiene standards and delivering comfort across diverse industries”. This discipline demands “a blend of creativity, precision, technical knowledge and emotional intelligence.”
Dilani recommends collaboration between educational institutions and industry leaders to introduce real life case studies, success stories and mentorship programmes. This will illustrate the department’s scope, from “sustainability initiatives and technology integration to leadership opportunities and global mobility.”
Collectively, these perspectives present housekeeping as an important profession that merits recognition, respect and continued investment. The field offers opportunities for those who pursue continuous learning and innovation. It also enables a broader understanding of its contribution and can attract a new generation of professionals ready to make a difference.