The hospitality industry, like many others, is constantly evolving. Innovations in technology, emerging best practices, and trends in consumer spending all impact how the industry functions and those within it thrive. Keeping up with changes in the landscape is part of the job for those working within it. Fortunately, there are several tried and tested strategies for succeeding in the industry that remain valuable despite these changes. The following tips for success apply to anyone working in hotels, despite their role or level within the organization.
Effective Time Management
Whether it is on-the-clock hours, time away from work, or the commute to and from each shift, effective time management is crucial for success within the industry (and a well-balanced life). Time management is not always easy, especially for hotel workers who often have irregular schedules. However, proper management of time maximizes the effectiveness of that time while minimizing stress.
The hospitality employees with the best time management skills often map out their calendars, beginning with the biggest life responsibilities. That usually begins with scheduled shifts at work, medical appointments, and other family responsibilities. Visualizing these commitments in relationship to available time is one of the most effective ways to ensure time is well spent.
Time management is equally as important during working hours. Most teams operating within a hotel have a certain order in which they carry out tasks each shift. However, individual contributors within those teams often perform tasks autonomously, meaning with little to no supervision. Knowing which tasks to prioritize during a shift and being able to multitask when needed are key to consistently making way through all daily responsibilities on time.
Commitment to Guest Satisfaction
No matter whether a hotel role involves customer interaction, dedication to providing a stellar guest experience is required from everyone to run a successful business. From the moment a guest books a stay with a hotel to the time they check out and pay their bill, each interaction they have with a member of staff impacts their satisfaction with that stay. Additionally, the overall look and feel of the accommodation during their stay impact that satisfaction as well.
The front desk team obviously interacts with guests face to face most often. However, the housekeeping and maintenance teams keep the facility clean, functioning, and safe – so their roles are critical to the guest experience as well. Management plays a big role in resolving issues and complaints – both of which require prioritizing guest satisfaction with the resolution.
No matter how or how often a role impacts the guest experience, successful hotel employees prioritize customer service and strive to ensure guests enjoy their stay as much as possible.
Teamwork & Leadership Qualities
Not all hotel positions require leadership skills to be successful. However, those in management positions or team leadership roles need to understand how to successfully motivate and lead their teams toward success daily. This involves developing strong relationships with all contributors, ensuring clear and constant communication, and listening to and effectively responding to issues, questions, or other feedback.
For individual contributors, the ability to lead others toward a common goal isn’t a requirement. However, it’s important that all hospitality employees understand teamwork and how their position impacts the organization’s overall success. What does strong teamwork look like within a hotel or extended stay facility? Performing one’s job responsibilities is just one part of it. Collaborating as a team involves establishing clear communication and mutual lines of respect among all team members. Supportive team members listen to each other and understand they are all contributing to the overall goal of a positive guest experience. Sometimes, that involves cross-training on other positions to be able to help in case of employee absence. In other cases, it might mean an employee bringing up a safety concern to management to prevent injury among staff or guests. Hotels can’t succeed without both strong leadership and effective teamwork from all its staff.
How to Find Job Opportunities in the Hotel Industry
Combining the keys to success above is likely to result in a top-quality hotel employee with a strong future in the industry either remaining at the contributor level or advancing into leadership positions. Hotels are certainly a place where employers prefer to promote from within. So, even securing an entry-level position in a hotel or extended stay is a great opportunity to gain experience, develop the above-mentioned skills, and build relationships within the industry.
For current job seekers, the options available in the industry are somewhat overwhelming. Hotels across the country are battling employee shortages while trying to beef up their staff heading toward summer. Options are abundant, but for those looking to thrive in the industry long-term, it’s important to find an employer that prioritizes the staff experience as much as it does for guests.
We strive to be the employer of choice within the extended stay industry. We also make it easy to explore opportunities within our organization based on geographic area, type of role, and organizational function. There are roles across our over 50 locations nationwide on teams such as housekeeping, maintenance, and the front desk. For those looking for leadership positions, there are management positions available within one location or even regional positions with a focus on a larger geography of locations. Manage time effectively, prioritize customer service, work as a team, and choose a hotel employer that values their staff. In doing so, success in the industry is almost guaranteed!