How technology is changing the housekeeping industry

The housekeeping industry was for a long time dependent on time-consuming cleaning methods and inefficient systems of organisation.

Happily, technological innovations have improved operational efficiency, staff satisfaction, and customer experience.

Key technologies

Digital reporting systems

These allow companies like the Godfrey Group to manage employees in real-time, regardless of their location.

They ensure satisfactory completion of tasks, and adherence to contract requirements.

Using a digital reporting system also allows staff to report on maintenance issues. Problems can then be resolved quickly, which keeps customers happy and prevents costly breakdowns.

Sensors are installed in buildings covered by a contract, and staff members scan each area as they complete a task (via a smartphone app).

The software can also store photographic evidence to ensure accuracy and accountability.

uAttend

This powerful and versatile attendance tracker allows managers to precisely monitor staff working hours and their location.

It ensures accurate and transparent billing for clients.   

Hotel housekeeping: Manage guest expectations swiftly and efficiently

Cleanliness, comfort and presentation are key aspects of guest satisfaction.

A consistently efficient hotel housekeeping system is vital to maintaining high standards in these essential areas.

Modern digital solutions eliminate the need for manual checklists, face-to-face briefings and physical room checks – all time-consuming activities prone to mistakes.

Task managing, problem solving and seamless communication with mobile apps

Managers, front-of-house staff, and housekeepers can stay in touch in real-time via specialised apps.

Housekeeping can be notified of guest check-in and departure times, special customer requests, and staff availability.

Housekeeping tasks can be scheduled swiftly and efficiently to ensure rooms are prepared without delay. Arriving guests no longer need to be inconvenienced while waiting for housekeeping to prepare the room.

Digital reporting systems can also be used to manage inventory such as bed linen, towels and even minibar supplies.

By keeping track of laundry items, housekeeping can monitor stock levels and replenish room supplies without delay – essential for a quick turnaround during busy periods.

Holiday park housekeeping: Manage multiple locations with ease

Holiday parks pose exceptional challenges for housekeeping teams with multiple units spread across large sites.

Caravans, lodges and communal facilities (for example, showers, bar, shop, café) all have specific requirements – a situation impossible to manage effectively with a clipboard.

Check-out times, location of units and staff availability must all be managed quickly and efficiently.

Fortunately, holiday park housekeeping teams can now utilise route optimisation tools, which plot the quickest route around the site, in accordance with the specific requirements of the day.

uAttend software ensures housekeeping staff reach the correct location at the right time and updates managers when units have been serviced.

Commercial cleaning services: Operate with precision in demanding locations

Commercial cleaning services operate across a variety of challenging environments.

Retail outlets, healthcare facilities, warehouses and offices have unique and constantly fluctuating requirements.

uAttend for smart scheduling

Occupancy levels in commercial locations are never consistent, and yet businesses must always provide the highest levels of customer comfort and safety.

For example, many companies have adopted hybrid working practices, so the amount of cleaning and restocking is always variable.

Technology such as uAttend doesn’t just monitor working hours.

It allows managers to schedule the correct number of cleaning staff to the right locations at the right time.

By adjusting resources in real-time, managers can adapt rotas for optimum efficiency and avoid unnecessary costs.

The benefits of smart housekeeping technology

Smart housekeeping innovations aren’t an optional extra for the business community.

They’re an essential component of a professional customer-focused enterprise, providing your business with cost-effective, high-quality housekeeping services that are fully flexible as your needs vary.

Here are some of the most innovative tools:

·       Digital reporting systems – these ensure housekeeping staff perform all necessary tasks to the required standard across multiple locations. This technology can also be used to monitor consumables and linen, report maintenance issues and manage stock levels for optimum efficiency.

·       uAttend workforce management tool – enables constant communication between managers and housekeeping staff, tracks employee attendance and location and prevents costly timesheet errors. It’s also a powerful scheduling tool which is ideal for fast-paced environments and fluctuating housekeeping requirements.

·       Smart cleaning devices – large spaces such as warehouses and retail units can be cleaned quickly and efficiently with automatic vacuums and floor scrubbers. This allows housekeeping staff to focus on detail-orientated cleaning as required – vital in locations such as healthcare facilities where cleanliness must be of the very highest standard.

·       IoT sensors – rubbish bins, minibars, air fresheners, soap dispensers and room occupancy can all be monitored and managed remotely. This allows staff to quickly prepare rooms and replace items as required. It also avoids unnecessary stockpiling.                     

Smart housekeeping services: An essential part of your business

The benefits of using cutting-edge technology for your housekeeping needs are clear:

·       Customer satisfaction: Clean and comfortable environments with all necessary amenities available – vital for happy clients and repeat business.

·       Accountability and transparency: Digital checklists, verifiable attendance and service quality, accurate billing.

·       Compliance: Digital records and remote monitoring systems ensure full compliance with health and safety and HR regulations.

·       Agile and user-friendly: Housekeeping technology is designed to support varying business needs without giving you a headache.

·       Increased productivity: Accurate, reliable systems and clear operating processes mean less stress for housekeeping staff and help them complete their tasks swiftly and efficiently.

Bespoke housekeeping solutions with the Godfrey Group

The Godfrey Group is an industry leader in commercial cleaning services in the UK.

Our bespoke housekeeping solutions and extensive use of cutting-edge technology ensure that nothing is left to chance, whatever your requirements.

We’ve been using digital reporting systems with great success for nearly a decade, and also use uAttend software which allows us to monitor employees and efficiently manage your business needs.

We pride ourselves on our professional, reliable and innovative approach, and you can rest assured that we’re always looking for new ways to support the growth and wellbeing of your business.

If you’re looking for a trustworthy and friendly partner for your housekeeping services, then please contact us today.