Housekeeping Management Consulting
Monthly Archives: April 2013
The Global Soap Project improving health in Malawi
This is a message from Sam Stephens Executive Director, The Global Soap Project.There is nothing like the joy we bring to people with a simple bar of soap! Last month, I went to Malawi to visit our partners distributing our soap in the southern part of the country. The project there is a collaborative effort between Global Soap, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Clinton Health Access Initiative, PATH, PSI, and the local Ministry of Health. Since becoming part of the partnership last year, we have distributed soap and hygiene education to more than 5,000 pregnant women and their families each month.Guest Lecture Series at Blue Mountains Hotel School, Leura
Liz continued with guest lecturing in March 2013, she was once again invited to present a 2 hour lecture to the Year 2 students at the Blue Mountains Hotel school Leura Campus. The session introduced the students to new rooms division products and technologies used in hotels and resorts globally.
SEQPHA Mother’s Day Breakfast
SEQPHA invites its members and non-members to a Mother’s Day Breakfast held at Sofitel Gold Coast on 7 May 2013 at 7 am. The cost to attend is $20 for members and $25 for non-members.
Please contact Melissa Bent if you would like to attend by 1st May on Mob: 0427 142664 or email melissab@mbdesigns.com.au
Reaction Paper from Enderun College student on Liz’s Presentation
Following Liz’ presentation to students at Enderun College Manila, the following paper was submitted by Edrenalyn V. Jarilla
The most interactive talk we’ve had for the whole semester is probably the one of Ms. Liz Lycette of Lycette and Associates, discussing and sharing with us the Housekeeping trends and innovations in the industry. Meeting her previously at 101 honestly got me hooked and excited to hear what she has to share in class on the 12th of March.
With so much enthusiasm and confidence in her field, I believe anyone who’s passionate about pursuing a career in the hospitality industry, would give the Housekeeping Department, another three looks. Had I not been set for F&B at the Peninsula, I would’ve begged to work for and with her. From discussing the new trends of using iPods, microfiber, bed lifting frame system and environmental-friendly solutions, to the inclusion of a debate to keep us engaged, and a couple of take-away insights at the end, I’ll dub it as the best and most organized talk, that is worth recommending to everyone in the field.
What I agree most was when she said how “You can bring a horse to the water, but you can’t force him to drink.” She elaborated on the importance of management as motivating people, and not just about planning, organising, leading and controlling – or the traditional management functions we all know of. I can only spot a few leaders and managers who experts in motivating their team, that often leads to a positive working environment, more productive workforce, and high standard results.
She further convinced us more by showing numerous successful housekeepers, far from what people perceive as housekeepers. I mean, let’s accept it. Most of the students aren’t as interested in Housekeeping as to Front Office, or Sales, or whichever department they’d want to go to. I believe it’s the department that is most looked down on. A great part of the population would think of housekeepers as those who are only cleaning the rooms, the public areas, or, as they, all the dirty work, and menial jobs. But that perception is just so crooked and far-fetched, that it is obviously from those who haven’t given the job a shot. I’m not saying that it’s the best job in the world, but it is something that takes more than just cleaning skills or hard labour as people would put it. I think it’s the most challenging job that only the courageous and wise would be successful at. I was fortunate enough to have tried working in the Housekeeping Department of Le Meridien during my internship. I started as room attendant, working on beds and toilet for a week, helping another room attendant finish the room assignments for that week. Those were the days when I would always find myself lying dead in bed every after shift, but would still have excitement to go to work the following day. I think it’s the staff and bosses that make the department rewarding and worthwhile. It’s all about the morning briefing when bosses would give compliments to the staff, and would give encouraging lines, making it easier for everyone to share their thoughts to improve the department. Being a Floor Supervisor the following week, making all the roster and room assignments for the staff, I realized how complicated it was, and how the process really takes into consideration not just the needs of the hotel but the health and welfare of the workers. It takes more than just checking if they’re doing things right in the rooms, but more like looking after them, checking if they’re still okay or if they need help already.
That said, I believe Housekeeping is all about being a family and team. It’s about taking care and looking after the struggles of one another, for the benefit of everyone. As they say, guests can only sleep in a dirty room once. And what makes guests stay is the cleanliness of the room, made possible by Housekeeping.
Professional Housekeepers of NSW visit Manly International College
It was the first event for 2013 – and 22 members of the Professional Housekeepers Association of NSW accepted the invitation to inspect the facilities and surroundings enjoyed by students of the renowned Manly International College of Management.
Faculty staff, Jan Read and Melissa Roughly, presented an overview of the housekeeping component for the Hospitality undergraduate programs, to the intense interest of an august collection of Executive Housekeepers and Supervisors. A strong vote of confidence was given to the content and relevance of the material presented.
The ethos of the college as they train and mentor international students is to foster a passion for the profession of Hotelier. This provides freedoms and involvement in local community at many levels. On route to achieving high academic goals – the opportunity to serve the community is a very present value. The college manages work placement partnerships with many Sydney hotels.
Senior students were preparing for a Gatsby event the next day and the visitors were impressed at the décor and the entire event creation, management, planning, budgeting, resourcing – a student responsibility from start to finish. Very impressive. We were told that Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban had their wedding and reception at the college – now that would be a fantastic milestone to flag on your college c.v.
A great start for learning, networking, getting out there for 2013. Coming soon – a seminar on The Ageing Workforce – strategies for management of older workers. Please contact Mavis Hedrik at public.officer@phan.org.au for additional information.
More photos available on web site: www.phan.org.au
Guest Lecture Opportunity at Enderun College, Manila, the Philippines
Liz was invited to Enderun College whilst she was at the Peninsula Manila for a month. This gave her a great opportunity to address some of the hospitality students from the Advanced Hotel Operations Course. Her presentation was on Management skills training through Housekeeping with new trends and innovations and a group debate.
She also shared some tips on the next Step – getting that job. The group debate on the pros and cons of using technology in housekeeping Department was lively and engaging and provoked the students to think seriously about choosing housekeeping management has a potential career path
3 Day Development Programme for Housekeeping Managers workshop at Enderun College, Manila, the Philippines
Early March saw the inaugural three-day Development Programme Housekeeping Managers Workshop take place at Enderun College Manila, the Philippines.
15 participants from all hotels including five-star, resort properties and city hotels attended the session. Click Here To Read More
Not All Hard Work – Some Fun at the Amazing Jeepney Race in Manila
It’s not only all about hard work when Liz is on assignment in various countries. While she was in Manila recently working at the Peninsula Hotel, the management team invited her out for some fun!
PHAN AGM held March 19th at Sydney Shangri la Hotel
A total of 37 members and invited guests attended, including the Committee. Everyone was warmly welcomed by President, Maureen Jolowicz, Radisson Blu Hotel. She described 2012 as a reasonable yet challenging year for all – owners, hoteliers, housekeepers and all PHAN members.
The pressure on PHAN members caused by consistent high occupancy and ever increasing responsible management practices was often reflected in attendance at events. Maureen encouraged all members to consider the benefit of being away from their property for a short while to engage with peers and a focus that often brings refreshment and re-energizing. There is value in enjoying learning, networking, establishing new connections – and having fun.
At this Annual General Meeting a motion was put to the members to vote for inclusion of suppliers as Associate Members. Their energy, enthusiasm and support is a great encouragement to the association. As a recognition of the benefits of inclusiveness, it was put to the Members that the constitution to be amended to permit the admission of Associate Members – at the individual discretion of the committee.
AMENDMENT TO CONSTITUTION The motion “To amend the constitution to admit Associate Members, at the discretion of The Committee” was put to the meeting. By a show of hands 21 voted in favour of the motion, 2 voted against the motion and 2 members abstained. Accordingly, the motion was passed. Framework and implementation and will be placed on the agenda at the first meeting of the new incoming Committee
ABOUT PHAN
The Professional Housekeepers Association of NSW, Inc. was founded in 2005 by a group of Sydney based, Executive Housekeepers. We are the only not for profit, incorporated association representing Housekeeping and Accommodation Management in the Sydney region.
PHAN is dedicated to support and encourage all employees in Housekeeping and allied areas with training, education and mentoring across all areas of the operation. This is provided by seminars and workshops with industry experts and invited specialists across the wide range of activities that are part of the regular function of the Housekeeping Department.
The sharing of knowledge and fostering professional development throughout each person’s career as well as actively assisting new recruits to advance their knowledge and experience – for the benefit of the Hospitality industry.
Renewing Old Acquaintances -Ruth at Enderun College, Manila, the Philippines
Liz had a blast from the past in Manila recently, she meet someone who was instrumental in her choice of hospitality as a career path.
Ruth Von Siebenthal was the Executive Housekeeper at the Hong Kong hotel in 1973 when teenager Liz stayed with their parents when they first arrived in Hong Kong.
As Liz was on to the school holiday break she would join the Room Attendants and help them make up guest rooms while they got the chance to practice their English skills.
Ruth helped arrange a two day orientation in all aspects of hotel operations and Liz was hooked.
Ruth is now Principal Lecturer in International Hospitality Management at Enderun College in Manila and she helped facilitate the recent three-day Development Programme for Housekeeping Managers workshop.
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