ahshospitalityau

Sustainable Cleaning Starts with Small Changes

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 07:09:33 GMT

With Earth Day this month, it’s a timely reminder that sustainability is driven not only by major innovations, but also by the everyday actions that collectively create meaningful change.

In housekeeping and commercial cleaning services, practical sustainability can be embedded in daily operations through smarter resource use, reduced waste, and continuous improvements that support both environmental outcomes and operational efficiency.

Small changes, meaningful impact

Sustainable cleaning is often about making better choices in the details. Using microfibre cloths helps reduce reliance on chemicals, lower water use and support waste reduction through reusable materials. Combined with sustainable product innovation, this approach helps reduce environmental impact while maintaining high cleaning standards.

Our use of cleaning solutions from Ecolab also supports this approach, helping improve chemical efficiency, reduce waste and support more sustainable cleaning outcomes through responsible product use.

In the hotel environments we support, sustainability also extends to practical waste management initiatives, including recycling systems that help divert recyclable materials from general waste streams, supporting more responsible resource use at site level. These practical actions may seem small in isolation, but at scale, they can contribute to significant environmental benefits.

Driving efficiency through smarter resource use

Sustainability is also about how services are delivered. Optimising delivery schedules, consolidating orders, and reducing unnecessary transport can help reduce emissions while improving efficiency. Through our partnership with Bunzl, ahs has been reviewing delivery practices and identifying practical opportunities to lower environmental impact across our supply chain.

Recent analysis identified the potential to reduce delivery emissions by 24%, equivalent to 95 kgs CO2-e, through initiatives such as order consolidation, improved delivery planning and reducing unnecessary deliveries. While modest in appearance, these practical changes demonstrate how supplier partnerships and operational decisions can support measurable progress toward lower emissions.

Supporting ESG goals through everyday operations

Increasingly, cleaning services play an important role in supporting broader Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) objectives. From sustainable product choices and waste reduction initiatives to efficient resource management and responsible supply chain practices, cleaning can contribute to helping organisations advance their sustainability priorities while maintaining safe, high-quality environments. It is one example of how operational services can support both performance and purpose.

Progress through partnership

Meaningful sustainability outcomes are often driven through collaboration. As part of the RGF Staffing ANZ group, we are proud to contribute to broader sustainability commitments. We have retained our Platinum rating from EcoVadis , placing us in the top 1% of companies assessed globally over the past 12 months.

Our score has continued to improve, supported by the development of our group sustainability plan, the inclusion of measurable targets, and a more robust reporting framework. This recognition reflects a strong commitment to measurable action, continuous improvement and responsible business practices.

Together, these efforts demonstrate how practical operational improvements, supplier partnerships and broader sustainability strategies can contribute to meaningful progress.

Building Stronger Teams Through Inclusion in Cultural Diversity Week

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 23:50:45 GMT

At ahs hospitality, Cultural Diversity Week is an opportunity to reflect on what truly makes our teams strong: the people, perspectives and experiences that come together every day across our operations.

Housekeeping is one of the most diverse workforces in the hospitality industry. Across our teams, individuals from over 80 nationalities work side by side, bringing unique skills, values and ways of thinking. This diversity is not only part of who we are, it is a key driver of how we deliver consistent, high-quality service.

A Workforce Shaped by Diversity and Inclusion

Our workforce reflects a strong commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity.

Today, 70.04% of our workforce are women, with 73.12% of leadership roles, including Supervisors, Executive Housekeepers and Housekeeping Managers, held by women. Women also make up 55% of our head office team, and over the past 12 months, 31 women have been promoted internally.

These numbers represent more than diversity; they demonstrate a workplace where individuals are supported to grow, take on leadership roles and build meaningful careers.

Creating a Culture Where People Feel Valued

Diversity is only meaningful when people feel genuinely respected, heard and included. At ahs hospitality, this is something we actively build every day.

Over the past 12 months, we have welcomed new team members from over 30 diverse cultural backgrounds into our workforce, each bringing their own experiences, perspectives and strengths. As our teams continue to grow, so does our commitment to creating an environment where everyone feels they belong.

We focus on fostering a culture where team members feel comfortable being themselves, where different perspectives are not only accepted but valued, and where leaders support their teams with empathy, understanding and cultural awareness.

This is reflected in our employee engagement score of 92.56%, a strong indicator of the connection, trust and sense of belonging that exists across our teams.

Supporting Our People at Every Stage

Supporting diversity also means recognising the different needs of our workforce.

We continue to support team members through parental leave, with 16 female team members accessing parental leave in the past year, alongside flexible and inclusive workplace practices that accommodate different life stages, cultural commitments and personal circumstances. We also celebrate a wide range of cultural festivals, recognising and embracing the diverse backgrounds of our people.

These initiatives help create a workplace where people feel supported not only professionally, but personally.

Diversity in Action, Every Day

In housekeeping, diversity is visible every day in the way teams collaborate, support one another and bring different strengths to their roles.

It can be seen in teams working across languages and cultures, leaders adapting their approach to support individuals, and colleagues learning from one another to build stronger connections.

This diversity strengthens not only team culture, but also the quality of service delivered to our hotel partners and their gues ts.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate Cultural Diversity Week, we recognise that building an inclusive workplace is an ongoing journey.

We remain committed to creating opportunities for growth and leadership, supporting diverse teams through inclusive practices, and continuing to build a culture where everyone feels valued and respected. Because when people feel they belong, they perform at their best, and that is what drives strong teams, great workplaces and exceptional guest experiences.

Move-In Ready: A Complete Cleaning Checklist for Student Living

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:58:15 GMT

With February here and new students preparing to move in, student accommodation providers are entering one of the busiest times of the year. Tight turnaround windows, high occupancy and rising expectations mean every room and shared space needs to feel clean, fresh and ready from day one.

A well-planned turnover cleaning approach helps create a positive first impression for incoming residents while protecting the long-term condition of your property. It also ensures a smoother transition between outgoing and new students, making move-in periods far more manageable for on-site teams.

Creating a fresh start in every bedroom

Bedrooms are often the first space new residents see, so presentation matters. A thorough reset goes beyond basic cleaning, it helps create a welcoming and comfortable environment where students can quickly feel at home. Surfaces should be dust-free and refreshed, mirrors and windows clean, and floors vacuumed or mopped to restore a well-maintained look. Any leftover items or maintenance issues should be addressed promptly, while high-touch areas such as handles and switches are sanitised to ensure the room feels truly move-in ready.

Maintaining hygiene in shared kitchens

Shared kitchens play a central role in student living and require careful attention during turnover periods. A deep clean of benchtops and appliances helps maintain hygiene and prevents lingering odours from previous occupants. Fridges and storage areas should be cleared and sanitised, while sinks, taps and floors are refreshed to ensure the space feels clean and inviting. A well-maintained kitchen supports not only health and safety but also a positive shared living experience for residents.

Delivering spotless and hygienic bathrooms

Clean, well-presented bathrooms are essential to resident satisfaction. During turnover periods, detailed sanitation helps remove soap residue, mould and limescale while restoring freshness to the space. From polished mirrors and disinfected fixtures to sanitised floors and proper ventilation checks, a carefully cleaned bathroom reinforces quality standards and contributes to a comfortable living environment for incoming students.

Refreshing carpets and soft furnishings

After months of use, carpets and soft furnishings can hold dust, stains and odours. Refreshing these areas brings new life to each room and improves overall comfort. Thorough vacuuming, spot treatment and occasional steam cleaning help maintain cleanliness and extend the lifespan of furnishings. Curtains, blinds and mattresses should also be checked and refreshed where needed, ensuring every space feels well cared for and welcoming.

Finishing with a fresh, welcoming environment

The final stage of turnover cleaning focuses on creating a clean, odour-free environment throughout the property. Removing waste, sanitising bins and refreshing common areas ensures that both private and shared spaces feel ready for new arrivals. These finishing touches play a significant role in shaping first impressions and setting the tone for the new academic period.

Preparing for a smooth start to the semester

With move-in dates fast approaching, now is the ideal time to ensure your accommodation is fully prepared. A consistent, professional cleaning approach not only supports hygiene and presentation but also helps property teams manage busy turnover periods with confidence.

At ahs hospitality, we partner with student accommodation properties to deliver flexible, high-quality cleaning solutions tailored to semester schedules, move-ins and departures. By combining experience, reliability and attention to detail, our teams help create clean, welcoming living environments where students can feel at home from day one.

Hospitality in 2026: What Hotels Expect From Housekeeping Partners

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 22:44:12 GMT

As the hospitality industry moves into 2026, the role of housekeeping continues to evolve. Hotel operators are no longer looking for providers who simply deliver clean rooms, they are seeking strategic housekeeping partners who can support operational efficiency, guest satisfaction, workforce stability, compliance, and sustainability.

With ongoing labour challenges, rising guest expectations, and increased focus on sustainability and risk management, housekeeping has become a core driver of overall hotel performance.

So what will define a strong housekeeping partnership in 2026?

1. Operational Agility During Peak Periods

Hospitality is inherently seasonal. From summer peak travel to major events and high-occupancy periods such as the Australian Open, hotels rely on flexible housekeeping solutions that can adapt quickly.

By 2026, successful housekeeping partners will be able to scale teams efficiently, manage high room turnover without compromising standards, and respond rapidly to changes in occupancy or operational demands. Agile operations are critical to maintaining service quality while controlling costs.

2. Technology-Enabled Housekeeping Operations

Technology continues to reshape hotel housekeeping management. Hotel operators increasingly value partners who leverage digital tools to improve transparency, efficiency, and communication.

This includes digital workforce planning and rostering, mobile quality inspections and reporting, and real-time communication between housekeeping teams and hotel management. Technology-enabled operations support faster decision-making, quicker issue resolution, and more consistent service delivery across properties.

3. Consistent Cleaning Standards and Quality Assurance

In 2026, cleanliness and presentation remain fundamental to guest experience and online reviews. Hotels look for housekeeping partners who can deliver consistent cleaning standards aligned with brand requirements, supported by standardised SOPs, regular quality audits, and ongoing performance tracking. Consistent housekeeping quality directly influences guest satisfaction scores, online reviews, and overall brand reputation.

4. Compliance, Safety, and Risk Management

With increasing regulatory scrutiny, hotel operators expect housekeeping partners to demonstrate strong workplace health and safety (WHS) and compliance frameworks.

Key areas include:

Injury prevention and safe manual handling practices
Fatigue management and responsible workload planning
Audit-ready compliance documentation and training records

Effective housekeeping compliance management protects people, reduces disruption, and mitigates operational risk.

5. Sustainable Housekeeping Practices

Sustainability is now embedded in daily hotel operations, and operators increasingly expect housekeeping partners to support environmentally responsible practices. This includes reducing chemical and water usage, minimising waste through sustainable supplies, and delivering measurable outcomes aligned with ESG goals. Sustainable housekeeping not only reduces environmental impact but also reinforces hotel brand values and meets growing guest expectations.

6. Creating Deeper Guest Connections Through Housekeeping

In 2026, housekeeping plays a vital role in shaping how guests feel about their stay, not just how clean a room looks. Hotel operators increasingly recognise that thoughtful, consistent housekeeping contributes to deeper emotional connections with guests, influencing loyalty, repeat visits, and brand perception.

From attention to detail and room presentation, to responsiveness and care behind the scenes, housekeeping teams help create an environment where guests feel comfortable, valued, and looked after. These small, often unseen moments add up to a more personalised and memorable guest experience.

Looking Ahead

For hotel operators, partnering with the right housekeeping provider means gaining a trusted collaborator who understands the realities of modern hospitality and helps deliver consistent, high-quality guest experiences every day.

At ahs hospitality, we understand that delivering exceptional housekeeping is about combining people-first practices, strong training, consistent standards, and genuine care to support hotels in creating meaningful guest connections — every stay, every room, every day.

With the right systems, people, and values in place, housekeeping becomes a powerful contributor to guest satisfaction and long-term brand trust.

6 Fun Ways to Celebrate Christmas With Your Housekeeping Team

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:50:02 GMT

The festive season is a wonderful opportunity to recognise the incredible work of housekeeping teams. While guests are enjoying holidays, reunions, and summer travel, our housekeeping teams work tirelessly behind the scenes to create clean, welcoming spaces that make every stay feel special. Celebrating Christmas and New Year with your team is not only a way to show appreciation, but also a chance to build connection, strengthen morale, and end the year on a positive note. Here are six meaningful ways to celebrate with your housekeeping teams this festive season.

1. Host a Festive Morning Tea or End-of-Shift Celebration

A simple gathering can bring a team closer, especially during the busy holiday period. A festive morning tea, light lunch, or end-of-shift treat gives everyone a moment to pause, connect, and celebrate. It doesn’t need to be extravagant, pastries, fruit, coffee, or a small treat table can instantly make the day feel special.

2. Decorate Christmas Tree Together to Build Team Spirit

Inviting the team to help decorate the staff room or housekeeping area creates a sense of ownership and shared celebration. A small Christmas tree, festive lights, a “Season’s Greetings” message wall, or themed posters can transform the space and help everyone feel part of the festive atmosphere.

3. Celebrate Cultural Diversity with a Shared Lunch

Housekeeping teams are wonderfully diverse, and food is a powerful way to celebrate that. A shared lunch where team members bring dishes from their culture creates connection and showcases how Christmas and New Year are celebrated around the world. It becomes a moment of learning, laughter, and community.

4. Hold a Fun and Budget-Friendly Secret Santa

A Secret Santa exchange is a simple yet enjoyable way to bring festive cheer into the workplace. Set a small budget, draw names anonymously, and encourage thoughtful, light-hearted gifts. Whether it’s snacks, stationery, or small personalised items, the fun lies in the surprise, and the laughter when the gifts are revealed. It’s an easy activity that helps team members bond and share a joyful moment together.

5. Create Fun Team Activities

Bringing a little fun into the workplace can lift spirits instantly. Quick activities such as festive trivia or a Christmas hat game, where team members pass around a Santa hat while music plays, and whoever is holding it when the music stops must complete a fun challenge, encourage laughter and team bonding. Even a simple 10-minute game can energise the team before or after a shift.

6. Recognise Achievements and Share Goals for the New Year

The end of the year is the perfect time to highlight the hard work and dedication of your team. Whether through certificates, shout-outs, milestone recognition, or a heartfelt thank-you message from leadership, acknowledging achievements boosts pride and reinforces each team member’s value. It’s also a natural moment to reflect on progress and set a positive tone for the year ahead.

At ahs hospitality, we’re proud to celebrate the dedication and spirit of our teams across Australia and New Zealand, and we look forward to welcoming a bright new year together.

Preparing for Summer Peak Season: Getting Hotels, Commercial Spaces, and Student Accommodation Ready

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:55:05 GMT

As we move into the summer holiday period, many industries begin to experience their own version of “peak season.” Hotels welcome a surge of guests, shopping centres see heavier foot traffic, offices prepare for year-end shutdowns, and student accommodation providers manage large-scale move-outs. With demand rising across the board, now is the perfect time for businesses to plan ahead, strengthen their cleaning and housekeeping operations, and ensure they’re well-prepared for the busy months ahead.

1. Hotels: Preparing for the Summer Travel Rush

For hotels, the summer peak season brings higher occupancy, faster room turnarounds, and guests with even higher expectations. A strong and well-prepared housekeeping operation is key to maintaining exceptional room presentation and delivering an outstanding guest experience during the busiest time of the year.

Forecast labour needs early
Understanding upcoming occupancy trends helps hotel teams plan the right number of room attendants, supervisors, and public area cleaners, ensuring they can keep up with demand without compromising quality.

Refresh training and safety procedures
Pre-season refreshers, covering manual handling, chemical safety, and room-cleaning SOPs help maintain consistency, efficiency, and high guest satisfaction.

Consider flexible housekeeping models
Whether a hotel requires a Full-Service solution or Top-Up/Labour Hire support, flexible models make it easier to respond to fluctuating occupancy and sudden changes in demand.

Support team wellbeing during peak season
Small but meaningful efforts, such as recognition programs, open communication, and structured breaks can greatly boost morale and help teams perform at their best during the fast-paced summer period.

2. Commercial Spaces: Cleaning for High-Traffic Holiday Periods

Retail centres, office buildings, and commercial spaces also experience a significant increase in activity during peak season. Shopping centres see heavy daily foot traffic, while many offices use the quieter period to complete end-of-year deep cleans before the holiday shutdown.

Plan ahead for increased traffic in retail environments
Food courts, bathrooms, entry points, escalators, and high-touch surfaces require more frequent and detailed cleaning to maintain a safe, hygienic, and welcoming environment for holiday shoppers.

Schedule end-of-year deep cleans for offices
The shutdown period is the perfect time to refresh carpets, kitchens, meeting rooms, and workstations, ensuring employees return to a clean, healthy workspace in the New Year.

Build flexible cleaning schedules
Extended trading hours and late-night shopping call for adaptable cleaning teams who can provide ongoing support throughout the day and night to keep high-traffic areas looking their best.

Maintain safety in busy environments
Crowded retail spaces increase the risk of spills, waste buildup, and trip hazards, making experienced, WHS-focused cleaning staff essential for ensuring a safe environment for employees and visitors.

3. Student Accommodation: Preparing for University Breaks

As university breaks approach, student accommodation providers enter their own peak period, with hundreds of students moving in or out within a short timeframe. A well-planned and organised cleaning strategy is essential to ensure rooms and shared spaces are refreshed, safe, and ready for the next intake.

Plan large-scale exit and departure cleans
Bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and shared living areas need thorough resets to prepare for incoming students or short-stay holiday tenants.

Schedule deep cleaning during vacant periods
Quiet periods are the ideal time to complete detailed cleaning in gyms, lounges, study rooms, and common kitchens, helping keep facilities fresh and well-maintained.

Maintain regular cleaning of shared spaces
High-traffic areas such as hallways, lobbies, and study zones benefit from consistent cleaning to uphold hygiene, safety, and a welcoming environment year-round.

Use a scalable, compliant workforce
Engaging trained staff with Working with Children Checks and Police Checks ensures a safe, secure, and compliant environment for all residents.

How We Support Peak Season Success

We provide tailored solutions across multiple sectors, including:

Hotel housekeeping support through Full-Service, Labour Hire, or Hybrid models
Commercial cleaning services for offices, retail centres, and high-traffic spaces
Student accommodation cleaning for end-of-year turnovers and ongoing maintenance
Trained, compliant teams focused on WHS, quality, and efficiency
Scalable staffing to meet short-term peak demands or ongoing operational needs

Whether you’re preparing for holiday travellers, supporting thousands of shoppers, or managing large student move-outs, our teams are ready to help ensure a smooth, professional, and stress-free peak season.

Safe Work Month 2025: Be Prepared. Be Safe

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 23:55:41 GMT

October is Safe Work Month, and at ahs hospitality, it’s our time to pause, reflect, and celebrate what truly keeps our teams strong: safety.

This year’s theme, “Be Prepared. Be Safe.”, captures the proactive approach we take to safety every day. As Jay Markland, Safety and Quality General Manager, explains: “Every day, we assess our tasks, identify risks, and put the right steps in place to keep our people safe. These risk assessments help shape our training and procedures, because when we follow our processes, we protect not just ourselves, but each other.”

Throughout the month, we’ve focused on a new topic each week, exploring how small, everyday habits can make a big difference and help us create a safer workplace for everyone.

Week 1: Electrical Safety

Electricity powers much of what we do, but it also demands care and respect. Electrical shocks can be serious, so before you plug in, always take a moment to make sure everything is safe and in good condition.

Check cords and plugs for any visible damage, confirm the inspection tag is up to date, and never use equipment near water or if it appears faulty. If something doesn’t look right, report it straight away and tag it out of service to prevent anyone else from using it.

Wherever possible, we use battery-powered tools to minimise trip hazards and improve safety in public areas. In addition, all ahs workspaces are equipped with residual current devices (RCDs) — safety switches that help reduce the impact of an electric shock.

It’s just one of the many ways we ensure every team member can work confidently, safely, and return home at the end of each shift without harm.

Week 2: Manual Handling

Our work as housekeepers is active, physical, and hands-on, which means our bodies deserve just as much care as our tools. Manual strain injuries often occur when we rush, lift incorrectly, or work while tired. The good news is that they’re preventable.

Before starting your shift, take a few minutes to stretch and warm up. Think of it as your workday workout prep—athletes wouldn’t start a game without warming up, and neither should we. Our posture video features simple dynamic stretches designed by physiotherapists specifically for our housekeeping teams.

Use the correct techniques for lifting and moving, and never hesitate to ask for help. Listen to your body, rest when you’re unwell, eat well before work, and speak up if you’re feeling fatigued. By staying mindful, you’re setting yourself and your teammates up for success.

Week 3: Hand Safety

Our hands are at the heart of everything we do. From making beds to wiping tables, they are our most valuable tools, so keeping them safe is essential.

Hand injuries can happen quickly, whether from cuts caused by broken glass, punctures from sharps, or irritation from chemicals. The best prevention is awareness. Always handle glassware carefully and never place your fingers inside a glass. If you ever find a syringe or sharp object, do not touch it. Call your manager so it can be safely disposed of using the correct equipment.

Wear the required protective gear when using chemicals, take care around hot surfaces, and alternate hands during repetitive tasks to avoid strain. These simple habits protect not only your hands but also your ability to continue doing the work you love safely and confidently.

Week 4: Mental Health

Safety isn’t only about physical wellbeing; it’s also about how we feel. Everyone faces challenges from time to time, whether at work or at home. Learning new tasks, managing stress, or dealing with personal issues can all affect our mental health. That’s why we encourage everyone to look out for one another, not just on R U OK? Day but every day.

If you notice a colleague who seems stressed or quiet, take a moment to check in. Sometimes a simple “Are you okay?” can mean more than you realise. And if you are the one struggling, please remember that you are not alone. Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides free, confidential support to help you through any challenge.

It’s okay to ask for help, take time off when you need it, or request extra training or support. Together, we can build a workplace where everyone feels heard, supported, and valued.

Let’s Be Prepared. Be Safe.

Safe Work Month is a reminder that safety is something we all share. Every time you inspect equipment, lift correctly, protect your hands, or look out for a teammate, you’re playing your part in building a stronger, safer ahs community.

At ahs hospitality, we’re proud of our people — the care, dedication, and teamwork that make our workplaces not just productive, but safe and supportive for everyone.

Let’s keep looking out for one another, stay alert, and always remember to Be Prepared. Be Safe.

Housekeeping Week 2025: Celebrating the Heart of Hospitality

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 23:12:22 GMT

At ahs hospitality, Housekeeping Week is more than a celebration. It is a chance to shine a spotlight on the people who are truly at the heart of hospitality. Across Australia and New Zealand, our housekeeping teams are the ones who make every guest stay special, combining skill, care, and professionalism with a passion that sets them apart.

A Week of Celebration

This year, Housekeeping Week was filled with laughter, connection, and recognition. From team lunches and morning teas to games and our ever-popular Housekeeping Olympics, the celebrations were a true reflection of the teamwork and camaraderie that drive our success.

The Olympics were a highlight of the week. In the bed-making challenge, speed and precision were key as housekeepers raced against the clock to deliver flawless room setups. The Best Pantry and Storeroom competition showcased organisation and efficiency, proving that excellence extends far beyond guest rooms.

And of course, the towel art competition stole the show. From animals and relaxing characters to an incredible creation of a little girl, our teams took towel art to the next level, showing off both their creativity and their eye for detail. It was a powerful reminder that housekeeping is not just about service, it is an art.

Professionalism in Action

Housekeeping at ahs is not just a role; it is a profession. Every day, our teams bring consistency and efficiency to their work, supported by robust training and best practices. Beyond the skills and SOPs, it is the pride, positivity, and professionalism of our people that truly define the guest experience.

Housekeeping Week gave us the opportunity to pause and say thank you. Thank you to our team for the dedication, creativity and continuing to set the benchmark for hospitality excellence.

You can watch our Housekeeping Week wrap-up video and celebrate with us.

At ahs hospitality, we are always on the lookout for passionate individuals to join our housekeeping teams. Whether you are just starting your journey or ready to take the next step, there is a place for you with us. Explore our current opportunities here .

Your Spring Guide to Deep-Cleaning Hotels and Commercial Venues

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 23:36:35 GMT

As spring approaches, businesses across Australia and New Zealand prepare for an influx of travellers, diners, conferences, and special events. This makes spring cleaning more than just a seasonal ritual, it’s a strategic step in ensuring exceptional guest satisfaction, protecting your property’s reputation and staying ahead during the busy season.

At ahs hospitality, with over 30 years of experience in housekeeping services, we know what it takes to get rooms, restaurants, and facilities truly guest-ready. That’s why we’ve put together a practical deep-cleaning checklist to help your team prepare for spring.

1. Refresh Guest Rooms from Top to Bottom

Guest rooms are the heart of every stay, and a thorough refresh is essential. High-touch and often-overlooked areas such as light fixtures, ceiling fans, vents, and curtains should be carefully dusted and laundered. Carpets and upholstery benefit from steam cleaning to remove dust, pollen, and stains, while windows and mirrors should be polished. These details make a strong first impression that guests won’t forget.

2. Elevate Bedding & Linen Standards

Nothing says comfort like fresh, crisp bedding. Deep-cleaning mattresses helps maintain their quality while replacing worn pillows and duvets ensures a better night’s sleep. Professionally laundered linen should always be spotless and neatly presented, offering guests the touch of luxury they expect.

3. Renew Common Areas & Facilities

Common areas and facilities are equally important in making an impression. Lobbies, event spaces, and restaurants should be thoroughly sanitised, with carpets, floors, and high-traffic zones refreshed to meet the standards guests expect. For hotels with pools, spas, or fitness facilities, a deep clean is essential to maintain both safety and hygiene.

4. Deep-Clean Restaurants & Bars

For hospitality venues such as restaurants, cafés, and bars, spring cleaning is equally important. Dining spaces should be refreshed with sanitised tables, chairs, and high-touch surfaces, while flooring should be polished to remove scuffs and stains. Whether front-of-house or back-of-house, a spotless environment creates a welcoming atmosphere and reassures customers of your commitment to hygiene and quality.

5. Commit to Sustainable Cleaning Practices

Spring cleaning is also an opportunity to embrace more sustainable practices. At ahs hospitality, we use eco-friendly cleaning chemicals that reduce reliance on harsh substances while maintaining high standards of cleanliness. Our employment of microfiber cloths sourced from repurposed PET bottles diverts plastic from landfill. Choosing eco-friendly cleaning solutions not only protects the planet but also reflects your business’s commitment to responsible operations.

6. Plan for Ongoing Cleaning & Maintenance

Finally, spring cleaning is not just about a one-off reset. Hotels should implement ongoing cleaning schedules that support daily housekeeping tasks and maintain consistency throughout the peak season. Partnering with a trusted provider like ahs hospitality can make this process seamless, specialising in housekeeping services, commercial cleaning, and tailored staffing solutions designed for the hospitality industry. Whether you need additional support for a busy season or expert teams to manage deep cleaning, we’re here to help your hotel shine.

Fight the Flu with Confidence: Smart Cleaning for Hotels, Homes & Offices

lucia.fong@rgfstaffing.com.au (Camilla Yang) — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 00:34:20 GMT

As temperatures fall, flu season begins to set in, making it more important than ever to stay on top of cleanliness and hygiene. Whether you're managing a bustling hotel, working from a shared office, or keeping your home safe for loved ones, effective cleaning is your first line of defence.

At ahs hospitality, we understand the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy environment all year round. Here’s how you can boost your cleaning routine this flu season across different settings.

Hotels: Keeping Guests Safe and Comfortable

Your guests may not always see the cleaning in action, but they can feel the results.

Sanitise the High-Touch Areas

Light switches, lift buttons, and remote controls should be sanitised frequently to reduce the spread of germs.

Improve Air Circulation

Clean air-conditioning filters and ensure proper airflow. A fresh, well-ventilated room helps reduce airborne flu particles.

Support Your Housekeeping Team

Equip your staff with PPE and flu-season protocols to keep everyone safe and confident in their role.

Stay Protected with a Flu Vaccination

At ahs hospitality, we’re committed to keeping our team healthy during flu season. In states where flu vaccinations aren’t already covered, we offer free flu vaccinations to our staff as an added layer of protection.

At Home: Make Your Space a Flu-Free Zone

Let’s face it, no one wants to be stuck at home with the flu and a messy house. A clean, organised space can make recovery more comfortable and help prevent the spread of germs to others at home.

Wipe Down Shared Surfaces
Phones, fridge handles, and remotes can all harbour viruses. A quick daily clean with antibacterial wipes can make a big difference.
Wash Bedding Frequently
Flu viruses can linger in fabric. Regular hot washes can help keep germs at bay.
Make Hand Hygiene Easy
Place soap and sanitiser in high-traffic areas to make hand-washing a habit for everyone.

In Offices: Sick Days Don’t Stand a Chance

An office flu outbreak can impact productivity and morale. Here's how to keep your team healthy and your workspace clean.

Desk-Side Cleaning
Phones, keyboards, desks, and chairs all need regular disinfecting to stay flu-free.
Deep Clean Kitchens and Bathrooms
These high-traffic areas attract bacteria fast. A thorough clean keeps germs in check.
Stick to a Regular Cleaning Schedule
Proactive, consistent cleaning helps prevent illness before it spreads.

Let’s Tackle Flu Season Together

We believe cleanliness goes beyond appearances, it’s about creating spaces where people feel safe and cared for. Our expert cleaning teams operate across Australia, delivering tailored solutions to businesses of all sizes.

Whether you're managing a hotel, running an office, or maintaining a clean home, we’re here to help you stay one step ahead of flu season.

Need a hand this flu season?
Let’s chat about how we can support your cleaning needs.

Inside ahs hospitality: How Our Teams Stay Energised During the Cold Season

lucia.fong@rgfstaffing.com.au (Camilla Yang) — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 01:53:15 GMT

Winter brings cooler mornings, shorter days, and a few extra challenges for those working in hospitality. At ahs hospitality, our teams continue to deliver exceptional service across hotels and accommodation sites, even when the temperature drops.

So how do we stay energised, healthy, and motivated through the colder months? Here’s how our people keep the winter blues at bay while staying focused and connected on the job.

Powering Up the Day with Morning Briefings

A focused start sets the tone for a productive day. Our teams begin each shift with a daily morning briefing, a dedicated time to align on priorities, review room allocations, discuss any guest feedback, get some stretches in and highlight key reminders for the day ahead.

This simple but powerful routine helps create clarity, boost team energy, and ensure everyone is working together toward the same goals right from the start.

Staying Active and Alert

Winter often brings a slower pace outside, but inside our sites, energy and movement are key. Teams are encouraged to stay physically active through safe stretching, moving mindfully between tasks, and using breaks to stay loose and re-energised.

Being physically prepared for the job not only helps avoid seasonal stiffness but also supports focus and efficiency.

Prioritising Health and Hygiene

Winter is also cold and flu season, which is why wellness and hygiene go hand in hand. At ahs hospitality, we place a strong focus on wellness and hygiene to help protect both our teams and the guests we serve.

We promote hygienic habits across all sites, including:

Practising proper hand hygiene before and after every task
Disinfecting high-touch surfaces regularly, such as door handles, switches and lift buttons
Sanitising public and shared spaces including lobbies, staff rooms, and bathrooms
Wearing appropriate PPE and following personal hygiene protocols
Cleaning and disinfecting tools like mops and cloths to prevent cross-contamination
Offering all team members a free flu vaccination for states and territories that do not already off it free of charge

Celebrating Effort and Keeping Morale High

Recognition goes a long way, especially in the colder months. We take pride in celebrating the efforts of our people through internal celebration, guest feedback and day-to-day appreciation.

This winter, we’re especially proud to see one of our Housekeeping Manager, Ray, has been named a finalist for Housekeeper of the Year in the NSW Accommodation Awards for Excellence. It’s a powerful reminder that dedication and hard work never go unnoticed.

Supporting Each Other Through the Seasons

Winter might bring extra layers, but it also brings moments to check in, lift each other up, and recognise the everyday effort that keeps the industry moving.

At ahs hospitality, we’re more than just a team. We’re a community that looks after each other season after season. Thank you to all our teams for your continued energy and heart this winter.

ahs hospitality Commits to Workplace Safety and Prevention of Sexual Harassment

lucia.fong@rgfstaffing.com.au (Camilla Yang) — Fri, 09 May 2025 03:07:16 GMT

At ahs hospitality, the safety and well-being of our people come first. As part of our ongoing commitment to building respectful, inclusive, and harassment-free environments across Australia and New Zealand, we are proud to share our strengthened Sexual Harassment Prevention Plan.

This initiative is about more than compliance, it’s about culture. We want every employee to feel safe, supported, and empowered, no matter where they work. That means taking proactive, meaningful steps to identify risk, educate teams, and foster environments built on trust and mutual respect.

Why It Matters?

Sexual harassment is unlawful and unacceptable under any circumstances. It refers to unreasonable, uninvited, or unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that makes someone feel offended, humiliated, or threatened. Importantly, it does not need to be directed at a specific individual or intended to cause harm to be considered harassment.

Sexual harassment can occur between any individuals, regardless of gender, and can take place both in and outside the workplace, including on-site, online, or at work-related events.

We understand that power imbalances and fear of retaliation can make it difficult for individuals to speak up. That’s why we’re building a workplace culture where reporting is safe, respected, and supported—and where prevention is a shared responsibility.

What We’ve Reviewed

To strengthen our prevention plan, we began by thoroughly reviewing our existing policies, training, and risk controls to ensure alignment with current laws and best practices. Through internal consultations and risk assessments, we confirmed strong foundational practices already in place, including:

A comprehensive Respect at Work policy
Equal Employment & Anti-Discrimination policy
Anti-Bullying & Victimisation policy
Workplace Mental Health policy
Health & Safety Commitments Statement
Behaviour in the Workplace training
Anonymous reporting hotline
Regular site risk assessments and inspections

What We Found

While these existing measures provide a solid framework, our review also identified additional areas of concern where we can do more:

Isolated or confined workspaces
Power disparities within the workplace
Vulnerable workers, including visa holders and those with language barriers
Client and guest behaviour toward employees
Use of personal devices for work communication
Limited knowledge of local laws among some team members

What We’re Doing Next

In response, we’ve developed a targeted action plan to strengthen protections and reinforce our culture of safety and respect. Key initiatives include:

Site Reviews
We are training Managers to conduct structured sexual harassment risk assessments (June 2025)
Workplace Enhancements – Reviewing isolated workspaces and improving safety measures such as lighting (June 2025)
Incident Analysis – Conducting quarterly reviews of past misconduct to identify patterns and environment at risk (Quarterly)
Expanded Training – Enhancing onboarding programs for new workers (Date TBC)
Feedback Mechanisms – Introduction of pulse surveys to assess site culture and capture real-time insights. (June 2025)
Social Media Policy Review – Updating policies and training employees on appropriate digital conduct (March 2025)

This plan is not a one-time effort. We will review it annually, making updates as needed in line with legislation, and assess progress quarterly. Our teams will stay informed through internal communications, training sessions, and town halls.

Our Ongoing Commitment

At ahs hospitality, sexual harassment is not tolerated. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, included, and safe. By strengthening our prevention strategy, we’re creating an environment where all team members can feel confident, protected, and proud to be part of ahs hospitality. Because when our people feel protected and empowered, we all thrive.

Housekeeping Secrets: Create a Spa-Like Retreat at Home with Hotel-Inspired Cleaning

lucia.fong@rgfstaffing.com.au (Camilla Yang) — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 02:34:57 GMT

April has arrived, and with it comes school holidays, Easter celebrations, and a well-earned chance to relax. If you're not heading away, why not turn your home into the ultimate staycation spot?

At ahs hospitality, we know a thing or two about creating fresh, inviting spaces. Now we're sharing our favourite tips to help you bring that hotel-level luxury into your everyday — because you deserve a little self-care this holiday season.

1. Clear the Clutter

The first step to creating a peaceful, spa-like atmosphere at home is simplicity. Hotels and Spas achieve that calming effect with clean surfaces, neatly folded towels, and minimal visual clutter. Start by doing a quick reset in your bedroom or bathroom — clear the countertops, fold blankets, and put things back in their place. A tidy space instantly feels more luxurious and inviting.

2. Clean with Purpose

There’s nothing quite like that freshly cleaned, just-checked-in feeling. At ahs hospitality, we know it’s the little details that make a big difference — polished mirrors, spotless handles, and gleaming glass surfaces that bring a space to life. To achieve that same sparkling finish at home, use microfiber cloths for streak-free results and add a hint of citrus to your cleaning products for a fresh, spa-like aroma.

3. Make Your Bed the Star

Hotel beds are iconic for a reason — clean linens, cloud-like comfort, and effortlessly elegant styling. You can recreate that same experience at home with fresh sheets, fluffed pillows, and a neatly folded throw. For an extra touch of luxury, spritz a little lavender pillow spray to create a calming end-of-day ritual.

4. Set the Mood

Spas are all about engaging the senses — from scent and lighting to soothing sounds. Create a peaceful atmosphere at home by using soft lighting or candles, playing gentle background music, and diffusing essential oils like lavender, bergamot, or sandalwood to infuse your space with calming energy.

5. Upgrade Your Bathroom Experience

You don’t need marble countertops to create a high-end hotel feel at home. Simply organise your toiletries, roll your towels neatly, and add thoughtful touches like fresh flowers, bath salts, or your favourite skincare products displayed on a tray. For an added touch of indulgence, slip into a cozy robe and slippers to complete the spa-like experience.

The ahs Touch

At ahs hospitality, we’ve been supporting the hotel industry over 30 years with professional housekeeping services that elevate guest experiences. Now, you can bring that same level of polish and comfort into your everyday life — just in time for April’s holiday reset.

So light a candle, pour a cup of calming tea, and give yourself permission to relax. Your own private retreat is only a few thoughtful touches away.

Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion at ahs hospitality

lucia.fong@rgfstaffing.com.au (Camilla Yang) — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 01:16:06 GMT

Last week marked Cultural Diversity Week, and at ahs hospitality, we believe our people are our greatest strength. We're proud to highlight the diverse, inclusive, and people-centred culture that makes our workplace truly exceptional.

A Truly Multiculture Team

Our team proudly represents 88 different nationalities—a reflection of the global community. Each culture enriches our workplaces with fresh perspectives, diverse talents, and unique experiences, making our service stronger, warmer, and more authentic.

Women Powering Our Team

Did you know 69% of our housekeeping team are women? We celebrate their invaluable contributions and continuously foster an environment of growth, leadership, and opportunity for all women at ahs hospitality. This International Women’s Day, one of our client hotels celebrated the incredible women within the housekeeping team, showcasing their dedication and excellence.

Honouring Experience and Commitment
We deeply value the loyalty and dedication of our team members. With 61 employees who have been part of the ahs family for more than 15 years, and 32 team members surpassing 20 years, our commitment to building long-term careers is clear. This month, we proudly celebrated the milestones of Leanne, who has achieved an incredible 35 years with ahs, and Diane, marking 25 years of dedicated service. Their unwavering commitment truly embodies the spirit of housekeeping and highlights the supportive, rewarding environment we've cultivated.

Inclusivity Across All Ages and Abilities

Our workforce includes 28% youth team members (below 25 years) and 13% experienced senior employees (above 50 years), who work side-by-side, sharing knowledge and fostering mentorship. We also proudly support team members through local, state and national support programs, ensuring everyone feels welcome and valued.

A Culture Worth Celebrating
Celebrations are a cornerstone of our people-focused culture at ahs hospitality. Each year, we enthusiastically celebrate Cultural Diversity Week, Harmony Day, International Women’s Day, Housekeeping Week, significant work anniversaries, and various cultural festivals. These events strengthen our bonds, promote deeper connections, and enhance our culture of inclusivity and belonging.

This Cultural Diversity Week, we extend heartfelt gratitude to every member of the ahs hospitality family. Your unique backgrounds, inspiring stories, and diverse experiences make ahs hospitality an exceptional place to work, learn, and grow together.

5 Easy Tips to Keep Your Workspace Clean and Refreshing

lucia.fong@rgfstaffing.com.au (Camilla Yang) — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 05:39:03 GMT

We get it—between back-to-back meetings and endless emails, keeping your workspace clean often falls to the bottom of the to-do list. But a tidy office not only boosts productivity but also creates a positive impression for clients and employees. At ahs hospitality, we believe a clean workspace leads to sharper minds and happier teams. Ready to refresh your workspace? Here are some easy and practical cleaning tips to help you maintain a clean workspace (and yes, we’ll help you keep it spotless too!).

1. Desk Declutter: The 5-Minute Role

Your desk should be a command centre of your daily jobs. To keep it organised, create zones for your workspace, storage, and personal items, ensuring everything has its place. Keep only essential items on your desk—what you use daily—and store everything else in drawers or files. End each day with a 5-minute reset to tidy your desk so you can start fresh the next morning. For a little extra life, add a small plant to brighten up your space while purifying the air naturally.

2.  Keep the company kitchen clean

The office kitchen can quickly become a messy battleground. To keep things in order, wipe down surfaces such as tables, coffee machines, and microwaves after use. Clean up spills immediately and encourage everyone to wash their own dishes or load them into the dishwasher to avoid sink pileups. A clean pantry area not only boosts employee morale but also creates a welcoming, functional shared space.

3. Sanitise High-Touch Areas
Did you know your keyboard, mouse and phone are among the dirtiest spots in the office? Germs can spread quickly in shared office spaces, so it’s important to sanitise high-touch spaces, especially during flu season. Use microfiber cloths to wipe down these areas daily, and don’t forget to sanitise meeting tables and door handles regularly. For a chemical-free clean, choose eco-friendly cleaning products with essential oils to keep your workspace smelling fresh while staying green.

4. Create a Cleaning Schedule

Consistency is key to maintaining a clean and healthy office. Create a cleaning schedule to stay on top of things. Wipe down desks, empty trash bins, and tidy shared spaces daily. Weekly tasks can include vacuuming carpets and cleaning windows, while monthly deep cleans should focus on carpets and furniture to maintain air quality. At ahs hospitality, we offer tailored commercial cleaning services based on your office’s needs. Let us take care of your cleaning schedule and keep your office looking its best.

5. Leave It to the Pros

While daily tidying can help, sometimes you just need a deep clean to reset your workspace. That’s where ahs hospitality comes in! Our commercial cleaning services ensure your office is always spotless, healthy, and ready for business.

Why Choose Us?

Customised Cleaning Plans: We tailor our services to meet your unique office needs.
Eco-Friendly Products: Clean and green is our dedication.
Trained Professionals: Our team knows how to deliver a deep clean that makes a difference.

A clean office means a better day at work. Contact us today to learn more about our commercial and office cleaning services!

Housekeeping 2025: Emerging Trends Shaping the Future of Hospitality

lucia.fong@rgfstaffing.com.au (Camilla Yang) — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 03:16:15 GMT

Housekeeping 2025: Emerging Trends Shaping the Future of Hospitality

As we step into 2025, the world of housekeeping is evolving rapidly, driven by new technology, sustainable practices, and innovative workforce solutions. In this blog, we’ll uncover the must-know trends in housekeeping, revealing how they empower businesses to stay ahead in this dynamic landscape. Let’s dive in!

Crafting Tailored Experiences for Lasting Loyalty

In today’s hospitality landscape, where standardised practices are the norm, customisation is emerging as a game-changer for creating memorable guest experiences. Leveraging technology-based segmentation, hotels can now tailor interactions to real-time preferences and behaviours, turning routine stays into unique journeys.

This approach extends to every touchpoint, including housekeeping services. Picture hotel stays where rigid schedules, like fixed check-in and check-out times, are replaced by guest-defined timelines. Housekeeping seamlessly adapts to these schedules, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience. Personalised room settings—such as temperature, lighting, and amenities—are prepared in advance, reflecting each guest’s preferences. Additionally, housekeeping can cater to specific guest needs in real-time, such as replenishing supplies or adjusting services through a simple request via smart device.

By integrating hyper-personalisation into housekeeping and other touchpoints, hotels enhance guest satisfaction, creating tailored moments that foster long-term loyalty in an increasingly competitive market.

2. Sustainability housekeeping continues to shape hospitality

Sustainability has become a cornerstone of modern housekeeping, with a growing emphasis on eco-friendly practices that resonate with the values of environmentally conscious guests. From using eco-friendly cleaning materials to maximising recycling efforts, sustainable housekeeping not only reduces environmental impact but also strengthens a hotel’s reputation. Today’s travellers are increasingly aware of environmental and social issues, expecting hotels to take meaningful steps toward sustainability.

At ahs hospitality, we integrate green initiatives into our housekeeping operations. By partnering with eco-conscious suppliers and adopting practices such as using 100% recyclable microfiber cloths, we ensure our services align with both client needs and global sustainability goals. These efforts reduce resource consumption and help partner hotels meet guest expectations, reinforcing their competitive edge in an eco-conscious market. Through our commitment to sustainable practices, we are trying to set a benchmark for environmentally responsible housekeeping in the hospitality industry.

3. Workforce empowerment with labour hire solutions to turn challenges into opportunities

The hospitality industry has faced challenges in recruiting and retaining skilled staff, but labour hire solutions have emerged as a game-changer. At ahs hospitality, our tailored labour hire services provide hotels with access to a pool of trained and reliable professionals, ready to step in and meet operational needs seamlessly. This flexibility allows hotels to adapt to fluctuating demands, especially during peak seasons or unexpected staff shortages, without compromising service quality.

Labour hire is more than just filling roles—it’s about ensuring consistency and delivering exceptional guest experiences. By partnering with ahs hospitality, hotels can focus on their core operations while we manage the complexities of sourcing, training, and deploying high-performing teams. Our tailored solution facilitates hoteliers transform workforce challenges into opportunities, empowering hotels to maintain exceptional standards in a competitive market.

Discover all of ahs hospitality’s housekeeping services  here .

Looking to partner your hotel with ahs hospitality, get in touch with us  here .

5 steps to get your home Christmas ready to impress your guests

lucia.fong@rgfstaffing.com.au (Camilla Yang) — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 01:27:58 GMT

As we quickly approach the festive season, many of us will be looking forward to a much-deserved holiday break and opening our homes to family and friends. If you are still needing to get your home tidy and presentable, we have put together the ultimate 5 step plan you can follow that will help make your home really sparkle. Not only will it help set the tune for a merry and memorable holiday season, but it will impress your guests as well!

1. Declutter your home

Decluttering can help create an organised and spacious environment and can transform the look of your home. Our housekeepers recommend you first start clearing out non-essential items that are not needed and put them in storage. If you realise whilst you are decluttering that you no longer have a need for them, consider donating it to charity if it is in a good condition. Start with one room at a time so you do not feel so overwhelmed. By getting rid of items in the home that you no longer need, you will soon create a bigger and more inviting space to comfortably host your guests.

2. Deep clean the bathroom

Nothing will impress your guests more than a sparkly clean bathroom, so be sure that you give it a good deep clean! First clear away all items from your sink and floors and then start wiping down all surfaces with disinfectant spray and a reusable microfibre cloth. To get rid of the soap scum more sustainably, a housekeeping hack our housekeepers recommend is using bi carb soda and vinegar mixture. Once that is all completed, add some fresh hand towels and a scented candle to complement your sparkling bathroom.

3. Add festive touches throughout home

With your space now clean and organised, it is time to give it some magic with some holiday decorations! Whether it is a wreath on the door, or fairy lights hung along the staircase, adding these Christmas touches throughout your home will add extra excitement and warmth that your guests will appreciate. If you have a guest room , be sure to give it a Christmas upgrade as well!

4. Bring out the Christmas tree

Congratulations on making it this far! It is now time to bring out and set up the Christmas tree. As the star of the show, it can be easy to over decorate the Christmas tree, but we recommend that you keep it classy and simple. Stick to a set colour scheme and complement it with a collection of ornaments and Christmas lights.

5. Create the ultimate Christmas playlist

Christmas music is one of the easiest ways to get into the holiday mood and sets the tone for your holiday gathering with loved ones. Before your guests arrive, ask them what their favourite Christmas tunes are to create the ultimate Christmas playlist that everyone will enjoy. This personal touch will ensure everyone will get to hear to their favourite holiday song and can also create conversations among your guests as well.

By following these 5 simple steps, your home will be Christmas-ready to host your celebrations in no time. Your guests will not only be impressed, but you will also get to enjoy your clean and tidy home as well.

Your complete guide to understanding housekeeping labour hire

lucia.fong@rgfstaffing.com.au (Camilla Yang) — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 04:15:00 GMT

Your complete guide to understanding housekeeping labour hire in the accommodation industry

Have you ever come across the term ‘labour hire’ but scratch your head trying to understand what it really means? In simple terms, it is where companies engage with a specialised service provider to connect them with experienced people who will deliver the skilled labour they need support with. Within the accommodation industry, labour hire is often required in the housekeeping department thanks to its versatility to provide support to properties across many instances where cleaning is required. In this blog, we will delve into the many scenarios where it is beneficial to engage with a housekeeping labour hire service and the kinds of accommodation properties where they can lend an extra set of hands.

How housekeeping labour hire works

Housekeeping labour hire can be used on any occasion where a property requires expert cleaning support at any time throughout the year. To receive the right kind of service, the property will need to first engage with the housekeeping labour hire service provider to outline the specific cleaning requirements needed. This includes understanding the type of clean that is needed, the timeframe of requirement, shift durations, and the number of people they may require. Once all that is agreed upon, the housekeeping labour hire agency will then ‘on-hire’ the housekeepers they have trained to perform cleaning duties at the assigned property.

As the accommodation provider has arranged for housekeeping and cleaning support through an agency, all they are paying for is the labour component of the service provision – making it a cost-effective solution . The housekeeping labour hire agency remains responsible for the recruitment, training and renumerating the housekeeper.

Where housekeeping labour hire can be used

Many types of properties can benefit from housekeeping labour hire. If it occupies a space that needs to be cleaned well and kept maintained to a specific standard due to regular guest turn over, housekeeping labour hire is very useful. The types of properties where housekeeping labour can be used include:

Holiday Parks: Housekeepers can efficiently clean park cabins after guest departures and have them clean and presentable for the next guest. They can also ensure that camp kitchen and laundry areas are kept maintained and replenished if required in addition to the scheduled cleaning of toilets, floors, and taking out the rubbish.

Student Apartment Complexes: Housekeepers will ensure common areas and facilities are kept to a clean and hygienic standard on a daily basis. This includes regular cleaning maintenance of lounge areas, outdoor areas, corridors, public restrooms and stairwells.

Motels, Hotels and Resorts: Housekeepers can provide and deliver all round cleaning tasks to support the daily operations of the property. Depending on the size and nature of the property and the number of areas and rooms that need to be regularly cleaned and maintained, a team of housekeepers will be assigned specific roles including Public Area Assistant, and Room Attendant with directional support from a Housekeeping Manager. Duties the housekeeping team can perform include making beds, vacuuming floors, clearing rubbish, and removing used amenities and replacing with them with clean ones ready for the next guest.

When housekeeping labour hire can be used

While housekeepers can be available to perform regular cleaning duties within any accommodation property, they can also provide cleaning support at a larger scale. As the accommodation providers are already partnered with the housekeeping labour hire agency, they also have access to a large cleaning workforce for situations where additional cleaning support is needed. Situations where this is often the case includes:

New Hotel Openings: A housekeeping labour hire team can support with getting hotel rooms and public areas ready for guests when doors open from day one. As they are experienced housekeepers, they are also equipped with the knowledge, experience and skills to train internally hired housekeeping team members and put processes in place within the housekeeping department to ensure smooth housekeeping operations continue.

Mass Departures: At times where the property experiences higher than usual or anticipated guest departures due to large events, having a partnership with a housekeeping labour hire service provider becomes very beneficial. The property can engage with the housekeeping agency to assign additional skilled housekeepers to fill in the gaps without causing any guest disruption, time delays or compromise cleanliness quality. Assistance that can be provided include, changing linen, replenishing amenities, vacuuming floors, wiping surfaces, and ensure rooms and public spaces appear clean presentable for the next guest.

Property Closures or Renovations: When the property is closing down, whether permanently or for renovation, a labour hire housekeeping team can be called in to provide a complete clean up. This often involves cleaning, disinfecting all surfaces, removing furniture, emptying the trash, and itemising and packing up items ready for storage or transfer.

Overall, there are no limits to engaging with housekeeping labour hire when expert cleaning and regular cleaning maintenance is required. As housekeeping labour hire agencies have trained their housekeepers on how to effectively keep areas clean and tidy, these skills can be transferred to any kind of accommodation property to help you keep your accommodation property in a great condition and guarantee a positive experience for your guests.

If you are in need of partnering with a housekeeping labour hire service provider, ahs hospitality is here to provide a helping hand. To learn more about how we can help, please explore our page that outlines our labour hire solution and fill out our enquiry form where one of our friendly team members will reach out.

ahs hospitality’s safe work practices recognised at the National Safety Awards of Excellence 2024

lucia.fong@rgfstaffing.com.au (Camilla Yang) — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:30:00 GMT

ahs hospitality’s safe work practices have been recognised at the National Safety Awards of Excellence 2024

ahs hospitality are proud to share that we have been announced as a finalist at the National Safety Awards of Excellence under the category ‘Best Continuous Improvement of a WHS Management System’.

This wonderful recognition by the National Safety Council of Australia (NSCA) Foundation not only highlights the high calibre we have set in terms of putting the safety of our employees first – but recognises on a national level that as a one of Australia’s leading outsourced housekeeping providers, we know how to develop safe work practices and procedures within the hotel housekeeping space.

Why is working safely in hotel housekeeping important?

Working as a housekeeper is physically demanding on the body. As part of their daily tasks they are often doing repetitive motions like making beds or wiping surfaces. It is important for all hotel housekeepers to work safely and follow safe work practices to prevent themselves from getting injured. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS) are in place to minimise chance of housekeepers sustaining an injury while at work.

What inspired us to improve our WHS Management System?

As most of the Australian Hotel Industry would have experienced post pandemic, we also faced the challenge of finding workers to fill in the housekeeping roles we had available as well as experienced high staff turnover. As part of the nomination, we shared this journey and the improvements and initiatives we made in the 12 months since to get the positive changes we needed which also improved our safety performance.

We identified that the improvements that needed to be made were to our new starter onboarding processes – one of the first points of engagement the new stater has when learning their role and the importance of safe work practices. To ensure that our training and SOP modules are easily understood by our new housekeepers where English was not always their native language, we created engaging video modules which could be easily viewed on a mobile device.

We also worked with our Housekeeping Managers across our client hotel sites around Australia and New Zealand, who were achieving favourable performance metrics, to get a better insight into how they were supporting their new starters, By collaborating with our high performing teams, we learned how they were supporting their new starters, so they felt more prepared for their first day of work and get into the mindset of committing to safe work practices. Their knowledge and experience formed the basis of our updated ‘Onboarding & Retention Guide’ which was then shared with all our Housekeeping Managers across both our Australian and New Zealand hotel sites.

By creating a strong education piece through our engaging video modules that our housekeepers can refer to whilst being trained in their new role, in addition to Housekeeping Managers following our updated ‘Onboarding and Retention Guide’, we saw a strong improvement to the safety performance of our housekeeping teams. This was because our new starters now felt better equipped and supported knowing how to work safely in their new role which made them less likely to leave their jobs. As a result, our existing team members felt less time-pressured to complete their tasks and in effect minimising their chance of sustaining an injury.

As a finalist we stand alongside some major Australian organisations from construction, facilities maintenance and media services who all have a track record of safety innovation. We are very proud of the safe work practices and procedures we have in place at ahs hospitality and our housekeepers’ commitments to staying safe at work.

The winners of the National Safety Awards of Excellence are schedule to be announced on 31st October 2024 at a Gala Dinner to be held at Sydney Town Hall.

5 Signs Your Hotel Should Consider Outsourcing Housekeeping Services

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 00:50:30 GMT

5 Signs Your Hotel Should Consider Outsourcing Housekeeping Services

As the Australian hotel industry faces ongoing challenges, many hoteliers across the country are rethinking how they manage their hotel operations. With the housekeeping department a critical component in delivering guest satisfaction, outsourcing your hotel housekeeping services can provide your hotel with significant advantages.

Whether your hotel is dealing with staff shortages, cost efficiencies, difficulty finding skilled workers, or the growing demand from guests for sustainable practices, outsourcing your housekeeping department could be the solution you need. Here are five signs that your hotel should consider outsourcing housekeeping services.

1. Your housekeeping department is experiencing staff shortages or high turn over

If your internal housekeeping department regularly faces staff shortages or a high turnover, consider partnering with an outsourced housekeeping company that offers a labour hire solution . As a hotelier, not only does this alleviate your need to recruit and train new housekeepers, but it also means that you have access to trained and experienced hotel housekeepers when you require them. This flexibility is also beneficial when your hotel is experiencing an unexpected high occupancy period, or when your housekeeping staff call sick. With experienced hotel housekeepers only a phone call away, engaging with an outsourced housekeeping company who offers a labour hire service will help your hotel maintains its consistent service standards. At ahs hospitality, hoteliers can engage our trained housekeeping workforce at an hourly rate for minimum 4-hour shift.

2. Your hotel is experiencing cost pressures and rising operational costs

With inflation and rising commodity prices driving up the costs of operations for many hotels, it is important to review and manage operational costs without compromising the quality of your hotel’s hospitality service. Outsourcing areas of a hotel’s operations like the housekeeping department is often a cost-effective solution as it means you can budget for the service delivery, with the outsourced housekeeping company taking ownership of the recruitment, labour, equipment and other housekeeping operational costs, as well as management of operational performance. At ahs hospitality, we have the expertise to manage hotel housekeeping teams effectively and efficiently so hotels can concentrate on their other business operations.

3. Your hotel is finding is difficult to find skilled workers

Finding skilled and experienced hotel housekeepers is often a difficult task. By engaging with an outsourced housekeeping company, who specialise in recruiting, training and developing housekeepers to work in hotels, you no longer need to worry about searching for skilled housekeepers yourself! At ahs hospitality, we have dedicated quality and training managers who will support our housekeepers in striving for continuous improvement in delivering quality cleaning services for your hotel.

4. Your hotel guests are demanding sustainable hotel practices

Today’s hotel guests expect hotels to adopt sustainable practices and to partner with outsourced housekeeping companies that prioritise environmental responsibility. At ahs hospitality we have reviewed our supply chain and as part of our housekeeping practices, we now use sustainable equipment and chemicals . We encourage hoteliers to contact us to learn more about how we are continuing to take the more environmentally friendly approach to housekeeping that does not compromise on the delivery of service.

5. Your hotel is experiencing inconsistent housekeeping services

If you are noticing inconsistencies in the cleaning services of your current housekeeping department, it may be an indication that your internal housekeeping processes are not working effectively. By partnering with an outsourced housekeeping company, you are working with a team with specialised knowledge and experience in managing housekeeping for hotels. At ahs hospitality we have strong standard operating procedures (SOPs) designed to ensure consistent service delivery for our clients so you can expect high cleanliness results every time.

The Importance of Promoting Mental Wellness in Hotel Housekeeping

lucia.fong@rgfstaffing.com.au (Camilla Yang) — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 23:08:07 GMT

The Importance of Promoting Mental Wellness in Hotel Housekeeping

In the fast-paced world of hotel hospitality, hotel housekeeping staff are usually the unsung heroes. They work tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring that every guest enjoys a clean, comfortable, and welcoming stay. However, the demanding nature of their work can often be overlooked, and their need for mental wellness support. At ahs hospitality, we believe that promoting mental wellness among our housekeeping staff is not just a nice-to-have but essential for their well-being and their success at work.

The impact of mental wellness on job performance

Hotel housekeeping is a physically demanding role and often involves long hours of repetitive tasks. Changing bed sheets, vacuuming floors, and cleaning bathrooms are just a few of the many responsibilities that can take a toll on the body. Additionally, the pressure to maintain high cleanliness standards and meeting tight deadlines can lead to stress and burnout. For many housekeeping staff, their work is not only physically exhausting but also mentally challenging.

Mental wellness significantly impacts job performance. Housekeeping staff who are mentally well are more likely to be productive, efficient, and attentive to detail. They can better handle the physical demands of their job as well as maintain a positive attitude. On the other hand, those who struggle with mental health issues may find it difficult to concentrate, make decisions, and stay motivated. This can lead to decreased productivity, increased errors, and ultimately, lower guest satisfaction.

How to create a supportive work environment for hotel housekeeping teams

Promoting mental wellness starts with creating a supportive work environment . Hotel management can take several steps to ensure housekeeping staff feel valued and supported by promoting the following directives:

Open Communication: Encourage open communication between housekeeping staff and management. Regular check-ins and providing staff opportunities to provide feedback can help identify any issues early and provide an opportunity for staff to voice their concerns and needs.
Work-Life Balance: Promote a healthy work-life balance by ensuring fair shift times and allowing for adequate rest between shifts.
Training and Development: Provide training on stress management and mental wellness. Equip staff with the tools and techniques to manage stress effectively and build resilience.
Access to Support Services: Offer access to mental health support services such as employee assistance programs (EAP). Knowing that help is available can make a significant difference in how housekeeping staff cope with stress.

The benefits of promoting mental wellness in your housekeeping team

Investing in the mental wellness of housekeeping staff has numerous benefits. It leads to higher job satisfaction, lower turnover rates, and a more positive work environment. Happy and healthy staff are more likely to deliver excellent service, resulting in better guest experiences and the overall operational success of the hotel.

Overall, promoting mental wellness in hotel housekeeping is a win-win for both housekeeping staff and hotel management. It leads to happier, healthier staff who are more productive and capable of delivering exceptional service.

A Day in the Life of a Hotel Housekeeper

lucia.fong@rgfstaffing.com.au (Camilla Yang) — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 06:40:39 GMT

A Day in the Life of a Hotel Housekeeper

As we approach Housekeeping Week in September, there is no better time to celebrate all the housekeeping heroes at ahs hospitality across Australia and New Zealand who keep our hotels looking spotless and most importantly, guests happy. In this blog we take you behind-the-scenes to show you what it is like working as a Hotel Housekeeper, understand what a typical day in the life looks like for a Housekeeping Manager managing a hotel housekeeping team, and the hard work and dedication that goes into keeping hotels clean and tidy.

A typical day as a Hotel Housekeeping Manager

For most Housekeeping Managers, every day starts with checking and replying to emails, taking a handover from the AM team, and conducting morning briefings and stretches with all room attendants on shift that day. These initial tasks are important and help set the tone for the day and get the body warmed up - ensuring that everyone is ready to complete their public area, house person or room attendant duties with confidence! As the leader of their Housekeeping team , Housekeeping Managers also attend their hotel’s leadership and operations meetings to stay up to date on any events or upcoming high-occupancy periods happening at the hotel that may impact their Housekeeping team. During these meetings, Housekeeping Managers also receive feedback on how well their housekeeping team are performing in line with hotel operations and expectations.

Throughout the day, Housekeeping Managers also supervise their housekeeping staff, manage scheduling and assign tasks to ensure that all rooms are cleaned and maintained efficiently . Housekeeping Managers are also expected to coordinate and work with the front desk and maintenance teams to address any immediate concerns or guest enquiries to ensure that the hotel continues to operate smoothly.

Another significant part of the job of a Housekeeping Manager is to ensure that their housekeeping team has everything they need and the knowledge to deliver high cleanliness standards. This involves managing inventory and ordering supplies, as well as ensuring they all participate in the monthly Work Group Discussions and training sessions.

Addressing guest feedback and queries is also a daily task, often requiring prompt and effective solutions to ensure the best in guest satisfaction. The day wraps up with sending a handover to the PM team for any follow-ups.

Prioritising tasks and team management is key to be a successful Housekeeping Manager

Each day as a Housekeeping Manager is never the same and can present different challenges that need to be solved. So being able to prioritise tasks based on urgency and planning accordingly is a valuable skill to have as a hotel housekeeper. Some days, a Housekeeping Manager may be training a new staff member, and other days they are addressing payroll queries as the first point of call.

High occupancy periods or special events require meticulous planning for a Hotel Housekeeping Manager. Checking occupancy forecasts a couple of weeks in advance helps a Hotel Housekeeping Manger plan the right number of staff on shift. Depending on the hotel's occupancy, a Housekeeping Manager can oversee around 20 Housekeepers during high occupancy periods and about 13 room attendants, 2 supervisors, 2 housemen, and 1 minibar attendant on regular days.

Clear and respectful communication, active listening, teamwork, showing appreciation, and regular feedback are key strategies for a Housekeeping Manager to ensure effective communication within a Housekeeping Team. Also, acknowledging the team's hard work with small gestures like morning teas or pizza parties also boosts team morale and performance.

It is the responsibly of a Housekeeping Manager to maintaining hotel cleanliness standards

The key responsibility and measurement of a successful Hotel Housekeeping Manager is the ability to train and support their Housekeeping team to maintain high cleanliness standards. Onboarding training for new staff, supervised on-site training, and even virtual training ensure that the team is well-equipped to perform well in their housekeeping role. Regular training and development programs, thanks to ahs hospitality’s Quality and Training Managers, also help housekeeping teams stay up to date on the latest cleaning equipment and procedures and further develop their skills.

Advice for Aspiring Hotel Housekeeping Managers

For those aspiring to become Hotel Housekeepers, dedication, organisation, and a focus on guest satisfaction are key. As Housekeeping Week approaches, let's celebrate the hard work and dedication of Hotel Housekeeping Managers who successfully manage their housekeeping teams. It is their commitment to maintaining high cleanliness standards that ensures every guest enjoys a clean and comfortable stay. Thank you to all our Hotel Housekeeping Managers and Happy Housekeeping Week!

8 Top Benefits of Partnering with a Professional Housekeeping Company for Hotels

lucia.fong@rgfstaffing.com.au (Camilla Yang) — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 06:18:06 GMT

8 Top Benefits of Partnering with a Professional Housekeeping Company for Hotels

In today’s highly competitive hotel accommodation industry, reducing operational costs whilst maintaining a clean and inviting environment is crucial to maintain a healthy stream of return guests. For hotels in Australia and New Zealand, partnering with a professional outsourced housekeeping company can provide numerous financial and operational benefits, as well as a strong peace of mind. Here, we explore the top eight benefits of partnering with a professional housekeeping company like ahs hospitality.

1. Access to Specialised Expertise

Professional housekeeping companies like ahs hospitality have specialised knowledge, experience and expertise in how to run a housekeeping department effectively and efficiently. As an outsourced housekeeping company, we know how to maintain high standards of cleanliness in hotels of all sizes. We train our housekeepers in the best cleaning techniques, provide them with safe and eco-friendly products, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

2. Cost Efficiency

Outsourcing housekeeping services through professional housekeeping companies can be more cost-effective than maintaining an in-house team. Hotels can save on expenses related to recruitment, training, salaries, benefits, and equipment. At ahs hospitality, we will take care of recruitment, training, insurance, work cover, salaries, and housekeeping equipment. We have our own dedicated Human Resources, Marketing, Legal, Safety and Performance teams ready to provide a comprehensive support network for each of our hotel partners. Additionally, hotels can opt for hybrid or labour hire solutions during peak seasons, or high occupancy periods, ensuring flexibility and efficient resource management.

3. Flexibility and Scalability To Suit Demand

One of the significant advantages of partnering with a professional housekeeping company like ahs hospitality is the flexibility in services we offer. By working with an outsourced housekeeping company, hotels can scale their housekeeping services up or down based on occupancy rates and seasonal demand. For instance, during peak seasons or special events, hotels can hire additional staff through labour hire solutions . Conversely, during quieter periods, they can reduce the number of housekeeping staff, optimising operational efficiency.

4. Improved Staff Management

Managing an in-house housekeeping team can be challenging and time-consuming. Outsourcing this function allows hotel management to focus on core activities such as guest relations and strategic planning. Professional housekeeping companies handle all aspects of staff management, pay roll and administration that involves their housekeepers. This ensures a consistently high standard of service that will have a positive flow on effect to high guest satisfaction.

5. Consistency and Reliability

Professional housekeeping companies are committed to providing a consistent and reliable professional cleaning service. They have established protocols and quality control measures to ensure that every cleaning task meets the highest cleanliness standards. This reliability is crucial for ensuring that guests have a consistently pleasant experience during their stay. Hotels can count on these companies like ahs hospitality to deliver the same level of service every time. Remember outsourced housekeeping companies are single handedly experts in keeping your hotel clean and tidy!

6. Access to Advanced Cleaning Equipment

Professional housekeeping companies invest in the right cleaning equipment and products. By partnering with these companies, hotels can benefit from advanced cleaning technologies without the need for sourcing these themselves. This includes specialised equipment for deep cleaning, and eco-friendly cleaning solutions. Access to such resources ensures that the hotel is thoroughly cleaned and maintained to the highest standards.

7. Risk Management and Compliance

Compliance with health and safety regulations is critical in the hospitality industry. Professional housekeeping companies are well-versed in these regulations and ensure that all cleaning practices adhere to the required standards. This reduces the risk of non-compliance and potential legal issues. Additionally, these companies often carry insurance to cover any injuries, accidents, or damages that may occur, providing an added layer of protection for hotel owners and managers.

8. Enhanced Guest Experience

A clean, inviting and well-maintained hotel directly impacts guest satisfaction. Professional housekeeping companies like ahs hospitality bring expertise and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every room and public area is looking its very best. This high standard of cleanliness can significantly enhance the guest experience , leading to positive reviews, higher ratings, and increased bookings. In a region where tourism is a vital industry, such as Australia or New Zealand, maintaining positive guest reviews is essential for success.

Indeed, partnering with a professional housekeeping company like ahs hospitality offers numerous benefits for hotels in Australia and New Zealand. From enhancing guest experience and cost efficiency, to providing flexibility and specialised expertise, these partnerships can significantly improve the overall operation and reputation of a hotel. In a competitive industry outsourcing housekeeping services is a strategic move that can provide substantial operational and financial rewards.

Explore all of ahs hospitality’s housekeeping services here .

Looking to partner your hotel with ahs hospitality, get in touch with us here .

How ahs hospitality is contributing to a reduced carbon footprint with our Housekeeping equipment and processes

lucia.fong@rgfstaffing.com.au (Camilla Yang) — Wed, 22 May 2024 00:59:13 GMT

How ahs hospitality is contributing to a reduced carbon footprint with our Housekeeping equipment and processes

We all have a role to play in protecting our environment and reducing our carbon footprint – and all of us at ahs hospitality take this role very seriously. For a number of years now we have partnered with eco-conscious suppliers like Bunzl who have the same passion for protecting the planet, and established processes where we can lower our CO2 emissions and track its environmental impact. In this blog, we are pleased to share with you the progress we have made so far as an outsourced hotel housekeeping company.

Our housekeepers use microfibre cloths:

Our sourcing of microfibre cloths created from repurposed PET bottles not only diverts plastic from landfills but also diminishes approximately 7.5kg of CO2 emissions per cloth. In the past 12 months, we have purchased 24,300 individual microfibre cloths for our housekeepers to clean with, resulting in the saving of 48,600 500ml PET bottles.

Our recycled polyester polo shirts make us look stylish:

Our ahs hospitality polo shirts are made from recycled polyester, making us not only look stylish but feeling good too! The production of this breathable and moisture wicking material uses less CO2 emissions than regular polyester, is more durable, does not fade and is easier to take care of as there is no need for energy-intensive ironing and tumble drying.

We swapped our rubber gloves to something more sustainable:

We have worked closely with Bunzl to provide our housekeepers across all our hotel and accommodation sites with sustainable disposable rubber gloves that significantly reduces waste to landfill. This positive change has made a great difference to our ESG efforts as we continue to transition cleaning supplies to a more sustainable alternative.

When speaking with our Bunzl Account Manager Martin Tofts, he says: “When sustainability is front of mind, you know the customer values the inputs into their operation and the mark it is leaving. It is a pleasure to work with ahs hospitality with this mindset as they’re at the forefront of their industry and leading the way in changing the customer discussion from price to sustainability”.

How we save and report on our CO2 emissions for greater environmental impact:

We have further streamlined our processes to make further savings on our CO2 emissions that have also improved our business efficiencies. This includes:

Reducing the number of deliveries year to date, in comparison to the same point in time last year – encouraging our Housekeeping Executives to make more mindful housekeeping material replenishment orders.
Providing environmental reporting to our clients on their scope 3 emissions – taking them on the environmental journey with us.
Upgrading to electronic invoicing, which removes the need for delivery dockets or paper invoices as this is automated via our Expense System.
The rollout of our technology solutions provides a strong reduction in paper usage in daily housekeeping practises along with the ability to provide our team members with work flexibility in a trackable and compliant nature.

Taking care of our environment is a shared responsibility:

As part of the RGF Staffing parent company , focus on sustainability is not an aspiration but a target. Together, our commitment is to be carbon neutral throughout our business activities and our entire value chain by 2030. In our recently refurbished head offices in Perth and Sydney , our newly designed modern collaborative workspace features innovative and environmentally friendly solutions such as LED lighting, desk booking systems, and habitat booths where each panel is made from 53 recycled plastic bottles each.

To read more about our ESG commitments and practices, go to our sustainability page here .

Curious to learn more how outsourced hotel housekeeping can contribute to sustainability goals? Read our blog here .

Get to Know our ahs hospitality NSW/ACT Team: Interview with Abraham Dow

lucia.fong@rgfstaffing.com.au (Camilla Yang) — Thu, 09 May 2024 23:34:10 GMT

Get to Know our ahs hospitality NSW/ACT Team: Interview with Abraham Dow

ahs hospitality have proudly been providing trusted outsourced housekeeping services to the Australian Market since 1993. We sat down with Abraham Dow (Abe), General Manager NSW & ACT to get to know more about his team and the housekeeping operations he is leading from our Sydney office.

ahs hospitality: Who is in your team?

Abe: I have three Operations Managers, Jyoti, Imran & Thomas, who support our amazing Housekeepers at our hotel client sites across NSW and ACT. Most of us are based in the Sydney office where we also collaborate with our HR, Safety and Marketing teams.

ahs hospitality: For how many years has your longest hotel client in NSW/ACT been with ahs hospitality? What do you think is the secret to our success?

Abe: 24 years is our oldest contract, which is a remarkable feat as ahs hospitality just celebrated their 30 years in operation in Australia ! Our key to our business success lies in our adeptness at connecting effectively with both internal and external stakeholders fostering strong relationships in the hospitality industry.

ahs hospitality: What is the hospitality industry like in NSW, in particular the hotel industry?

Abe: The hospitality and accommodation sector has continually demonstrated remarkable resilience, evidenced by absorption of large volume new stock into the Sydney market, with minimal impact to occupancy and rate. Nonetheless, the upcoming off season could challenge Sydney's CBD and surrounding suburbs as demand extends outward.

ahs hospitality: How beneficial are the large number of international artists to the hotel industry in NSW, Sydney in particular?

Abe: External demand drivers are incredibly important showcasing Sydney as a fantastic destination and bringing the economic upside e.g. ‘swiftonomics’ we saw with Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour . The value to hosting economies cannot be ignored as patrons spend on additional services outside of the event like accommodation, restaurants, shopping, and hairdressers. It is a significant and powerful economic driver.

ahs hospitality: How do you think ahs hospitality’s Labour Hire Solution will benefit hotels across NSW/ ACT?

Abe: The ability to engage with trained outsourced housekeeping labour instantly through ahs hospitality’s Labour Hire Solution for a hotelier reduces risk from the daily operation and can have commercial upside. Utilised as an off-season strategy to reduce or not replace headcount can have a commercial upside knowing that any spikes in occupancy can be managed without the need to spend on recruitment and the associated hidden costs.

ahs hospitality: What do you do as a team to ensure operational success?

Abe: We strive for excellence at our hotel client sites, focused on operational discipline and open communication. Our goal is simple - provide exceptional housekeeping services that can be relied on day in day out.

ahs hospitality: What activities do you do to bond as a team?

Abe: We like to reward and recognise with the team that make it happen, our Housekeeping Managers. We do this with morning teas, lunches and simply recognising how important they are to us.

ahs hospitality: If you can describe the NSW/ACT team in 3 words, what will they be?

Abe: Caring, trust & respect.

ahs hospitality: Why is ahs hospitality a great place to work?

Abe: At ahs hospitality, you create your own destiny. Whether you want to climb the corporate ladder or are happy doing your role we recognise and appreciate everyone, and we all have an equal voice.

How Hotel Housekeeping is a Wonderful Job for People with an Intellectual Disability

lucia.fong@rgfstaffing.com.au (Camilla Yang) — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 01:34:31 GMT

How Hotel Housekeeping is a Wonderful Job for People with an Intellectual Disability

At ahs hospitality, people are at the heart of everything we do. We champion diversity and employ wonderful hard-working people regardless of their disability, background or circumstance. Recently we hired our first candidate, Yuwie, from Barkuma, a specialist Disability Employment Service provider that operates in Adelaide and works with people with a disability – including Intellectual Disability, Learning Disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Down Syndrome, to support them in finding and securing long term work.

We had a chat with Devi, our Housekeeping Manager from one of our contracted hotels in South Australia to learn about ahs hospitality’s involvement with Barkuma, the importance of diverse hiring within hospitality and how ahs hospitality creates a positive and safe environment for people like Yuwie to be happy and successful in their roles.

ahs hospitality: What inspired ahs hospitality’s partnership with Barkuma?

Devi: This project is a result of a government grant to Flinders University here in Adelaide where the university created a diversity employment pathways program for people with intellectual disabilities to have the opportunity to work in the hospitality and retail space. They partnered with many disability providers like Barkuma to provide work opportunities.

I, along with selected other hospitality and retail senior managers in Adelaide were approached to participate in the program. I thought it was a fantastic opportunity and another way for our business to highlight that we champion our diverse hiring so I asked our Managing Director, Leanne Graham , if the business would participate. With approval to proceed, I have since been highly active in taking the lead in ahs hospitality’s participation within the program by developing housekeeping roles that a person with an intellectual disability will feel supported, comfortable and thrive in. These discussions begun in 2023 where we were initially identifying a task that someone with an intellectual disability could perform systematically.

ahs hospitality: ahs hospitality champions diverse hiring. How important do you believe is it to provide employment opportunities in the hotel hospitality industry for people with disability?

Devi: It’s fantastic that at ahs hospitality, everyone receives an equal employment opportunity. I believe that every team should have at least 2 diverse workers - they bring so much harmony to the team and become a good example for other team members. These workers do every task with care and passion and are appreciative of having a job.

ahs hospitality: We have recently employed our first candidate through Barkuma – what was that like and how well have they settled into the job and within the housekeeping team?

Devi: Yuwie joined the team last month after completing two successful trial shifts and he was assisted by a support person at Barkuma, along with myself. I am happy to report that he is incredibly happy, settling in well and is enjoying his regular morning shifts as a linen runner where he works closely with the Houseman 3 days a week. His tasks are to empty the linen cages, take them up to the floors and then tidy the shelves. Yuwie completes this task as outlined within his scope of works, and he absolutely loves it.

What makes him happy is his new routine, he can finish the task and that he loves the workplace and people. Other workers, including the hotel General Manager at the hotel are very welcoming and supportive of him and comment on his happy and positive energy. He is affectionately known as the ‘happy chap’ at the hotel - we all think he is the happiest linen runner in Australia!

ahs hospitality: What do you think makes hotel housekeeping a great and rewarding job for people with disability?

Devi: In housekeeping there are tasks that are systematic and routine which is good for people with intellectual disability. And in the hospitality space you often see a diverse workforce where you can learn from each other. In hotel housekeeping we are all about that as well as always looking for loyal appreciative workers who want to learn new skills and contribute to something bigger.

ahs hospitality: What makes ahs hospitality a supportive employer for people with disability?

Devi: At ahs hospitality we work with many job service providers to give people regardless of their disability, background, or circumstance housekeeping opportunities. We will identify or create a role that they will thrive in as well as complements the team in achieving our goals and targets. We love creating a positive culture where everyone feels like they belong in the team.

ahs hospitality: Are we looking into employing more candidates through Barkuma?

Devi: Yes we are! I am currently looking at other tasks that people with intellectual disabilities can do where they can confidently execute quality work and productivity such as cleaning pantries and vacuuming floors. Yuwie’s excellent work is a great example of someone with an intellectual disability who is working really well with our housekeeping team at our hotel in Adelaide – he is a great asset, and we love having him on the team!

Why Hotel Housekeeping is a Gateway into Leadership

lucia.fong@rgfstaffing.com.au (Camilla Yang) — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 23:30:00 GMT

Why Hotel Housekeeping is a Gateway into Leadership

In the bustling world of hospitality, where every guest interaction and experience matters, hotel housekeeping stands out as an unsung hero. Beyond the daily tasks of tidying rooms, making beds, and wiping down public areas, working in housekeeping in the hotels and accommodation industry can serve as an effective pathway into leadership. While it may not be immediately apparent, the skills acquired in hotel housekeeping – including attention to detail, communication, cultural awareness, and adaptability, lay a strong foundation for aspiring leaders. In this blog we will explore the soft skills people learn being a housekeeper and how they are transferable within the hospitality industry and valuable for those in any leadership positions.

In demand leadership skill #1: Attention to detail

At its core, hotel housekeeping is about more than just scrubbing floors and changing sheets. The fast-paced job embodies the need for attention to detail , diligence, and a commitment to excellence where rooms must be turned around efficiently to accommodate new guests. Attention to detail is paramount in hotel housekeeping where this skill is strengthened over time as rooms are expected to be spotless with amenities replenished to ensure high guest satisfaction. Put simply, a housekeeper’s attention to detail will help create safe, clean, and welcoming environments that leave a positive impression on hotel guests . And while these tasks require precision and thoroughness that cultivates a keen eye for quality, it also instils a sense of pride in one's work which is often complemented by positive feedback from guests.

This skill is an admirable leadership quality as it reflects a commitment to excellence and a thorough approach to problem-solving. A good leader who pays attention to details can effectively assess complex situations, identify potential issues before they escalate, and implement precise strategies to achieve desired outcomes.

In demand leadership skill #2: Communication Skills

In addition, communication skills are paramount in hotel housekeeping, especially for Housekeeping Managers and Housekeeping Executives, as they facilitate effective coordination among their team members. The benefits include ensuring clear understanding of tasks and expectations which then enable seamless interaction with guests and other hotel departments. Within the housekeeping team, clear communication is essential for Housekeeping Managers for assigning duties during morning briefings, coordinating schedules, and addressing any issues that may arise during daily tasks.

Moreover, effective communication with guests allows housekeeping staff to understand their specific needs and preferences, ensuring personalised service delivery and fostering a positive and comfortable stay. This skill is very transferable and is sought after in a good leader as strong communication allow leaders to clearly convey expectations, provide feedback, and resolve conflicts effectively and respectfully – laying the groundwork for building strong relationships and fostering teamwork. A good leader in housekeeping and hospitality uses their communication skills to motivate and empower their team, address challenges proactively, and uphold standards of operational excellence, ultimately contributing to the overall success of the housekeeping department and the satisfaction of guests.

In demand leadership skill #3: Cultural Awareness

Furthermore, hotel housekeeping often involves working in a diverse environment where housekeepers are interacting with guests from various backgrounds as part of their daily tasks. This exposure cultivates cultural awareness – an invaluable skill that is developed by those working in hospitality and an invaluable trait for leaders to have. Understanding and respecting different perspectives fosters inclusivity and enhances leadership effectiveness as it fosters empathy, open-mindedness, and effective communication with diverse teams and clientele. A good leader with strong cultural awareness can create inclusive work environments, leverage diverse perspectives for innovative problem-solving, and build strong relationships with stakeholders from different backgrounds, therefore driving organisational success and fostering a culture of mutual respect and collaboration .

In demand leadership skill #4: Adaptability

Adaptability is another skill learnt in hotel housekeeping which is important in any leadership position. Hotel housekeepers frequently navigate unforeseen challenges, and tasks to support hotel operations such as last-minute special requests, sudden increase in hotel room occupancy, and short staff. These experiences teach individuals to think on their feet and find creative solutions – a hallmark of effective leadership in today's dynamic business landscape.

A well-run housekeeping team equipped with adaptability can seamlessly adjust their approaches, schedules, and priorities to ensure continued efficiency and high guest satisfaction. Moreover, these skills are transferable to leadership roles across industries, as adaptable leaders can navigate uncertainties, pivot strategies, and inspire teams to thrive in ever-changing environments. Indeed, by cultivating adaptability, leaders can foster resilience within their teams, promote innovation, and steer their organisations through times of change, driving a culture of continuous improvement and growth.

What are the leadership opportunities within housekeeping?

Hotel housekeeping provides fantastic career growth and leadership opportunities within the hotel and hospitality industries . Employees can progress from room attendants to supervisors and managers, gaining invaluable on the job leadership experience and training along the way. At ahs hospitality, we provide leadership opportunities at all levels, including for our room attendants who we train during our ‘Train the Trainer’ program to assist new room attendants in their role.

The career development pathway within hotel housekeeping encourages a culture of continuous learning where experienced housekeeping supervisors serve as mentors, imparting their wisdom and expertise to new staff members. This mentorship fosters professional growth and leadership development where their effective leadership can be recognised industry wide at excellence awards and events.

Indeed, hotel housekeeping is far more than just cleaning rooms—it is a training ground for future leaders. Through its emphasis on requiring attention to detail, communication, cultural awareness, and adaptability in performing their daily housekeeping tasks, hotel housekeeping definitely equips individuals with the skills and qualities essential for effective leadership in any domain. So, the next time you check into a hotel, remember the unsung heroes of housekeeping—they may just be tomorrow's leaders.

Celebrating and recognising ahs hospitality's commitment to health and safety in the workplace in the lead up to World Day For Safety And Health At Work 2024

lucia.fong@rgfstaffing.com.au (Camilla Yang) — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 23:54:37 GMT

Celebrating and recognising ahs hospitality's commitment to health and safety in the workplace in the lead up to World Day For Safety And Health At Work 2024

As we approach World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2024 on April 28th, we take immense pride in how we recognise and prioritise the safety and well-being of our employees and housekeepers through our daily operations. As Australia and New Zealand’s leading provider of outsourced hotel housekeeping services, we show our dedication to fostering a culture of safety through various innovative initiatives and partnerships.

Introduction of video-embedded SOPs for our standard task

One of the noteworthy initiatives we have introduced at ahs hospitality is the implementation of instructional videos to demonstrate our Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for our routine housekeeping activities. These SOPs are crafted to incorporate identified safety controls from risk assessments presented in a user-friendly video format.

This approach not only helps make it easier for newly recruited housekeepers to understand, where English may not be their native language, but also clearly demonstrates what their job roles and responsibilities involve. The videos also highlight what systems exist, and behaviours are required to maintain safety when working. For example, in the video to be watched by all house persons showcases the importance of following correct and safe processes, completing work duties, the importance of warm up stretches, how to lift safely, plus the referenced risk assessments involved.

Upskilling our quality and training managers to be qualified lead auditors

Furthermore, we have invested in upskilling our Quality & Training Managers to become endorsed lead auditors. Recognising auditing and inspections as pivotal behaviours in continual improvement, our state-based leaders are now equipped to collaborate with Housekeeping Managers and their housekeeping teams to identify and act on opportunities where they can work together to proactively strive for improvement. This does not only mean better operational standards will be delivered to our hotel clients, but an overall better experience for guests staying at the hotel .

Enhancement of our IT architecture to support ‘safety first’

In line with our commitment to safety-first practices, at ahs hospitality we have enhanced our IT architecture. This includes creating additional pathways for our team to report and investigate incidents via mobile apps. Additionally, safety compliance dashboards have been upgraded to provide greater insights into safety performance metrics (training, frequency rates, inspections) allowing our teams greater insight to allow for improved management of safety risks. Indeed, by enhancing our IT architecture, we are creating streamlined processes that champions safety.

Spotlighting Chemical Safety

Chemical safety is another area where we have demonstrated proactive measures. Collaborating closely with our suppliers Diversey , and Bunzl , ahs hospitality has rationalised our range of chemicals to ensure they not only deliver quality cleaning outcomes but also enhanced safety. We have also worked together to create customised educational clips to educate employees on the proper usage of chemicals. We also recently introduced a new chemical register which was formulated after thorough consultation with workers and site management. The new chemical register summarises the key safety information from the Safety Data Sheets for each chemical that is relevant to our housekeeping.

ahs hospitality’s proactive approach towards health and safety in the workplace greatly compliments our ethos of keeping people at the heart of all we do. As we get ready for World Day for Safety and Health at Work in April, we thank all our suppliers, hotel clients and housekeeping teams for all their efforts in fostering a safe and healthy work environment for all.

Want to learn more about our commitment to safety – read our interview with our General Manager – Safety & Quality, Jay Markland here .

ahs hospitality is Australia and New Zealand’s first, and leading provider of outsourced housekeeping services. As a proudly trusted provider since 1993, ahs hospitality guarantees compliance, has a proven track record for quality and is an industry-recognised provider to hotels.

Meet our ahs hospitality New Zealand Team: Interview with Tim Reynolds

lucia.fong@rgfstaffing.com.au (Camilla Yang) — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 02:52:45 GMT

Meet our ahs hospitality New Zealand Team: Interview with Tim Reynolds

ahs hospitality have proudly been providing outsourced housekeeping service to the New Zealand Market since 2013. 10 years on, with the support of our Australian team, and offices in both Auckland and Christchurch, the team have been growing from strength to strength with hotel partnerships across both north and south islands. We had a yarn with Tim Reynolds, General Manager New Zealand to get to know more about his team and the housekeeping operations he is leading.

ahs hospitality (ahs): Who is in your team?

Tim Reynolds (TR): The team is made up of myself, Sophia Liu (North Island Operations Manager), and Jill Nuqui (P&C Advisor NZ).

ahs: What is the hospitality industry like in New Zealand – is there a difference between Australia and New Zealand?

TR: There aren’t too many major differences between Australia and New Zealand hotel operations. If I had to highlight one thing it would be that outsourced housekeeping is not widely recognised or understood in hotels across New Zealand. We have had to work hard on educating what we do and how we do it, and to build our reputation.

ahs: How do you think ahs hospitality’s Labour Hire Solution will benefit hotels across New Zealand?

TR: After building our reputation in the market over the past year we are now in a position to use this and provide experienced, hotel specific staff. Our advantage being our processes and systems around hotel housekeeping. There is no other hotel specific company that can offer experienced housekeepers in this space like we can - which not only improves the hotel’s operating standards, but also satisfied hotel guests!

ahs: What do you do as a team to ensure operational success?

TR: Communication across the whole team at all times is our key to ensure operational success.

ahs: What activities do you do to bond as a team?

TR: We are yet to form any team traditions and activities, as we are a fairly new team. But our team bonding experiences stem from always being there for each other to help support one another.

ahs: If you can describe the New Zealand team in 3 words, what will they be?

TR: Resilient, Patient, Hands-on

ahs: Why is ahs hospitality a great place to work?

TR: The people and the fact that everyone supports each other to achieve the same goals!

If you are interested in learning more about our New Zealand labour hire solution – click here

Why Labour Hire is a Cost-effective Housekeeping Solution

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 18:55:59 GMT

Managing your hotel or property’s housekeeping needs efficiently is paramount to providing an exceptional guest experience in 2024. As a hotelier in Australia , you understand the challenges of maintaining high quality standards while keeping costs in check. This is where the innovative solution of outsourced short-term labour hire in housekeeping comes into play, offering a cost-effective and flexible approach to meet your staffing requirements that does not compromise on quality.

Trained Housekeeping Staff On-Demand:

Picture this: Your hotel is bustling with guests, and suddenly you find yourself short-staffed in the housekeeping department. In such scenarios, having access to trained housekeeping staff on demand can be an absolute game-changer. Our ahs hospitality labour hire services provide you with a pool of skilled professionals ready to step in whenever you need them. Gone are the days of putting cleanliness and guest service quality on the back burner when staff suddenly call in sick,there is a last-minute large group booking, or when there is a sudden influx of tourists wanting to see the beautiful Australian scenery for themselves.

Quality and cleanliness is non-negotiable in the hotel hospitality industry. When you choose our housekeeping labour hire service, you are guaranteed a workforce that is not only experienced but also trained. Our ahs hospitality team members undergo comprehensive training programs to meet the highest standards in housekeeping that meet compliance mandates and offer reliable service. Rest assured, when you partner with us, your hotel's reputation is in capable hands.

Simple Hourly Rate Solution:

Simplicity is key, especially when it comes to managing hotel operational costs. Our labour hire solution operates on a straightforward hourly rate basis. This means that you only pay for the hours worked by our trained team members, with the minimum shift engagement of four hours. This allows you to tailor the staffing to support the specific needs of your hotel like public area, or room attendance while maintaining operational excellence in a transparent and cost-effective way so there is no hidden costs or surprises.

On-Demand Service Anytime, Anywhere:

Flexibility is at the heart of our housekeeping labour hire service at ahs hospitality . Once you are signed up with us, you have the freedom to request our staff at any point in time. By having the opportunity to decide start and end dates, you can assign your housekeeping demands according to seasonal peaks or staff absences. We adapt to your schedule, ensuring a seamless integration of our services into your existing operations. You can also guarantee that our on-demand service ensures that you always have the right number of hands-on deck to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness that will impress your guests.

No Fixed Costs with Award-Based Rates:

Budgeting becomes a breeze with our labour hire solution, as rates are based on the Hospitality Industry General Award. This means you enjoy the benefit of no fixed costs, allowing you to allocate your budget more efficiently. By aligning with industry standards, we ensure that you receive top-notch service without breaking the bank.

Our Team Members Work Under Your Direction:

Maintaining control over your housekeeping operations is crucial for the consistent delivery of quality service at your hotel or property. Our team members in Australia work under your direction, following your hotel's established protocols and procedures. This collaborative approach ensures that our staff seamlessly integrates into your existing team, preserving your hotel's unique identity and high service standards.

How Do I Sign Up To ahs hospitality’s Labour Hire Solution?

To access ahs hospitality’s short term labour housekeeping solutions, simply get in touch with our team b y filling out our easy online form here . From there, we can create a personalised solution that aligns with your hotel needs and specific service standards.

Once you have signed your agreement, our engagement team perform a safety review and site inspection so that our housekeeping team are ready to provide housekeeping services under your hotel’s guidance. From there you can request our housekeeping team for as little as four hours and utilise these services at any point throughout day or night, providing your hotel with a security blanket for those sudden peaks in occupancy, but most importantly a peace of mind labour solution for additional assistance when it is needed.

Indeed, opting for labour hire in housekeeping is not just a cost-effective solution – it is a strategic move towards your hotel’s operational efficiency and excellence. With the flexibility to scale your housekeeping workforce based on demand, transparent hourly rates, and a guarantee of trained housekeeping professionals, our ahs hospitality labour hire solution empowers your hotel to navigate the ever-evolving hospitality landscape with confidence in 2024.

Make the smart choice for your hotel's success. Embrace the flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and quality assurance that come with labour hire in hotel housekeeping. Let us be your trusted outsourced housekeeping partner in elevating the cleanliness and service standards of your establishment, ensuring a memorable experience for every guest who walks through your doors.

ahs hospitality are Australia and New Zealand’s leading provider of outsourced housekeeping with people at the heart of all we do.

Looking Ahead with Leanne Graham: ahs hospitality's Executive General Manager’s Vision for 2024 and the Future – Exclusive Interview

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 19:28:07 GMT

2023 was a big year for us at ahs hospitality. We celebrated 30 years of providing outsourced hotel housekeeping solutions across Australia and New Zealand, had record levels of hotel-based celebratory team morning/afternoon teas, and delivered our strongest operational efficiencies to date. And in 2024, we are excited to continue the successful collaborative momentum we achieved over the past 12 months with our housekeepers, hotel clients and support office teams.

We sat down with our Executive General Manager, Leanne Graham, to not only reflect on the year we had, but to also get the inside scoop of what is in store for the business in 2024. You can read our exclusive interview with Leanne below.

ahs hospitality (ahs): What would you say were ahs hospitality's top 3 business achievements in 2023?

Leanne Graham (LG): IT Architecture x3! The complete re-imagination of our infrastructure that drives efficiency, collaboration, and value (both for ahs hospitality and our client partners) has been an extraordinary amount of work that commenced over two years ago. We have re-built and rolled out every element of how our team works – right from our intranet and accessing SOP’s through to time and attendance, HR/Payroll ticketing system, safety systems, supply chain, and finally billing and payroll.

It’s been an enormous amount of work for everyone in our support offices, but the singular objective has kept all of us focused – reduce admin for our teams so their focus is on our people in hotels who drive quality outcomes. I’m immensely proud of those involved in the change management and very grateful to our housekeeping teams for trusting us to provide them better tools and just going with it!

ahs: Costs were and continue to be a hot topic in 2024. How do you manage the conversation around Housekeeping often being the largest cost centre in a hotel with clients

LG: We all know that cost is an ugly conversation these days and with housekeeping generally being the largest cost centre in a hotel, it is an area of focus. The post-Covid era was a challenge with a lack of productive labour driving costs up, and also chemicals and consumables increasing exponentially. Many hotels had their costs increased by suppliers multiple times.

At ahs hospitality, we worked hard to re-establish a productive workforce and have absorbed the pain for our client partners. Our costs have normalised and productivity is strong – plus our scale allows us to manage some areas that are more difficult for hotels. One key area is workers compensation costs. The lack of both hours worked and injuries incurred during low business periods saw workers compensation costs flatten out over the last two years, but they are on the rise! Whilst the schemes differ across each state, the commonality is the cost increases that are occurring.

This offers a unique opportunity for those hotels who are in-house to remove this risk by outsourcing , and for those who are outsourced to lock in longer contracts before the rates are increased.

ahs: What is the business's ESG focus in 2024? And why is environmental sustainability important to ahs hospitality – how are we strengthening our commitment in 2024?

LG: ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) is broadly important to ahs hospitality , however the majority of our energy definitely goes into the environmental piece for a number of reasons. As a team we are all very passionate about environmental issues with three of our Senior Leadership Team (including myself) being on the Environmental Committee for our parent company, RGF Staffing APEJ. Our IT platforms have enabled us to become largely paperless which was one key objective for the transformation.

The other reason is that legislation in this area is fast changing and the initiatives we are undertaking enable us to support our client partners to meet their obligations. I’m confident we are well ahead of the game in this area.

ahs: If you could use three words to describe what is in store for the business in 2024, what will they be?

LG: Competency, capability, and collaboration.

We still have to support our teams to rebuild competency and capability that is lacking due to the depleted experience levels the industry has seen. We have a clear-cut plan for this now that we have all the back-office tools in place to drive efficiency. Collaboration is still linked as we leverage our teams' strengths to mentor and succession plan internally.

The Psychology Behind Cleanliness and Guest Satisfaction in the Hotel Industry

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 20:40:30 GMT

In the world of hotel hospitality, first impressions are everything. From a seamless online booking experience, a warm welcome from the receptionist at the hotel lobby, and clean, tidy rooms presented neatly by friendly housekeepers, these are some of the touch points of a hotel that play a key role in shaping the overall positive guest experience.

In a recent ahs hospitality poll, we reached out to our LinkedIn followers to gauge their thoughts on the various elements of hotel housekeeping that contribute to a memorable stay. Surprisingly, a whopping 74% of respondents emphasised the importance of all aspects, highlighting the interconnected nature of the guest experience — respectful staff interactions to personalised guest experiences. However, what caught our attention was that, out of the provided options, a significant number of participants also expressed a special appreciation for ‘thorough room cleaning’.

This revelation led us to delve deeper into the psychology of cleanliness and its impact on the guest's perception of their hotel stay. It made us realise that the art of hotel housekeeping extends beyond tidiness – it is about creating an environment that resonates with guests on a psychological level. So, in this blog, we will unravel the intricacies of how thorough room cleaning goes beyond the surface, leaving a lasting impression on guests and enhancing their overall satisfaction.

The Psychological Impact of Cleanliness

Cleanliness is not just about aesthetics – it has a profound impact on our emotions and well-being. A meticulously cleaned room can evoke a sense of comfort, safety, and relaxation, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience . Studies have shown that a clean and organised environment can reduce stress levels and enhance feelings of control and stability.

When guests enter their hotel room that exudes cleanliness, it sets the tone for their entire stay. It creates a positive expectation, signalling that the property prioritises their well-being and comfort. This initial impression can influence how guests perceive other aspects of their experience, making it a pivotal factor in shaping overall satisfaction.

Beyond the Surface: The Art of Thorough Room Cleaning

Thorough room cleaning is more than just removing visible dirt - it involves a meticulous approach that addresses both seen and unseen elements. From dusting high surfaces to sanitising frequently touched areas, the art of hotel housekeeping lies in the details. Clean, fresh linens, spotless bathroom fixtures, and a clutter-free space contribute to the overall ambience, making guests feel like they are in a cared-for and hygienic environment.

Our housekeeping team at ahs hospitality understands that attention to detail is paramount. We go the extra distance to make sure the room is thoroughly cleaned and ready for the next guest, leaving no room for discomfort or dissatisfaction. Our commitment to excellence and compliance in hotel housekeeping is driven by the understanding that the cleanliness of a room can be a defining factor in the guest's perception of their entire hotel experience.

Personalised Guest Experiences: A Natural Extension of Thorough Cleaning

Thorough room cleaning not only addresses the physical aspects but also sets the stage for personalised guest experiences. When guests feel that their space has been thoughtfully and thoroughly attended to, they are more likely to perceive the hotel as a place that values their individual needs and preferences.

Our housekeepers are trained not only in the art of cleaning but also in understanding, respecting, and supporting our diverse clientele. Whether it is arranging the room according to specific preferences, going above and beyond to help a guest who is experiencing an issue during their stay or providing additional amenities, our commitment to personalised service extends seamlessly from the thorough cleaning process.

Elevating the Guest Experience Through Thorough Room Cleaning

Indeed, in the space of hotel housekeeping, the art of thorough room cleaning emerges as a foundation in crafting memorable guest experiences. It goes beyond the surface, delving into the realm of psychology, where a clean and well-maintained environment contributes to a guest's overall sense of well-being and satisfaction.

As we continue to prioritise the importance of cleanliness in our hotels, we invite our guests to appreciate the intricate details that go into making their stay truly exceptional. Thorough room cleaning is not just a task for our housekeeping teams around Australia and New Zealand – it is a commitment to creating a space where guests can unwind, feel at ease, and leave with fond memories of their stay.

Partner with ahs hospitality

If you are looking for a tailored housekeeping model for your hotel or property, please get in contact with us today. We offer multiple servicing models to suit your hotel’s housekeeping needs including our Housekeeping – full model, and Labour Hire Solution . art of all we do.

Our Housekeeper’s most memorable hotel guest experiences

Sun, 05 Nov 2023 20:57:33 GMT

Our Housekeeper’s most memorable hotel guest experiences

When you step into the exciting world of hotel housekeeping, it's not just about fluffing pillows and making beds, because every now and again, you get to rub shoulders with high profile guests! So, as part of our 30th anniversary celebrations , we asked some of our housekeepers about their most unforgettable and heart-warming guest experiences. Read on to see what they had to say:

Leanne – Housekeeper, Queensland, 10 years with ahs hospitality

“I have worked at many of hotels across Australia that have had their fair share of celebrities, but one particular Melbourne hotel I was working at during the time had the highs of celebrities.

In our morning briefings we were given the heads up on any well-known people that were staying or being interviewed at the hotel. These guests included Kendall and Kylie Jenner, Hugh Jackman, Samuel Jackson, Keanu Reeves and many more.

This one morning in 2017 when they were giving us the information that celebrity rock band Guns n Roses was staying with us, I had the biggest smile on my face and had to hold in the excitement. They were staying with us for few days and when they were informing us their allocated rooms my jaw dropped as Slash and Axle Rose were allocated on the floors that I looked after. I was so excited! It was an honour to meet them both.”

Deb – Housekeeper, Queensland, 20 years with ahs hospitality

“One time during the Gold Coast 500 I was standing at the window at the end of the hotel corridor and a man stood next to me. I asked him what he reckons they are waving around, he looked at where I was pointing and said they are waving ‘Go Brocky’ signs. I look back at him and I was standing next to Peter Brock. I had no clue!

Another time, a guest was having trouble getting into his room. I asked him if he needed any help and he said he could not open his door. I asked for his name so I can confirm with the front desk if the name and room number matched. The name he told me was ‘Mark Lizotte’, but as soon as I looked him in the eye, I realised immediately that it was rock star Diesel. I had to pretend I did not know him. But when I called the front desk I told them, “OMG I’ve left Diesel standing outside his door!

Another memorable guest experience I had was when I was working opening night of the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games 2018. I was in the lift with Delta Goodrem and a family. It stopped at their floor, and they got out, the dad looks back and said, you are Delta, right? She said yes, I am. He called to his kids saying kids it is her, they came running back to hug her. She stepped out of the lift to chat, and I held it open waiting for her. She hopped back in and thanked me. I said that was a very nice thing to do. She said it is her favourite part of her job. “

Tracey – Housekeeper, Queensland, 9 years with ahs hospitality

“My highlight was meeting Tane from Home and Away. As he walked around the corner, I saw him and called, "HEY, TANE!". He called back, "HEY!" As if we had known each other for years.

He was lovely and friendly and keen to have a chat. Got a hug off him as we finished chatting. This is definitely my highlight during my time working in housekeeping!”

Patricia – Housekeeper, South Australia, 10 years with ahs hospitality

“I have two unforgettable guest experiences. The first one is from Burt Bacharach, the famous American songwriter, composer, and pianist. He was a lovely guest, very kind and made you feel very welcome with his sense of humour. It was the best experience I had as a room attendant.

The second one is from Danny Green the boxer. I was servicing his room and he walked in the room, I escorted him out of his room not knowing who he was, and I asked him to open the door using his key. Doing that he was so impressed that his room had high security. He was a gentle man and at the end of my shift he gave me 4 tickets for his last boxing match!”

How outsourced hotel housekeeping can contribute to sustainability goals

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 21:08:35 GMT

How outsourced hotel housekeeping can contribute to sustainability goals

As the world becomes increasingly focused on sustainable practices, hotel management is taking a closer look at their daily operations and how they can reduce their carbon footprint. As hoteliers and business leaders, you know how important it is to stay competitive in the hospitality industry. But with increasing pressure on businesses to become more sustainable, are you aware of all the ways that outsourcing your housekeeping services can help you reach your sustainability goals? Not only does outsourcing free up internal resources and allow hotels to focus on their core competencies, but it can also reduce the environmental impact of their operations. By partnering with a company that has expertise in sustainable cleaning , hotels can ensure that practices such as using eco-friendly cleaning products, minimising water usage, and proper disposal of waste are being implemented. Outsourcing hotel housekeeping is a smart way for hotels to not only meet their sustainability goals, but also improve the overall guest experience.

How to Measure the Impact of Outsourced Hotel Housekeeping on your Sustainability Goals

If you are thinking of outsourcing your hotel housekeeping, sustainability is an excellent metric to consider. Measuring the impact of outsourcing on sustainability goals can be complicated, but there are a few key factors to keep in mind. First, consider the environmental impact of outsourcing. If your housekeeping provider is using eco-friendly cleaning products and reducing waste, you can count this as a sustainability win. Next, look at the social impact of outsourcing. Are the workers being treated fairly and paid a the correct wage (minimum, living and legislated awards)? Finally, consider how outsourcing will affect your energy usage and carbon emissions. By analysing these factors, you can gain a better idea of how outsourcing will impact your hotel's sustainability goals.

Not just a cost-saving solution

Outsourcing has long been an effective way for hotels to reduce costs and keep up with rapidly changing customer needs. Now consider the possibilities when those same cost-saving strategies are used alongside a focus on reducing environmental impacts . Let's explore how outsourced hotel housekeeping can contribute to improved sustainability outcomes without compromising quality or exceeding budget expectations.

Conserve Energy and Water

Every hotel understands the importance of conserving water and reducing energy usage. An outsourced housekeeping service can do wonders to reduce a hotel's overall water consumption and energy usage. These services streamline the cleaning processes to limit the use of energy-consuming appliances and prioritise water-efficient practices.

Reduce Carbon Footprint

The urgency to reduce carbon emissions has never been greater. Outsourcing housekeeping services can significantly aid hotels in diminishing their carbon footprint. These specialised services often implement innovative cleaning solutions that are not only highly efficient, but also environmentally friendly. Instead of using harsh chemicals, they opt for biodegradable, eco-friendly products that reduce water pollutions.

Embrace Green Technologies

In a bid to go green, outsourced housekeeping services embrace modern technologies. Microfibre technology and ionised water systems replace traditional cleaning methods, minimising the use of harmful chemicals and thus, contributing to the hotel's sustainability goals.

Procure Sustainably

Hotels can benefit immensely from the established relationships outsourced services have with sustainable suppliers. This ensures that the materials and products used in the hotel’s operations meet the highest environmental standards.

Continual Improvement

Outsourced services have dedicated sustainability teams constantly striving to improve their practices. Their knowledge and expertise can be invaluable for hotels keen on enhancing their green initiatives.

Positive Community Impact

Many of these services have community outreach programs, providing staff with opportunities to volunteer and give back to the local community. This aligns perfectly with a hotel's corporate social responsibility goals and fosters a positive relationship between the hotel and its surrounding community.

Achieving Sustainable Solutions with Outsourced Hotel Housekeeping Services

By partnering with a reputable outsourcing company , hotels not only benefit from cost savings and improved efficiency, but also from the company's sustainable practices. Outsourced hotel housekeeping services provide a great way to help hotels achieve sustainable business goals while improving the hospitality industry’s standards. By understanding the benefits of outsourcing, selecting an eco-friendly provider, and being able to measure the impact of your decision on your sustainability goals, you can ensure that you make the right choice for your hotel. Utilising effective hotel housekeeping solutions is essential for creating a healthier environment and delivering an improved experience for guests. Taking advantage of this technology can help create lasting sustainable improvements in hotels while boosting customer satisfaction and increasing profits Simultaneously. Help your business take the lead in sustainability by looking into green outsourcing options today!

Talk to ahs hospitality

The journey towards more sustainable business practices is one of the key initiatives of ahs hospitality as we move towards reducing our environmental impact. From sourcing materials ethically, to using eco-friendly chemicals , and reducing waste, we are continuously looking at ways in which we can reduce our carbon footprint while maintaining the high-quality level of service we are known for.

Learn more about ahs hospitality’s housekeeping services or get in touch to enquire about how we support our hotel partners in providing quality housekeeping services.

My transformative experience volunteering at Garma

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 22:12:10 GMT

My transformative experience volunteering at Garma

Our parent company, RGF Staffing APEJ, offered team members across our brands in Australia the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to head to remote northeast Arnhem Land for an 11-day immersive volunteer experience at Garma Festival. Deborah De Smet, Operations Manager ACT, was chosen to represent ahs hospitality. Here’s a recount of her experience.

I had a fantastic time volunteering at Garma Festival; however, it was a much harder experience than I had anticipated. It was challenging work that tested my limits, and the limits of my clothing with a wardrobe malfunction or two! Not only did I split a pair of pants on day three, but my shoes also gave out on day five, leaving me to line them with a pair of homemade cardboard soles! Nonetheless, the experience was extremely fulfilling, and given the chance, I’d do it all again in a heartbeat.

The first couple of days were about settling in and getting to know my fellow volunteers from RGF Staffing APEJ. We took in the local culture at the Baku- Larrngay Cultural Centre, and learned about the trade history between Australia and Indonesia predating European colonisation. And all the women gathered for a women’s healing session with several Yolgnu women- that was a beautiful, spiritual moment, and some of the volunteers experienced some intense dreams after the session.

From day three, the real work began. I was assigned to the Corporate VIP team with 5 other volunteers. We were tasked with maintaining 7 sites, building fire pits, sweeping tents, and making the area hospitable for our incoming guests. A job that was as physically demanding as it was rewarding.

We were also responsible for creating gum leaf wreaths for the corporate dinner, and filling corporate bags for the incoming guests, which were then placed on each bed- a challenge whilst trying not to track in red dirt.

As the festival began, we were the welcoming committee for the guests, guiding them through the vast festival grounds, explaining the events, and ensuring a smooth start to their Garma experience. And amidst the chaos, we found time to witness the breathtaking sounds of the yidaki (didgeridoo) resonating across the festival grounds.

Setting up VIP breakfasts at the crack of dawn, serving food from the award-winning restaurant, Hanuman in Darwin, and even arranging a sit-down dinner with 680 guests, the work was non-stop! But it wasn’t all sweat and tears. I had a day to myself to experience the activities and soak in the atmosphere, watch fascinating documentaries, and even dance on the Bungal ground during the closing celebrations.

My time at Garma exposed me to the rich cultural heritage of the Yolgnu people, a proud and peaceful community. It filled me with an overwhelming sense of emotion as I realised that although Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are only 3% of the total population of the country, they are an incredibly powerful force. This immersive experience has deepened my understanding on Aboriginal culture, and I returned to my home in Canberra with a sense of duty to advocate for our First Nations people and share my incredible journey. It is high time we address the wrongs of the past and embrace the rich culture that is integral to our identity as Australians.

Meet Cheryle: ahs hospitality's legendary employee of 29 years!

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 22:25:01 GMT

We're thrilled to celebrate 30 incredible years of hotel housekeeping excellence at ahs hospitality, where we've been proudly delivering our hotel housekeeping solutions across Australia and New Zealand to our clients.

As we reflect on this journey, we had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with our longest serving employee, Cheryle, who has been an integral part of the ahs hospitality community for 29 amazing years! Join us as we dive into Cheryle's unforgettable moments and her best-kept housekeeping secrets in our exclusive interview.

ahs hospitality: What inspired you to work in hotel housekeeping?

Cheryle: When my children were in school, I wanted to find work that would provide me with a great work life balance and flexible hours so I can still be there for them. When I saw ahs hospitality advertising for a Room Attendant position and offered flexible hours where I could still drop them off and pick them up from school - I knew this was exactly what I was looking for.

ahs hospitality: How has the housekeeping department evolved since you started in 1994, and what changes do you appreciate the most?

Cheryle: A lot of our tools we use to clean rooms and public areas today are a lot easier and safer to use from when I first joined ahs hospitality, all thanks to the advancements in technology we have seen these past 30 years. I also appreciate the industry’s move, especially within our business, to more sustainable business practices .

ahs hospitality: What is your most memorable experience or interaction with a guest?

Cheryle: I enjoy positive guest interactions at any level, whether they be a well-known VIP, to returned guests on their annual family holiday or business trip. I particularly love having a chat with guests when they stay with us as it allows me to learn more about them to enhance their stay. Though, my most memorable guest experience was when a lot of VIPS were staying in our hotel in Perth and they took the time to have a chat to all of us in the housekeeping team and thanking us for making their stay so comfortable and pleasurable!

ahs hospitality: What is the funniest or most interesting request made by guests during your time as a Room Attendant?

Cheryle: We had this guest that did not use the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign and did not like to wear their shoes inside their room. So he left a message for all us housekeepers that when there were shoes outside the door, there was no need to enter or clean the room ��.

ahs hospitality: What is one housekeeping cleaning secret you wish everyone knew?

Cheryle: Always stretch and warm up your body before cleaning when you know you will be doing some bending and lifting. It is so important to work safely and listen to your body to help keep your well-being and physical health front of mind. By doing this, it will allow you to be your best self when interacting with guests and other people. And another housekeeping cleaning secret, which is not really a secret, is to not use your back when making your bed! These secrets can not only be used within hotel housekeeping but when cleaning at home too.

ahs hospitality: What do you think makes ahs hospitality such a great company to work for all these years?

Cheryle: After all these years working with ahs hospitality they have always been a great company to work for as a working mum who needs flexible working hours. Working with ahs hospitality, you can nominate what days and hours you can work, and you can go and work at other client hotels in the area when the one you are currently working for is not at full room capacity. ahs hospitality have many loyal hotel clients here in Perth so there is always work. And if you are moving interstate, you can transfer hotels, and stay with the company.

ahs hospitality: What advice would you offer to new team members who aspire to have a long and successful career in hotel housekeeping?

Cheryle: My advice is to first work as a Housekeeping Room Attendant as this provides a fantastic opportunity to learn the core principles of Housekeeping. Learn how to perform your tasks well as it will help you grow into training and leadership roles if this is the direction you want to go in your career. There are always opportunities to learn and grow at ahs hospitality .

From Housekeeping Supervisor to Quality and Training Manager – Verena’s Career Journey with ahs hospitality

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 22:36:25 GMT

From Housekeeping Supervisor to Quality and Training Manager – Verena’s Career Journey with ahs hospitality

In our 30 years of operation, we have collected so many great stories, from our humble beginnings in Perth, our expansion into the New Zealand market and how we survived and thrived through the COVID-19 Pandemic.

But at the heart of everything we do is our people. So, we thought there was no one better to hear from, than one of our longest serving team members. Join us as our Quality and Training Manager, Verena, shares her incredible career journey from housekeeper supervisor to the leadership role she continues to make her own.

Verena’s Career Journey with ahs hospitality

It is so surreal to believe that I have been with ahs hospitality for almost 23 years when it only feels like yesterday that I first started my journey with this company. I started with ahs hospitality as a Supervisor in Melbourne back in November 2000. I have seen significant and positive changes within the hotel housekeeping industry and have made so many wonderful memories along the way.

Back in the day, there was such thing called a fax machine:

Back in 2000, when the ahs hospitality head office was in Perth , WA, we were required to fax through our time sheets. As you can imagine, due to the large number of documents from all team members, the fax machine often got jammed! When they got approved, the Housekeeping Managers would take out their ahs hospitality cheque books sitting in their drawers to pay us weekly.

Love and celebrities:

One of the cool things about working in hotels are the high-profile guests what walk through the doors. I vividly remember when an International Cricket Team was touring Australia and were staying at my hotel during the Boxing Day Test Matches, they required a live Christmas tree in every room they occupied - we were finding pine needles in these rooms six months later!

But it was not just pine needles we were finding at our hotel; it was love too! A story which could be turned into a rom-com, our Housekeeping Department acted as cupid as one team member’s daughter fell in love and got married to another team member’s son. It was certainly the wedding of the year that everyone taking about in the hotel’s corridors, and yes, I was one of the lucky ones who was invited to the wedding.

It was not all sweet love stories at our hotel. Together we also experienced high-maintenance and demanding celebrity guests that really kept us on our toes. One memory that really sticks out, was when we had a high-profile Beverly Hills socialite and her team stay with us who requested only a certain type of candle to be placed into her suite which was not available in Australia. You can certainly say, she had a scent for the finer things in life.

Then there was another high-profile celebrity who rose to fame for her eye for fashion. She had a pair of exquisite, jaw-droppingly expensive boots that she left outside her room for ‘Shoeshine Service’. However, there was just one tiny hiccup, we did not actually have a Shoeshine Service! Panic quickly followed us when the shoes went missing, but as fate would have it, they were eventually found, and we let out a collective sigh of relief.

Christmas, Career Development, and COVID Challenges:

In 2014, I was given the opportunity to transfer to a new hotel, which sparked my passion for Quality and Training within the Housekeeping Department. As their newest Quality & Training Manager, I had the privilege of introducing the prestigious 'Forbes standards' rating qualification. I feel like this was my career defining moment, and I became the Forbes Guru in the hotel, leading the charge in implementing and training our team to meet these high standards.

As the Christmas season rolled in, it was a magical time, but it did come with its quirks. Our offices were located very close to the hotel’s atrium where they held the twice hourly Christmas sound and light show. As much as l loved the sound of Christmas carols and hearing the ‘Ho Ho Ho’ from Santa, it made my computer screen shake and I quickly became an expert in timing important phone calls and recruitment interviews.

Another joyful milestone was the reinstitution of our close partnership with a hospitality training college. This training college offered certifications in hospitality at levels 3 and 4, which has proved to be a game-changer. It paved the way for countless Team Members to climb the career ladder, like me, transforming our lives and enriching our department with a wealth of talent and renewed ambition.

In July 2019, I was offered the position to become one of ahs hospitality’s Quality and Training Managers, supporting their operations in Victoria. Soon after, Corona Virus started hitting the news and made its way to our corner of the world. Safe to say, all our lives changed.

The pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to Melbourne, a city that endured some of the world’s most rigorous lockdowns. Amid these trying times, I felt immense gratitude that my job was kept, thanks to Job Keeper. Working from home, I lent a hand to the ahs hospitality Human Resources and Safety team, assisting with their new projects and administrative tasks. One of the tasks was assisting in the issuing permits to Pathogen Clean Team Members, allowing them access to the city during curfew hours. I will never forget those quiet train rides into the once lively city of Melbourne, where I often found myself the sole passenger.

Transitioning to work in quarantine hotels within Melbourne’s Central Business District was eye-opening. Government officials, the Army, and Police were a constant presence, and leaving the hotel required a COVID test.

But once lockdowns were lifted and hotels started to re-open, we were quickly faced with another challenge. With occupancy rates starting to soar again, this surge in demand was met with a shortage of housekeeping team members due to pandemic-related setbacks. It was a trial by fire for our company and the industry during this time, pushing us to our limits as we strived to accommodate eager guests while navigating these intricate challenges.

We re-adjusted to the post-pandemic era, resuming activity like our popular ahs hospitality ‘Train the Trainer’ development sessions and continued to make positive strides forward as a company. As we approach our 30-year anniversary I have never felt so confident in our leadership team and the bright direction we are heading in. Our industry and company are resilient, and together, we are ready to face whatever challenges lies ahead.

Changes to hospitality over the last 30 years

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 22:47:38 GMT

3 Changes to hotel hospitality over the last 30 years

The year was 1993, Nelson Mandela won the Noble Peace Prize in recognition of his efforts to end apartheid and promote reconciliation in South Africa, Robin Williams redefined fatherly love in Mrs Doubtfire, and the world was introduced to the sounds of Radiohead with the release on their debut album, Pablo Honey. And in Western Australia, ahs hospitality was established as the first company to provide outsourced housekeeping services in Australia. It was a big year.

In the 30 years since, ahs hospitality has continued to expand and grow throughout all Australian states and territories, as well as establishing a presence in New Zealand. In that time, the hospitality and hotel industries have undergone dramatic transformations. Sweeping advances in technology, shifting consumer preferences, and increased global connectivity have played key roles in reshaping this dynamic industry. Gone are the days of using an actual room key that had to be left with reception every time you left the premises- now we book and check in on our phones, use electronic keys to enter, with some hotels enabling radio frequency identification (RFID) allowing customers to use their phones as keys, and more avant-garde hotels are even allowing our furry family members to enjoy a life of luxury with us.

We’ve seen huge changes in room configuration and layout with open plan bathrooms becoming more popular, and equally as divisive! We’ve moved well past pay-per-view and free-to-air televisions, and paid access to dial-up internet, to smart TVs, Wi-Fi connect ability throughout hotels, and a more tech-savvy, personalised ability to connect to the rooms we stay in. Let's delve into the major changes that we’ve seen through the years at ahs hospitality, how they have impacted the industry, and how these changes impact our team.

Thank you for not smoking

One of the most notable changes to the hospitality industry in Australia over the past three decades has been the shift towards smoke-free environments. Since the mid 1990s, Australia has progressively implemented stringent anti-smoking laws and legislation in response to public health concerns, starting with the Australia Capital Territory in 1995 who were the first state or territory to ban smoking in cafes and restaurants, with other states and territories following suit over the next 12 years. This movement towards healthier public spaces spurred a major transformation within the hotel and hospitality industry. While the move was initially met with resistance, the ban on smoking has now become an industry norm as hoteliers have adapted to changing customer preferences, legal mandates, and WHS for their employees. The transition to smoke-free hotels has not only improved the air quality but has also positioned Australia as a leader in offering healthier, cleaner hotel experiences. For the housekeeping staff it has been a huge gamechanger to their health, no longer being exposed to toxic second-hand smoke, but also vastly increasing their abilities to create a welcoming environment for clientele without the lingering stench of stale cigarette and the inability to fully remove nicotine stains from hotel rooms and furniture.

Eco-friendly hospitality

The hotel industry has been substantially reshaping its operations with an increasing emphasis on sustainability . This commitment is showcased in methods including the use of energy efficient lighting, water purification systems, and stringent waste management protocols, alongside the implementation of eco-friendly building designs that encompass renewable energy sources and green rooftps. The industry has been motivated by the emerging creation of eco-certification programs and ‘green’ labelling which leads to attracting an expanding demographic of environmentally aware travellers.

A critical step in the move towards more ecofriendly practices has been the industry’s move from single use to reusable toiletry containers. The transition has involved replacing miniature, disposable toiletry bottles with refillable dispensers, significantly reducing plastic waste while also presenting a financial benefit to operational cost reductions. There has also been a growing trend among hotels to source toiletries from suppliers who are also committed to sustainability and ethical practice – favouring products that are organic, cruelty-free, and made from recycled and / or biodegradable materials.

For our housekeepers, the eco-movement has also significantly impacted their practices with many hotels now prioritising the use of eco-friendly cleaning products. These products, often made from natural ingredients, are designed to minimise environmental harm, reducing the release of harmful chemicals into the environment during use and disposal. Not only is this of huge benefit to reducing the carbon footprint of the establishments, but it has also been a big move towards the safety and overall health and wellbeing of our team, and hotel guests.

Doing it for the ‘Gram

Social media, in particular Instagram, has changed the way hotels operate as they pivot towards catering for an increasingly tech-savvy customer base. Previously, hotels relied on predominantly traditional marketing and advertising methods and word-of-mouth to attract guests and repeat clientele. Now, however, they leverage social media’s visually driven platforms to showcase their amenities, service offerings, and unique selling propositions. High-quality images and videos of picturesque locations, luxurious rooms, and impeccable services help to entice potential guests. Additionally, user generated content, such as guest photos, reviews, and influencer partnerships, serve as powerful endorsement tools. Social media and the ability to direct message has helped to streamline communication, enabling hotels to respond promptly to queries and provide personalised service. Ultimately, social media and the rise of the influencer has transformed hotels into dynamic, customer centric entities, operating in real-time and constantly adapting to evolving customer demands.

While the benefits of marketing and customer engagement are numerous, it inadvertently brings with it some challenges, particularly for hospitality staff. In the pursuit of maintaining and Instagram and TikTok worthy image, the pressure on staff has increased exponentially.

We continue to navigate through waves of change, driven by technology and evolving consumer behaviour. As we move forward, these trends will no doubt continue to shape the industry, challenging the traditional norms and pacing the way to a more dynamic, customer centric and technologically advanced hospitality landscape. It’s an exciting time for the industry and who knows what innovative developments lie on the horizon and how these will continue to impact the hospitality industry and the ahs hospitality team.

Learn more about ahs hospitality’s housekeeping services or get in touch to enquire about how we support our hotel partners in providing quality housekeeping services.

30 Dos and Don'ts of Hotel Housekeeping

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 03:39:38 GMT

30 Dos and Don'ts of Hotel Housekeeping

Did you know that we have been in the hotel housekeeping business for 30 years? In honour of this milestone we thought we would list the essential dos and don’ts of housekeeping we have learnt over the years.

We follow these 30 top tips to provide smooth processes for our hotel clients and offer quality and comfort to our hotels’ satisfied guests. So, join us as we celebrate our BIG 3-0 and we share something you might not know about housekeeping.

Fifteen Must Dos in Hotel Housekeeping:

Do greet guests with a warm and friendly attitude – We are not only Housekeepers but hotel representatives so it’s important to greet every guest with a friendly smile and make them feel comfortable during their stay with us.
Do maintain a high level of cleanliness in guest rooms and public areas – Continuously upholding high-quality services, including creating clean and tidy spaces is what we do best and take most pride in.
Do report and manage hazards, near misses and incidents that may occur – This tip prioritises the safety of fellow hotel staff and guests and helps highlight areas that may be safety risks and need to be assessed to improve safety on site.
Do follow the hotel's brand standard procedures for cleaning, servicing, and presenting rooms – At ahs hospitality, we have created our own Room Servicing ‘Standard Operating Procedures’ (SOP) to ensure that rooms and public areas are cleaned to health control standards, but we always ensure our standards meet those of the brands within we work.
Do handle and store cleaning chemicals safely, following stringent guidelines – Housekeeping departments are bound by legislation that ensures our workplace is managed and maintained to prioritise our health, safety, and welfare.
Do maintain a professional appearance by wearing clean uniforms - Grooming and presentation is very important in the hospitality industry. As housekeepers, it’s important that we always abide by our hotel’s grooming standards.
Do maintain a professional appearance by wearing clean uniforms - Grooming and presentation is very important in the hospitality industry. As housekeepers, it’s important that we always abide by our hotel’s grooming standards.
Do maintain a professional appearance by wearing clean uniforms - Grooming and presentation is very important in the hospitality industry. As housekeepers, it’s important that we always abide by our hotel’s grooming standards.
Do adhere to best practise service standards – For cleaning and disinfecting tasks, it is required that we adhere to the ahs assure practices such as wearing gloves and regularly washing and sanitising our hands for cleanliness, hygiene, and safety.
Do handle lost and found items according to hotel procedures – When we locate items that we may think is lost property, it’s procedure that we place the items in a bag and compete a lost property tag, then we lock it away for safe keeping until we can find its rightful owner.
Do respect guests' privacy and handle their personal belongings with care – Our hotel guests have the right to feel that their personal belongings are safe and handled with care when tidying their room.
Do respect and accommodate guests with special needs or disabilities – Respecting and accommodating guests living with disabilities ensures an inclusive and welcoming environment, enhancing their comfort and overall experience during their stay.
Do replenish amenities and supplies in guest rooms regularly – Regularly replenishing complimentary amenities and supplies in guest rooms ensures a comfortable and satisfying stay, enhancing the guest experience and reflecting the hotel's commitment to exceptional service and care.
Do handle guest requests and complaints professionally and promptly – A prompt response is likely to increase guest satisfaction, enhances their experience, and maintain the hotel's reputation for exceptional service, fostering loyalty and positive reviews.
Do adhere to the hotel's sustainability practices, such as recycling and energy conservation – Adhering to hotel sustainability practices preserves the environment, reduces costs, and enhances the hotel's reputation for responsible and eco-friendly operations.

Fifteen Must Don’ts in Hotel Housekeeping:

Don’t wear open toe shoes – It is important to wear non-slip shoes that cover the entire foot to protect the top your feet and prevent slips in wet areas in the hotel.
Don’t leave your hair out – If you have long hair, it’s important to tie it back and away from your face to minimise the chances of it getting caught on objects or equipment.
Don’t pull trolleys – Housekeeping Trolleys are designed to be pushed with handlebars designed at the front of the trolley to easily grip and hold.
Don’t move guests’ belongings – As Housekeepers, we should avoid moving or reorganising guest belongings without clear instruction.
Don’t make an unnecessary or disruptive noises – Excessive noise while cleaning, such as slamming doors or using loud equipment, can disturb other guests who are likely at the hotel for a holiday or quiet break.
Don't engage in rude or discriminatory behaviour or language towards guests – Every interaction hotel guests have with hotel workers adds to their guest experience, so it’s very important that as housekeepers we do our bit to make it a positive one and treat them with kindness. Always note, if in doubt call the Supervisor to assist!
Don’t abandon your rostered shifts – Housekeeping Managers roster the appropriate number of workers per shift, so if we do not turn up to our shift it impacts our teammates. If you’re unable to make it to your assigned shift, it’s important to let your supervisor know with as much notice as possible
Don’t work during your assigned breaks – It’s important to take a break from your tasks to avoid exhaustion or burn out. During your break, have something to eat and stay hydrated.
Don't enter guest rooms without knocking first – It is always important to knock, announce and wait for a response before entering the room. Some hotel rooms have messages like ‘Do not disturb’ or ‘Please make up room’ signs which makes it easy to know when to clean the room.
Don't use or steal guests' belongings – It’s important that we respect guest’s personal belongings and stealing from a guest is considered misconduct.
Don’t let a guest into a room they may claim is theirs – For all guest safety, we are required to direct them to the reception desk where they will be issued with a new key.
Don't skip training sessions – Every training session your managers or hotel holds is valuable to help you develop in your role and stay up to date on new processes and procedures.
Don't overlook the importance of teamwork – As Housekeepers, we work as part of a team so it’s important to communicate with your Supervisor and team members if you are struggling to complete your tasks or unsure of how to handle a guest enquiry.
Don’t answer a question if you don’t know the answer – Wrong information is worse than simply saying “I am not sure”. Always use the support of the hotel team to direct guests and colleagues to the correct source of truth.
Don’t walk around with your eyes closed – If you see something odd, strange or out of place, report it to your supervisor. Hotels are high traffic zones and if something does not seem right or it’s out of place, let the team know as something may have changed without you knowing.

Were some of our top tips a surprise to you? Despite having stayed in hotels, most guests are unaware of the processes involved when providing quality housekeeping services. While we only scratched the surface of what goes into maintaining high quality housekeeping services, at ahs hospitality we do believe there is always more to learn and improve on to provide the best experience for our guests and hotel partners.

Learn more about ahs hospitality’s housekeeping services or get in touch to enquire about how we support our hotel partners in providing quality housekeeping services.

Introducing Housekeeper Employee of the Year 2023!

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 04:30:36 GMT

We are thrilled to introduce the winner of the coveted ‘Housekeeper Employee of the Year’ recipient at the Victorian Accommodation Awards for Excellence 2023, Sanjay Kedar, who works for ahs hospitality at the Sheraton Melbourne Hotel.

This amazing individual helps to redefine the hospitality standards in hotels and demonstrates an unparalleled dedication to what he does! We sat down with Sanjay for a quick catch up the morning after the awards to ask him a few questions about his big award.

ahs hospitality: So, Sanjay, it’s great to see you still smiling even with only a few hours of sleep after last night’s celebrations! How does it feel to be recognised as Housekeeper Employee of the Year for 2023?

Sanjay Kedar: Being nominated along with some of the best colleagues in the industry, a few of my mentors, and one of my past direct managers was such an achievement in itself! But to be recognised as one of the two recipients of Housekeeper Employee of the Year 2023 is extra special! It truly is a huge success for both the clients and guest expectations after the challenges in a post pandemic world and industry. It is indeed an amazing feeling that I have achieved such a milestone!

ahs: How did you celebrate your achievement?

ahs: How long have you been working in hospitality now?

SK: I’ve just completed a decade with this wonderful organisation!

ahs: Wow, 10 years! What hotels have you worked at in this time?

SK: I’ve been fortunate enough to work at a variety of deluxe accommodations, hotels, resorts, and boutique hotels including Adina Southbank, Peppers Docklands, Mantra in Lorne, The Olsen - Art Series, Novotel Preston, Jasper Hotel, and now at Sheraton Melbourne!

ahs: After so long in the industry, how has your approach changed over the years?

SK: Changes to satisfy the needs of clients, guests, and employes haven’t been so difficult. The expectations that we deal with daily can sometimes be a challenge, however delivering to the standard and achieving high scores in guest satisfaction is definitely an achievement.

The industry is becoming more competitive with each passing day and to keep up we have to learn, listen and adapt on a regular basis. I would say my approach to clients, guests, vendors, suppliers, and employees or associates has become more intellectual and collaborative over time as we work in close partnership to achieve goals.

ahs: What is the hardest part of your job?

SK: Housekeeping is all about people. I believe I am a people’s manager and I adapt people management traits mixed with emotional intelligence. If your colleagues and associates are happy, the numbers, be it productivity or quality, sparkle. So, I think there’s no real hard part to my job because the hardest thing I have already achieved!

ahs: What has been your most memorable workplace moment?

SK: Being awarded the Sheraton Employee of the Year 2022 was the most memorable moment in the workplace. Being a contractor to the client but still achieving the award was something I never expected or will forget!

ahs: What are your top housekeeping tips that everyone should be doing in their own home?

SK: Care for your tools and appliances and they will take care of you! Scheduled cleaning saves time and money. And see something, say something!

ahs: Thanks Sanjay, and last question, tell us something that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you!

SK: Believe in your passion and make your passion your profession! I had been an IT professional, an IT Project Manager for 13 long years. My study was within IT and my Masters was in Information Technology, yet it wasn’t until I started working in hospitality as a Houseman that I developed passion and desire for different roles in the hospitality industry. Lastly, I believe no one cooks like me! I am a self-proclaimed chef!

Thanks for taking the time to tell us a bit about yourself Sanjay, we are so proud of your achievement and so lucky to have you as part of the ahs hospitality team, keep up the awesome work!

About ahs hospitality

If you think you have what it takes to be our next housekeeping superstar, head to our website to check our vacancies . Providing the best outsourced housekeeping services to hotels is our core business, and our clients benefit from a range of support tools and services when they partner with ahs hospitality. With offices and senior management throughout Australia and New Zealand , we are always close by to offer support.

Spotlight on our ahs hospitality Perth Office

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 04:55:35 GMT

Welcome to Perth! As one of the most isolated capital cities in the world (more than 2,000 km from our next closest capital city in Adelaide!), Perth is often forgotten about (entertainers regularly do ‘Australian Tours’ but forget about the biggest state!) However, with seemingly endless desert to the east, and the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean to the west, Perth is an underestimated gem of a city with a laid-back Australian lifestyle. In the heart of this amazing city, you’ll find the ahs hospitality Perth team, led by General Manager Western Australia, Brad Coehlo.

The ahs hospitality Perth support office is made up of a team of five people; Brad leads and supports the operations and housekeeping managers, while ensuring compliance is met across the hotels ahs hospitality services in the western state, as well as building and fostering positive relationships with key stakeholders; Sara Hocking and Tony Slattery, Operations Managers for Western Australia who regularly visit the hotel sites to maintain face-to-face relationships with the hotel teams; Zoe Hannan, our People and Culture Coordinator for Western Australia who provides support for the full team of employees in Western Australia, recruits new employees across all sites in WA, and represents the team at recruitment events; and last but not at all least, Dhanya Abraham, our National Recruitment Consultant who is responsible for advertising vacant positions, attending information sessions for hotel providers, and keeping the team up to date on recruitment events that are coming up.

The Perth team recently moved into new offices located on St Georges Terrace in Perth CBD, and while they may be a small team in themselves, they share the space with other teams from our parent group, RGF Staffing APEJ. This move was in-line with creating a more dynamic and collaborative environment for the individual team, and RGF Staffing APEJ as a business, and is supportive of our hybrid working model with the inclusion of state-of-the-art videoconferencing equipment in many of the workspaces. The office also includes access to a fully equipped gym and swimming pool, as well as beautiful views of the Swann River and Kings Park.

One of the most incredible features of the Perth office, however, isn’t something that is necessarily noticeable at first glance. The furniture in the office includes award-winning designs by Habitat, as part of our commitment to sustainable business practices . This incredible furniture is constructed from 100% sustainable materials, with each panel being made of a minimum of 53 recycled 600 ml plastic bottles. Combined with other sustainable initiatives , this is a fantastic way for ahs hospitality, and RGF Staffing APEJ to play their part in reducing their carbon footprint and committing to more eco-friendly practices within the business operations.

The team members in Perth love that their office is incredibly welcoming and supportive, and they enjoy the collaborative nature of sharing the space with such a diverse range of people and brands within the business. The office is always vibrant and alive with the hubbub of activity, and they often come together for morning teas, birthday celebrations, holidays and fundraising events. Everyone agrees that the flexible nature of the working arrangements, plus the perks of a pool and gym on site, and easy access to amazing coffee shops and restaurants, makes the Perth office the best place to be.

Thanks Perth team, we aren’t at all jealous of your amazing views and swimming pool! Located in the Perth CBD, our beautiful new office is perfectly located for clients and hotel operators across Western Australia wishing to take their meetings offline, and for candidates interviewing for our available roles. To find out more about ahs hospitality in Western Australia, contact the Perth team .

If you’d like to know more about our wonderful teams, read more of our ‘Spotlight on’ series and discover some of our other incredible teams with Spotlight on Sydney , and Spotlight on Melbourne Office .

Bunzl Partnership Announcement - Supply Chain Consolidation

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 05:01:50 GMT

The journey towards more sustainable business practices is one of the key initiatives of ahs hospitality as we move towards reducing our environmental impact.

From sourcing materials ethically, to using eco-friendly chemicals , and reducing waste, we are continuously looking at ways in which we can reduce our carbon footprint while maintaining the high-quality level of service we are known for.

Streamlining the supply chain from end-to-end is one of the many ways a business can contribute to more sustainable practices while continuing to reach growth targets and meeting client needs and expectations. By optimising processes and innovations such as tracking technology, a focus on continuous improvement, and a stronger supplier relationship, businesses can make significant reductions in emissions while increasing cost efficiency.

Through careful planning, research and negotiation, ahs hospitality has entered a partnership with a supplier, Bunzl , to establish a sustainably sound logistics system that enables us to improve customer experience at every stage.

The Problem

Our leadership team identified that as a national provider of hospitality services, we were reliant on too many product suppliers across Australia. This meant that as a company, ahs hospitality did not have the optimal level of control and consistency across the business to best support our workforce and optimise our client experience.

On a national level we were not able to accurately forecast our stock control to limit overstock and reduce waste, our products were inconsistent, and our procurement processes were not of a standard that was easily manageable or maintainable.

Solution

After significant research and negotiation, ahs hospitality is pleased to announce we have partnered with Bunzl, a global business with a local focus, committed to providing tailored solutions to their clients and who are also committed to supporting clients in their sustainable practices. This has enabled us to completely streamline our supply chain from more than 70 suppliers across the nation to just one. It has also provided us access to more sustainable products with Bunzl’s commitment to sustainability and the environment meeting our own values as a company.

Results

Consolidating to one supplier has enabled us to create better and more accurate methods for stock control and delivery outcomes
We have consistency in the products on offer and the option of working toward product development for more sustainable outcomes
Consolidating our suppliers has allowed us to minimise deliveries, reducing the emissions created in transportation
We are working with Bunzl on monthly reporting that will outline our carbon footprint of delivery to all our hotel sites
We are product testing a range of washable mops from Oates, supplied by Bunzl

Fun Facts

The ahs signature polo that forms part of our uniform is made of 100% recycled polyester. The quick-dry efficiency of the fabric also means that our polo shirts do not require tumble drying or ironing- reducing the use of further electrical resources!
The microfiber cloths we use across our sites are made from 2 x 500ml PET bottles. This not only takes 2 bottles per cloth out of landfill, it also saves approximately 7.5kg in CO2 emissions!
Since June 2022 we have ordered 7,300 of these microfiber cloths, preventing more than 14,000 bottles going in to landfill!
Research and product development is currently underway to work on the provision of a sustainable housekeeping trolley which we hope to announce later in the year.

Reflecting on one year with a fully endorsed Reconciliation Action Plan

Thu, 25 May 2023 05:11:37 GMT

In 2022, our parent company, RGF Staffing APEJ, celebrated the endorsement of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP ) - which followed on from 12 months of work by our RAP working party, comprised of representatives from all subsidiary businesses, including ahs hospitality.

Through our RAP we have made commitments to a range of actions and initiatives that will enhance opportunities, build relationships and ensure the greatest levels of respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We have expanded our focus on Indigenous employment, education and training, within a consistent framework that ensures that we continue to build on our reconciliation journey from our first Innovate RAP (2018- 2022).

As we approach National Reconciliation Week 2023 , we at ahs hospitality wanted to embrace the theme of “Be a Voice for Generations”, committing to keeping up the momentum for reconciliation that we started with our RAP launch. We’ve spoken to some of the ahs hospitality leadership team and asked them what National Reconciliation Week means to them:

“National Reconciliation Week is a time to reflect on the country’s past and come together as a community to make the necessary changes. It’s a time to reinforce relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-indigenous peoples so we can walk together equally”- Kirk Blair, General Manager QLD & NT

“National Reconciliation Week is a time for all of us to reflect on the shared histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is a week that promotes reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians and encourages respectful relationships and a deeper understanding of our country's past. “ - Brad Coelho, General Manager WA

"National Reconciliation Week is a reminder that we cannot change the past, but we can certainly reflect, learn and respect the future of our Indigenous People for the generations to come.“ - Justin Jones, General Manager, Business Development

And now we ask you to continue putting these insights into action. Head to the Reconciliation Australia website to see how you can be a voice for reconciliation. With only 3% of the Australian population identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, there is a lot of room for learning, listening, and support from the wider population.

Spotlight on our Auckland Office

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 05:31:00 GMT

As part of our 'Spotlight On' series we are excited to welcome you to ahs hospitality's Auckland office!

ahs hospitality's Auckland Office Location

Located at Level 8/29 Customs Street East in the bustling heart of Auckland CBD, our office is the perfect hub for hospitality services in New Zealand. From here, we work tirelessly to deliver exceptional hotel services to our clients across the country. To get to know more about our Auckland office, the culture and their purpose we spoke to our New Zealand General Manager, Tim Reynolds.

Meet ahs hospitality's New Zealand General Manager: Tim Reynolds

With over 25 years of experience in hospitality, Tim Reynolds has seen it all and proved his success in managing operations across major hotel chains throughout New Zealand and Australia. Tim has the unique ability to balance the needs of the hotel with maintaining employee satisfaction and strong team culture. It's no wonder his motivator is "leading a team to success through mentoring and coaching others." We asked Tim a few questions about what life was like in the Auckland office, here is what he had to say...

What do you like most about the Auckland office?

I enjoy the social element of meeting our business colleagues from the wider company. I also really like our Auckland office's location, in the CBD right in the heart of Commercial Bay, with a great choice of coffee and lunch options. Its proximity to the hotels we manage makes for easy and spontaneous accessibility when we need to meet with the hotel staff.

What is the culture in the Auckland office?

Our office has a friendly and welcoming environment. As a shared office space with our parent company RGF Staffing APEJ, and other business units it provides a great mix of corporate and social spaces where we can collaborate and take time out. We offer flexible working, so we also work from home but often connect virtually to maintain our collaborative culture.

What’s your usual day-to-day in the Auckland office?

Freshly brewed Coffee from home before touching base with my Operations Managers and working through tasks of the day. Regular communication with key stakeholders such as our hotel partners' General Managers, Executive Housekeepers, suppliers and new business leads.

What is the main purpose of our Auckland head office?

What I enjoy most about my job is the day-to-day interaction with people. As someone who thrives on human connection, it's great to be able to meet new people and engage with them on a regular basis. Whether it's with clients, customers, or colleagues, every interaction brings new perspectives and insights.

Did you enjoy our Spotlight on Auckland? Check out our Spotlight on our Australian offices, including Brisbane , Sydney , Melbourne , and Adelaide .

If you are searching for outsourced housekeeping services in New Zealand and wish to get in touch with our Auckland Head Office you can contact us here .

For housekeeping and room attendant jobs in New Zealand you can view and apply for our open roles here.

We're a Silver Sponsor: AHICE 2023

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 17:56:13 GMT

05 April 2023

We are thrilled to announce that ahs hospitality will be a Silver Sponsor for AHICE 2023, hosted by Hotel Management Magazine on May 3rd and May 4th.

This prestigious event is the largest and most influential hotel conference in the Asia Pacific region, bringing together leading industry experts to discuss the latest trends and developments in the hospitality sector.

Sponsoring AHICE 2023 Asia Pacific

As a first-time sponsor of this event, we are excited to showcase our commitment to the industry and support the growth of our sector.

In attendance will be Leanne Graham , our Executive General Manager, Karl Unterfrauner , our General Manager of Operations (VIC / TAS / SA), and Justin Jones , our General Manager of Business Development. Our representatives are looking forward to meeting with like-minded professionals, reconnecting with industry network connections, and gaining insights into the latest industry developments.

We believe that it is crucial for ahs hospitality to sponsor events like AHICE 2023 because it provides a platform to engage with industry peers, discuss new ideas and strategies, and showcase our commitment to the hospitality sector. By being involved in this conference, we can stay abreast of the latest trends, developments, and opportunities in the industry, and ensure we remain at the forefront of providing exceptional hospitality services to our clients.

To learn more about the event visit: https://www.ahice.com.au

Connecting with the Hospitality Network

We are proud to be a Silver Sponsor of AHICE 2023, and we look forward to engaging with our industry peers, sharing our insights and experiences, and learning from others. We are committed to providing the highest levels of service and expertise to our clients, and events like this help us to achieve our goals. We hope to see you all there on May 3rd & 4th!.

We Are Work180 Endorsed for IWD

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 18:38:59 GMT

ahs hospitality Are Work180 Endorsed for International Women's Day

We are excited to announce that, ahead of International Women's Day, a hs hospitality has been endorsed by Work180 for our commitment to gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. This endorsement highlights our ongoing efforts to create a fair and inclusive workplace for all employees.

International Women's Day: Video Message

To celebrate this endorsement and International Women's Day on March 8th, we have created a short video message from our employees, including our Executive General Manager, Leanne Graham:

What is Work180?

Work180 is a jobs platform that connects job seekers with employers who prioritise gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. They provide a range of resources to help job seekers identify and apply to companies that align with their values .

Why is it important to be Work180 endorsed?

Having a Work180 endorsement is important because it signals to job seekers that a company is committed to creating a fair and inclusive workplace. It shows that a company has taken steps to address issues such as the gender pay gap, flexible working arrangements, and parental leave and that they are actively working to create a culture of diversity and inclusion. This can be a valuable tool for companies looking to attract top talent and build a positive reputation as an employer of choice.

Why is International Women's Day important to the hospitality industry?

The hospitality industry recognises and celebrates International Women’s Day as it encourages women to grow their careers within the industry with a special focus on leadership roles across all departments. By celebrating this day, the industry can acknowledge the contributions of women and raise awareness about the need for gender equality in the workplace. Additionally, the hospitality industry relies heavily on the labor of women, from front-line workers to management positions, and it is essential to recognise their hard work and dedication. Celebrating International Women's Day can also provide an opportunity to highlight the achievements of women in the industry and inspire the next generation of female leaders.

ahs hospitality Partner with Diversey

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 19:22:51 GMT

ahs hospitality Partners with Diversey as their Chemical Supply Partner

Maintaining Market Position

At ahs hospitality, we are proud to be Australia and New Zealand’s leading outsourced housekeeping provider. To sustain our position as ANZ’s provider of choice for housekeeping solutions, we are continually looking at how we can improve our services for the needs of both our clients and workforce.

A Strategic Partnership

2022 was a year of business review and process consolidation for ahs hospitality. We reviewed our equipment, technology, and our chemical supply chain practices to see how we could optimise the business and value proposition. During this review, we found an opportunity to align our operating teams to a single chemical supplier.

The transition to a sole chemical supplier means our services will have far greater consistency at all sites across Australia and New Zealand. This will also result in a simplified training plan and a more agile team which can have a smoother transition into operations across any of our sites.

We are excited to announce our new strategic partnership with our preferred cleaning chemical supplier, Diversey. Kicking off this relationship in December 2022, Diversey has made the transition seamless, with our business already receiving glowing feedback about the operational benefits from internal and external stakeholders.

Why did ahs hospitality partner with Diversey?

Diversey was selected as ahs hospitality’s chemical supplier partner based on their quality, distribution, commercial value, and their move to product development around Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives that align closely to our own and the wider RGF Staffing community.

In addition, Diversey also offers ahs hospitality a global presence, a solid support team and an account management program to ensure a strong and viable commercial partnership.

How will this change ahs hospitality services?

We anticipate positive change for ahs hospitality and our hotel partners . Our new sole supplier partnership will mean our services will have greater consistency at all sites across Australia and New Zealand along with a simplified training plan so all team members are trained and can work across any of our sites.

“Under the leadership of Tim Pitcher, I am excited about the preferred partnership with Diversey. Diversey provide outstanding technical innovation and support to ahs – this was well and truly tested and proven during the COVID-19 pandemic. As ahs hospitality aligns more sites to the Diversey product range, efficiencies will be gained through the consolidation of our chemical range. This in turn provides great safety benefits such as a reduction in the quantity of chemical risk assessments required, streamlined training and simplifying the process of moving team members between sites as we move towards a single Diversey product range across most sites.”

- Jay Markland, ahs hospitality Senior Safety Business Partner.

“There is something brilliant that happens when a partnership works! Diversey is one of the oldest and most recognised global cleaning brands, and when partnered with ahs hospitality something exciting is born. Whilst our partnership evolved it was clear we live by the same goals, which go well beyond the supply of just chemicals. Together we strive to protect lives and exceed our customer's expectations.

Recently, we have been working together to provide tangible value with an added focus on Environmental Sustainability and Health & Safety. In 2023 Diversey will continue to innovate products with ahs hospitality, which will allow us to move our industry forward and provide our customers with total peace of mind.”

-Tim Pitcher, Diversey National Sector Lead & Key Accounts Manager Australia

We step confidently into 2023 with a strong foundation of support, distribution and an established training program so we can deliver the best outcomes for our clients. Looking ahead we continue to prioritise ESG, as we put a greater focus on reporting to understand the manufacturing process, Scope 3 emissions and continuous development in eco-friendly chemicals and ways of cleaning.

Happy Holidays from Our Executive General Manager

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 03:25:21 GMT

Happy Holidays from Leanne Graham

A Message from Leanne Graham

At ahs hospitality, we are truly grateful for our team members, clients, and industry, especially during the holiday seasons as we know how hard everyone is still working (and will continue to!). While other industries plan to rest during the time, we are ramping up for the holiday season, so our leader wanted to share her appreciation.

In this end-of-year video message, our Executive General Manager at ahs hospitality, Leanne Graham , thanks our wonderful ahs hospitality team member s for all their hard work this year and for performing so well operationally. Additionally, she makes a note to give a big thanks to our clients through what has been another really challenging year for hospitality.

Overall, Leanne wishes all our colleagues at ahs hospitality, our suppliers, our friends and family, and our hotel partners, a safe and happy holiday season! You can hear from Leanne below.

Our Holiday Message to our Housekeepers and Hotel Partners

To get in the holiday spirit, and help yourself prepare for summer tourism in Australia, you can check out our most recent blog here , which has some fabulous tips for team engagement and well-being at your hotel.

Additionally, if you’d like to enquire about our housekeeping services over the holiday period, or plan ahead for next year, you can get in touch easily via this page , by selecting the state most relevant to you! We would love to hear from you and work with you on staffing solutions to help your business prosper.

Happy Holidays again, from all of us at ahs hospitality. We hope you have a magical end to 2022, and bright beginning to 2023!

Preparing for the Summer BOOM!

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 03:34:56 GMT

How hotels can prepare for summer tourism in Australia

This year’s holiday period is an exciting time for everyone whose earned their summer break. With no travel restrictions looming overhead, Australians are completely free to celebrate Christmas or their respective holiday celebrations however and wherever they would like!

This is wonderful news for the tourism industry in Australia, as although many people can travel overseas too if they want to, the costs for international flights are still quite high. To be closer to family and make the most of the holidays, we anticipate that many Australians will be travelling locally and interstate, keeping our Aussie hotels busy!

So, how can hotels prepare for summer tourism this year? Here are our top tips:

Ensure team wellbeing

Our holiday season falls in summer so it’s important that our teams are keeping hydrated and well fed. You can’t pour from an empty cup! Balance is crucial and all employees deserve to maintain the same amount of energy input as they are expected to output.

Prioritise your customer service and people skills

Of all times, now is the most important to make sure you are bringing the best energy possible to guests. This can be as simple as always passing by and interacting with a smile, as well as being eager to help and accommodate your guests. Good customer service and personable interaction does not go unnoticed, especially now as customer service has changed so much in the past few years.

Engage and converse

Further to being friendly, it can be helpful to engage with guests such as asking them how they are and where they are from. Holiday goers will definitely appreciate any personal touch or friendly communication.

Team engagement and morning meetings

From an operations point of view morning meetings and team engagement overall are the keys to a successfully run holiday period. Morning meetings allow you to brief everyone and enhance transparent communication so there is little room for error and more space to collaborate and work together.

Keeping your team engaged is also vital, as the more engaged and happier your team is the more quality work they can provide. An engaged team are people who will want to do a great job for your organisation.

As an example, at ahs hospitality, we focus on employee engagement in several ways. We offer:

Staff benefits such as My Discounts which is a portal that offers discount codes and offers for a range of widely known retail stores.
Access to an Employee Assistant Program so that any employee has access to free counselling services to take care of their mental wellbeing. We believe self-care is super important in employee engagement.
Frequent communication and positive encouragement.
Opportunity for employees to provide the business feedback without judgement.
We even have a specific email address direct to our social team so that ahs team members can share the festive team spirit at their respective hotels in order for us to post and share to our wider business community!

We hope you are just as excited for this year’s holiday season as we are! For more information, to discuss tourism preparation in more detail, or for recruitment and employment services you can reach out to the relevant office here .

For more information on labour hire please share your details below.

Spotlight on our Adelaide Office

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 04:28:29 GMT

Spotlight on the ahs hospitality Adelaide Office

Led by Kerry Mallon and Paul Baker, the close-knit team in South Australia have kindly offered us a sneak peek into their day-to-day lives and the culture of the Adelaide office as part of our 'Spotlight On' series.

Meet Operations Manager: Kerry Mallon

Kerry is in her 12th year with ahs hospitality in Adelaide . She started with her team in 2010 as an Executive Housekeeping (HK) Manager, when the inhouse housekeeping team she was leading was contracted to ahs hospitality. She then moved into a Regional Executive Housekeeping role and then continued to progress into the role of Operations Manager in 2016. We asked Kerry a few questions about her role and experience in the Adelaide team, here is what she had to say...

What are the South Australia Operational Teams’ responsibilities?

Supporting the teams in Adelaide operationally, building and maintaining client relationships, recruitment, training and onboarding of new hire staff. We also ensure compliance with all safety processes are met at each site.

What is the culture like in the South Austalia team?

We have an amazing team here in South Australia, especially with our Onsite Housekeeping Managers/Executive Housekeeping Managers who have worked with us for many years and are very experienced and fantastic at what they do on a day-to-day basis.

What’s your usual day-to-day in the Adelaide office?

I am always taking a look at my appointments calendar, then checking in with each site, ensuring they have all staffing and resources available and in place, including joining the teams for the team briefings when possible. Additionally, I’m attending client meetings, hotel inspections weekly, and visiting different sites each day.

What do you like most about working in the Adelaide office?

Adelaide is definitely the best state in Australia �� (I'm not biased at all!). The teams in each of our hotels and in our head office in Adelaide are amazing and a pleasure to work with!

Meet Operations Manager (SA/TAS): Paul Baker

Paul joined the ahs team in 2011 and is celebrating 11 years with the business this year! Paul looks after some of the South Australian portfolio including labour hire contract with Journey Beyond as well as the Tasmanian portfolio.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

There are different challenges every day, I like that there is always something that makes every day interesting and versatile. To me it is great that no day is exactly the same!

What makes your team unique?

We have an amazingly diverse team in South Australia and Tasmania. In fact, overall, ahs has pretty incredible diversity of staff with an employee base registering from 89 varied nationalities.

What’s your usual day-to-day in the SA office?

From attending client meetings to touching base with head office and connecting with my team, my role revolves heavily around people. Stakeholder management is something I enjoy and luckily that’s what fills my days.

What do you like most about the SA office?

The SA office is very inclusive which makes for a comfortable and inviting work environment . Having an inclusive workplace really makes a big difference in being happy to show up for work every day.

TEAM ADELAIDE!

Situated on Sir Donald Bradman Drive in Hilton SA, our Adelaide office is easily accessible and surrounded by plenty of amenities. This makes visiting our Adelaide office convenient for hotel operators wishing to have a one-to-one about our hospitality services or for candidates interviewing for a position at one of our hotels across South Australia.

If you would like to contact our Adelaide office or enquire about housekeeping services for South Australia or Tasmania, get in touch with us today.

If you enjoyed learning about our Adelaide team, then check out the last installment of our 'Spotlight on' series. Spotlight on Our Melbourne Office introduces readers to our busy Melbourne office and the VIC operations team that call it home.

Safety in Housekeeping

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 06:48:13 GMT

How to work safely in hotel housekeeping

Safe Work Month is a great time to take stock and revisit the things we can all do to stay safe whilst working. Like any other workplace, housekeeping departments are bound by legislation to ensure their workplace is managed and maintained to prioritise the health, safety and welfare of workers.

ahs hospitality understands there are significant benefits beyond just complying with legislation and instead strive for a safety culture where our whole team work together to continually improve our people’s safety.

Below you will see a few key concepts on safety management to ensure you and your colleagues return home in the same way they arrived at work.

Understand and plan

Good safety management starts with good planning. Work with your management and operational teams to understand your safety risks. Risks may be associated with your work activities (e.g. room servicing or public area cleaning) and work locations (including the structural conditions of a property and the geographic location). Document an over-arching safety risk assessment that details these risks and any existing safety controls. This will help your team to identify additional safety controls that can be implemented to further improve safety onsite. Be sure to establish methods to keep track of the new safety controls you want to put in place, so your team do not lose track of the goals you have agreed to achieve!

Implement

Implementing the controls to maintain a safe work environment will address an array of topics and activities including:

Assessing and procuring the required equipment, chemicals and cleaning supplies appropriate for the work being undertaken.
Identifying the training needs for different roles and understand how best to deliver this training (online, on-the-job mentoring or ongoing group training).
Developing safe work procedures for work activities such as room servicing, public area cleaning and house-person duties.
Talking Safety! ahs hospitality champion monthly workgroup discussions that are developed by our safety team, delivered by our housekeeping managers, and follow an annual calendar of topics that aligns to our key risk areas.
Ensuring team members report and manage hazards, near misses and incidents that may occur.

Collaborate

We recognise that as a contractor working within their client’s hotel, it is important to partner with our clients to ensure alignment of safety management activities . We ensure that we meet regularly to discuss safety management onsite, share details of incidents and hazards reported and jointly conduct regular workplace inspections.

Review, update and improve

Regular inspections and audits allow your team to identify what is working well and what needs improvement. These activities form the basis of continual improvement and serve as great mentoring activities to improve the safety knowledge and awareness of your team. Take the time after inspections and audits to celebrate those areas working well, this helps maintain team motivation for safety.

Beyond internal inspections and audits, it is important to regularly look outside your business to understand what external factors may have changed that could impact how you need to manage safety. COVID-19 has demonstrated how external factors can impact an industry and how quickly legislation/regulation can change. Safety regulators provide subscription services to update workplaces on changes in their jurisdictions and there are also several paid subscription services available.

Summary

There are many benefits of continually improving your workplace safety culture. Plan, Implement, Collaborate and Review, and make every decision in your workday as a Safety Leader. We believe that at ahs hospitality, ‘We are all Safety Leaders’. You can learn more about why to keep safety front of mind here .

Author of this blog, Jay Markland .

7 Activities to Celebrate Housekeeping Week

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 07:11:42 GMT

7 Fun Activities to Celebrate Housekeeping Week with your team

Finding the fun in our jobs and honouring the things we are good at is a wonderful way to celebrate a week dedicated to our careers . Housekeeping Week gives us the opportunity to highlight that fun and to celebrate our people.

Last year for Housekeeping Week we were all on reduced hours because of various lockdowns, so to continue the celebrations, ahs hospitality ran a series of activities that our teams could participate in together or from the comfort of their homes. Each activity came with prizes to be won!

This year as we are all back on deck, we are running the inaugural ahs hospitality Olympics, with a new ‘event’ every day for our teams to be a part of with once again the chance to win a number of new prizes.

In this blog, we share with you all the activities from this year and last that you could incorporate into celebrating your very own Housekeeping Week. So, let's get started...

Housekeeping Olympics

Event 1: Towel Art

How nice is it to see a towel swan, or towel elephant sitting adorably on our beds when we walk into our hotel rooms? Well, it’s an art form! This activity is all about who has the best towel art skills. For this event we will have our teams send in pictures of their best creations and choose a winner based on quality and creativity. We love this activity as a reminder of the joy we can insert into people’s lives through our jobs.

Event 2: Speed bed making

This event is a measure of speed and accuracy! Which of our room attendants will make the bed perfectly in the safest and fastest way? We love this activity as it showcases our teams amazing skills.

Event 3: Neatest Pantry

A tidy, organised pantry is one of the most satisfying things to lay your eyes on. This activity is a test of organisation, from bed sheets to amenities, toilet paper to mini bar, who will have the neatest pantry? (No shame in messy pantry entries, most of us are in that boat!)

Event 4: Good Supervision (Room quality checks)

Who can find that pesky sock behind the curtain or that dust up high? Who leads their teams in the safest ways to avoid injury? This challenge is all about an eye for detail and how to overcome these challenges as they take place each and every day!

3 More Fun Games You Can Play During Housekeeping Week

Toilet Roll Mummy

This one is a classic, who will make the most fascinating mummy out of toilet paper? Bonus points for using less than one roll per person, and for any creative flare!

Who is that baby?

This one is a great team builder. You can get to know each other a little more personally by sharing a baby picture of yourself as well as a current picture. Mix up all the photo’s then ask the team to match the right baby photo to the right current photo and see who gets the most correct!

Cultural Cook Off

This is another great activity to allow for strong and aligned teams. It not only brings awareness to the backgrounds of the people we work with, but it also gives an opportunity to sit down, spend time and share a meal with one another. In this activity you can cook your favourite meal from your culture and bring it in to share! If you want a winner with this one, you can get the team to vote for their favourite dish, otherwise, just sit back and enjoy the feast! You can also set this task for people at home to take part in with their families or friends. It’s a nice incentive that celebrates housekeeping in many ways.

Get in touch and let us know how you’ll be celebrating Housekeeping Week! We’d love to hear.

How Employees Can Exhibit Self-Care

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 07:16:44 GMT

How Employees In the Hospitality Industry Can Exhibit Self-Care

International Self-Care Day July 23rd

Self-care can be found in many activities or restful experiences. It is the act of literally taking care of yourself whether that be mentally or physically in an intentional manner. Self-care can help ease stress, give you respite, and aid in re-energising.

To honour International Self-Care Day, we wanted to share some of the best ways you can take part in self-care and reduce the stress on your mental and physical well-being you may incur from work.

Reserve the time

If you are a busy individual who feels like self-care often gets put on the end of your to-do list because there is too much else to do, this is your first step. Prioritise self-care, make time for it, as it is just as important as anything else you have to do. There is a saying that goes: “you can’t pour from an empty cup”. When we feel depleted, it can be hard to give our best at work and for others. It is vital to fill our own cup, preferably before it completely empties!

Physical Self-Care

Some forms of physical self-care include:

Get some fresh air, take some time in nature nearby
Move your body through your choice of exercise
If you already move your body throughout the day at work, rest your body, lie down, and watch your favourite TV show or movie
Take a warm, aromatic bath
Put on some music and have a dance!
Take part in a hobby you really enjoy, maybe it is cooking, reading, or singing
Get dressed up and feel fantastic
Tick off the things on your to-do list
Drink A LOT of water
Try to learn a new skill if you have the energy
De-clutter
Play a video game
Stretch!
Take a nap

Mental Self-Care

Some forms of mental self-care include:

Speak positive affirmations to yourself
Practice gratitude
If you like to, pray
Write in a journal
Self-reflect and learn about yourself
Listen to your favourite music
Watch or listen to content that makes you laugh
Meditate or practice mindfulness
Read an inspirational story

Social Self-Care

Go for a wholesome meal with your family or friends
Spend time with your favourite people (or animals)
Give or receive a genuine hug
Play a board game

How to self-care at work

When you’re at work, you can still participate in self-care activities. Here’s how:

Take your required break and use it to eat a healthy meal, sit down, and rest
If you can, play your favourite music while working
Engage in a positive conversation with someone else, such as complimenting someone or providing some positive feedback
Take a moment to be proud of your hard work
Give yourself a pat on the back at the end of the day. It is important, now more than ever, for businesses to lead with culture and the well-being of their employees as a priority. If you are a business leader you can do this by:
Sharing content to encourage employees to prioritise well-being
Offer an Employee Assistance Program
Increase morale with social activities
Participate in social observances that will uplift your employees or highlight the importance of mental wellness (e.g. RUOK? Day & Harmony Day)

From everyone at ahs hospitality we wish you a happy and healthy International Self-Care Day.

Get in touch and let us know how you’ll be celebrating Housekeeping Week! We’d love to hear.

Melbourne Office Spotlight

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 17:43:21 GMT

Our Melbourne-based ahs hospitality recruitment team scouts for talent and provides ongoing support to our housekeeping operations across Melbourne and wider Victoria.

Led by Karl Unterfrauner , the Melbourne team have kindly offered us a sneak peek into their day-to-day lives and the culture of their Victorian team as part of our 'Spotlight On' series.

Meet Our HR Manager, Southern Region- Laura Duscher

Laura has been with ahs hospitality for 6 and a half years is the HR Manager for the Southern Region which oversees the HR Functions for VIC, TAS, SA and WA.

What are the Melbourne Operational Teams’ responsibilities?

The Melbourne Operations team consists of Emily Sefton, Nipuna Hettiarachchi and Laura Rose and they each provide support to the Housekeeping Managers across 31 sites throughout Victoria. Due to the current demands of the business the Operations team spend most of their days out on site in a hands-on role which consists of client meetings, audits and helping supervise and clean rooms as required.

What is the culture of the Melbourne team?

The Victorian team have a positive attitude and often work together to overcome challenges. Despite the challenging climate within the Hospitality industry including labour shortages the team always come to work with a smile on their faces.

What’s your usual day-to-day in the Melbourne office?

The part I love most about my job is the varied days. Some days I will be out on site visiting the teams, conducting audits and other days I will be assisting with interviews or onboarding of candidates. I enjoy the flexibility of my role being able to work from both home and in the office.

What do you like most about working in the Melbourne office?

The ahs head office is based in Melbourne which consists of the finance, payroll and sales team and we all have a positive relationship, and it is great to see everyone in the office again after mostly working from home for the past 2 years. We all come from a diverse range of backgrounds and often have many stories to share with each other.

Meet Our HR Coordinator- Jade Milazzo

Jade has been with ahs Hospitality for 6 months & is accountable for supporting the HR operations function by assisting across the employee lifecycle, coordinating key HR activities and initiatives and providing HR guidance and support for operations, site and line managers.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

One of the things I love about my role is that it’s constantly developing and changing. From compliance with new laws and legislation, to technology and employee expectations. It’s never boring and always challenging.

What makes your team unique?

We are a thriving team who value diversity & recognize each other’s individual strengths and talents. Each team member draws on their varied experience & background to collaborate and work toward achieving common goals.

What’s your usual day-to-day in the Melbourne office?

No two days are the same – as the scope of my role is so varies, I am constantly juggling responsibilities and deadlines. I try to structure my day by prioritising tasks dependent on their urgency however I have found that flexibility is key to success in my role.

A typical day will involve: Recruitment activities, performance management, training & development & providing administrative support to both internal and external stakeholders.

What do you like most about working in the Melbourne office?

There's always buzz in the air, colleagues are enthusiastic and energetic, and there are lots of conversations happening. We have cultivated a supportive culture which has encouraged collaboration between departments.

Our Melbourne Office

Situated on Bourke Street in the hustle and bustle of the Melbourne CBD, our Melbourne office is easily accessible and surrounded by amenities. This makes visiting our Melbourne office convenient for hotel operators wishing to have a one-to-one about our hospitality services or for candidates interviewing for a position at one of our hotels across Victoria.

If you would like to contact our Melbourne office or enquire about housekeeping services for Victoria or Tasmania, get in touch with us today .

If you enjoyed learning about our Melbourne team, then check our previous instalment of our 'Spotlight on' series. Spotlight on Our Brisbane Office introduces readers to our busy Queensland office and the QLD operations team that call it home.

Why is Pride Month important for Hospitality?

Thu, 26 May 2022 18:54:31 GMT

Why is Pride Month important for Australian Hospitality?

What is Pride Month?

Pride Month celebrates LGBTIQ culture, representation, and rights within our community throughout the month of June. It is celebrated in June to recognise the 1969 Stonewall uprising in Manhattan, USA (scroll down to read more about this historical event).

Pride Month is about creating inclusivity, amplifying voices that have been silenced throughout history, and reassuring our community that you can feel safe being who you are. It is also a vibrant, colourful, peaceful, and festive way to combat intolerance.

Why is Pride important within hospitality?

From an economical perspective, Neilsen have reported that the Australian LGBTIQ community are much more likely to be affluent and spend money on premium products and services. One of the top three influences on their decision to purchase is that the company is LGBTIQ supportive.

History has shown that the LGBTIQ community have led the way in rebooting the tourism and travel industries as avid consumers. The LGBTIQ community has proven to support the hospitality industry, yet in 2020 Statista reported only 2.3% of the industry identifying as being part of the LGBTIQ community. While you might feel our industry has come far, we believe we could go further.

Why is inclusivity important for your company culture?

When your employees feel they are in a safe and inclusive environment they are more likely to:

take initiative
demonstrate higher emotional intelligence
offer creative solutions and different perspectives

If you introduce more inclusive work practices into your workplace, you could see an increase in:

employees feel comfortable sharing more about their identity
qualified hires from more diverse backgrounds as unconscious biases decrease

Not only could it support your hotel to achieve greater success and improve company culture, but it can lead to a ripple effect as your company supports a cultural shift for increased inclusivity within the wider community.

How can you demonstrate your Pride at work?

Show your support for your LGBTIQ community this month by:

Adding your preferred pronouns to your LinkedIn profile
Share a post on LinkedIn to support Pride month
Add a rainbow background to your virtual meetings
Support Pride month with your email signature banners
Ask to write a blog for your company on Pride month
Host a morning tea to show your Pride

What were the Stonewall riots?

The Stonewall riots were a turning point for the gay liberation movement, an inspiring story of continued raids on a bar, and safe haven, for the gay community at the time, the Stonewall Inn. It led to ongoing demonstrations after one raid triggered onlookers to riot against the treatment of some of the patrons by authorities. We encourage you to research and find out more about this pivotal moment in LGBTIQ history.

ahs hospitality is an equal opportunities employer and support our LGBTIQ community. We welcome all cultures, all religions, all colours, all beliefs, all ages, all sizes, all types, all people. If you would like to share our belief in creating an inclusive workplace then apply with us today .

Safety & Health: Q&A with Jay Markland

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 19:21:04 GMT

In recognition of World Safety and Health Day at Work (Thursday, 28th of April), we sat down with Jay Markland , our Safety Business Partner to discuss the importance of safety and health in the workplace.

With over 14 years of experience in safety, Jay has always made the health and wellbeing of his colleagues his priority. The rest of the world joined him in prioritising safety and wellbeing in 2020 when we were hit with the pandemic.

Jay's dedication to safety was highlighted in December 2021 when our team was highly commended at the prestigious National Safety Awards of Excellence for our solution to ‘Work Health Safety Risk’.

Jay has been an invaluable asset to the ahs hospitality team throughout lockdowns and spikes in infection rates, as he implemented best-in-class safety protocols and inspected hotels to ensure the safety of our team members, our hotel partners, and their guests.

So let’s get started...

Q&A with Jay Markland

Jay, why do you think safety should always be front of mind?

It makes sense to want to keep ourselves safe, knowing that workplace injuries can really impact your personal life. Everyone has different reasons for keeping safety front of mind. I keep safety front of mind so that I can go home at the end of the day fit and healthy and spend quality time with my family and friends and go sailing on the weekends.

Safety isn’t a special frame of mind, or a complex concept in my opinion. Safety should simply be a part of everything we do. At RGF Staffing, and at ahs hospitality, we have a simple belief – that ‘We are all Safety Leaders’.

That making simple decisions in everything that you do will keep not only you safe, but also those around you.

What led you to work in safety?

Coming from an IT and process improvement background, for me, safety was a natural progression from process improvement as efficient work practices align well with safe work practices. On a personal level, I was drawn to the ethical aspect of safety - that all people should be able to complete a day’s work without sustaining an injury.

Working in safety is extremely rewarding given the breadth of involvement we have with the business and our great operational teams. Whether it is working with frontline team members to assess and control a discrete activity or developing and implementing safety improvements that benefit the whole organisation, working in safety continues to provide a rewarding experience every day.

How has your role changed since the pandemic?

I think that the biggest change in the role of a safety professional since the beginning of the pandemic has been the need to be even more agile than we were before. In early 2020, COVID-19 was an unknown entity, and still is to a degree.

As safety professionals, we still had the goal to keep everyone safe, but at the time we didn’t necessarily have all the answers. On top of that, we were also contending with the ever-changing regulatory environment with legislation in differing states. Constantly reviewing government websites to stay abreast of current guidance and requirements and then translating this into operational activities without overwhelming the teams on the ground was a continual challenge. There were some weeks where the processes written on a Monday were no longer relevant on the Friday. I think that during the pandemic every safety professional had their agility and the ‘speed to market’ on the back of their advice tested.

What would be your advice to a business to ensure they continue to maintain a COVID safe workspace?

In addition to the need to stay informed on regulatory requirements, consultation and communication is imperative. Consultation needs to occur between businesses that share worksites to ensure alignment of COVID safe behaviours. We found early in the pandemic it would not work to develop our COVID safe plans in isolation, knowing that the behaviours of other businesses on a shared worksite could have a direct impact on the safety of our team.

As a COVID safe plan is developed and amended, the workforce needs to be engaged with ongoing consultation and communication. Workers need to understand the plan and any key changes after each amendment, feel confident the plan would help keep them safe, and understand what they need to do to comply with and support the plan.

It is important to remember that COVID-19 is a hazard like any other, and the tried and tested safety process of identifying, assessing, and controlling hazards, is followed to ensure effective management.

At ahs hospitality we prioritise safety. If you want to speak to us about your hotel's safety plans please get in touch .

World Day for Safety and Health at Work promotes quality work, safety, and health standards and processes. This campaign is held annually on an international scale to improve occupational safety and health culture within the workplace.

Meet Nadine Cooper: Our New Zealand Leader

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 07:44:58 GMT

Meet Nadine Cooper: Our New Zealand Leader

30 March 2022

Have you met our New Zealand General Manager, Nadine Cooper ?

Nadine is coming up on her 10 year anniversary with ahs hospitality and in recognition of this important milestone, we wanted to get to know Nadine a little better.

So, let's get stuck in...

1. What led you to become the General Manager at ahs hospitality New Zealand?

I was working with ahs hospitality in Perth Western Australia when I was offered the opportunity to establish the ahs business in New Zealand. I was absolutely thrilled to be offered the role and excited to lead the expansion of ahs hospitality outside of Australia.

2. How did the COVID-19 outbreak impact the ahs New Zealand business?

For all of us in the hospitality industry, the impact of COVID 19 was devastating. We can look back now and find positive, strengthening elements, but it was a very difficult period for our team. Obviously there are still challenges as the labour market struggles due to the lack of immigration and the challenges in attracting and retaining employees within the hospitality sector. However, with borders beginning to open in New Zealand we are raring and ready to revive the New Zealand hospitality and tourism sectors.

3. How did the ahs New Zealand business adapt to this new covid world?

We have the benefit of strong partnerships with our hotels, and we could adapt our services to suit. We confirmed our practices for housekeeping were COVID safe, with re-training and education. Safety, communication and relationships has been the key pillars for us throughout the pandemic.

4. What do you enjoy most about working in hospitality?

The variety of work and dynamic pace. We are champions at providing great quality service in the most difficult circumstances.

5. For you, what elements have you found make up your strongest client relationships?

We have established strong relationships by continuously providing trained housekeeping teams, delivering on our service promise, offering a true partner willing to adapt to each hotels' requirements, and mainting open lines of communication.

6. After a long day, how do you switch off from work mode?

I love getting outdoors with my dog Jake, throughout the pandemic nature has been a constant source of joy. I also enjoy dining out and trying new restaurants.

Get in touch and let us know how you’ll be celebrating Housekeeping Week! We’d love to hear.

How we prepared for 2022 post COVID-19

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 07:58:08 GMT

How ahs hospitality prepared for 2022 post

COVID-19

25 February 2022

There is no hiding from the fact that the hospitality and tourism industries were the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years. The uncertainty it brought to the labour market and the disruptions the shutdowns created for our team and hotel partners is a time most of us will never forget.

Though, it is important to remember that our industry is a leading contributor to our national economy, and we must all work together throughout 2022 to ensure that the personal and professional opportunities the hospitality industry offers continues. We also must not forget what the past couple of years have taught us: problem solving, resilience and adaptability – industry skills that will continue to be essential in all facets of hospitality in the years ahead.

We sat down with Leanne Graham , Executive General Manager of ahs hospitality, to find out how, as a hotel housekeeping labour services provider, we re-positioned ourselves to adapt in line with these market changes.

We evolved our employee value proposition:

At ahs hospitality, we reinvigorated our team’s desire to be part of the hospitality and hotel accommodation industry by evolving our employee value proposition that plays to our strong culture of teamwork and collaboration.

‘We introduced a new rewards and recognition program called ‘ahs 4 us’, a new learning platform, and an increased investment in team building days and events such as ‘Housekeeping Week’. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, so it’s important for us to provide them with fun incentives and opportunities to further their professional development’ says Leanne.

This is important as we continue to provide highly trained and motivated employees to the hotel partners we support. You can see all the fun our housekeepers and employees have by following our LinkedIn page .

We have adapted our housekeeping services:

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we expanded our housekeeping services to ensure the safety of our hotel guests and clients. This includes enhanced bed hygiene practices, deep room cleans and pathogen disinfection.

On top of this, we have now recently offered consultancy to help our hotel partners with their safety procedures. Awarded with a ‘Highly Commended’ at the National Safety Awards of Excellence for our solution to ‘Work Health Safety Risk’, our dedicated safety team can help establish industry and state recognised procedures to mitigate health and safety risks.

We are also continuing to explore new technologies and develop additional service lines which will further diversify our business offerings that we can deliver to create greater flexibility and better value for both our employees and hotel partners

We revisited our labour candidate pool:

In response to the labour candidate shortages we have seen across the hospitality industry, we widened our search focus and expanded our advertising platforms to reach different candidate pools that had communication, customer service and teamwork skills, along with an eagerness to learn. We also took the opportunity to advertise within our RGF Staffing APEJ family of businesses for any expressions of interest. For those we recruited, our in-depth training sessions provided new employees with the skills to support our hotel partners with the housekeeping services they require.

Indeed, with our housekeepers ready to welcome back hotel guests from all over the world and our team here to support our hotel partners with expanded housekeeping and safety services, we’re confident that our industry can come back stronger than ever to welcome what 2022 has to offer.

ahs hospitality are always available to discuss housekeeping and guest services across Australia and New Zealand – to learn more, please get in touch with your local General Manager Today

Year in Reflection: 2021

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 09:20:25 GMT

Year in Reflection: 2021

22 December 2021

What a year it’s been for our business and the industry. We decided to take a look back at our business' 6 most important milestones in 2021.

5 Milestones from 2021

These are the milestones that made up our year:

1. Leanne Graham, our Executive General Manager

Arguably our biggest moment, in September of 2021 we welcomed our new Executive General Manager, Leanne Graham to the ahs hospitality family. Under Leanne’s leadership we are confident in her vision for our company’s future as she seeks to further diversify our service model and prioritise our people.

2. ahs learning

Our Human Resources Manager, Ben Kazakoff, led the roll out of our new Learning Management System ‘ahs learning’. Utilising the award-wining Absorb software, ‘ahs learning’ offers our on-site team members the ability to access a single platform for learning and development, safety and compliance training, and easily access all onboarding materials.

3. ahs 4 us

We have set up our new web-based rewards and recognition program to be rolled out in January to all ahs team members called ‘ahs 4 us’. This program offers our team members:

-Discounts off many of Australia’s biggest and favourite retailers

-Discounts from some of our country’s largest private insurance providers

-A recognition program to reward high achievers with gift cards

-A referral bonus scheme

-Access to a free 24/7 counselling support (for employees and their family members)

4. Bullhorn

The integration of this cloud-based recruitment software for our support team has provided them with a comprehensive Customer Relationship Management system. Bullhorn has equipped our support team with an application tracking system and operations software to ensure privacy, quality, and compliance.

5. Award wins

In 2021, ahs hospitality had a lot of achievements within our industry and the wider business community. We had the honour of being highly commended at the National Safety Awards for our solution to Work Health Safety. This was well-deserved recognition for our safety leaders, and their teams, who had worked so hard to provide a safe and welcoming environment for guests and hotel workers throughout the Victorian Hotel Quarantine program.
For the HM Awards 2021 Housekeeper of the Year, not one, but TWO of our hardworking employees were highly commended.

Lastly, our biggest title win in 2021 was awarded to our team member, Jeetha Lazaro, who took home the prize of “Back of House Team Member” at the TAA Awards in Victoria. Jeetha was recognised for her vital role in executing the Victorian Hotel Quarantine Program and her exceptional leadership throughout the year.

With the close of 2021, we look to 2022 shining brightly on the horizon with full confidence in the continued recovery and reinvigoration of our industry.

FAQs: Short Term Labour Hire

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 09:23:07 GMT

We answer your FAQs about short term labour hire in housekeeping

What a year it’s been for our business and the industry. We decided to take a look back at our business' 6 most important milestones in 2021.

Housekeeping Solutions

The hospitality industry in Australia is gaining momentum with hotels starting to fill up with guests booking their well-deserved holiday breaks.

Our short term labour hire solutions are proactively supporting our hotel clients at a time where hotel occupancy rates are unpredictable. To provide more insight into the purpose of our short-term labour services we have responded to these frequently asked questions.

Q1: What is short term labour hire?

Short term labour hire is where businesses can hire labour supply to support their day-to-day operations that reflects business demand.

At ahs hospitality, labour hire housekeeping service shifts can be arranged from a minimum of four hour shifts, where you can expect our professional housekeeping service staff to provide top-level quality, meet compliance mandates, and offer reliable service to our hotel partners. The hotel’s dictate when the housekeepers’ shifts start and end.

Q2: How does short term labour hire help the hospitality industry?

There are many ways short term labour hire, particularly housekeeping services help the hotel hospitality industry including filling labour shortages as a result of:

Fluctuating reservations due to seasonality
Large group bookings
Unanticipated high occupancy rates

As part of our full model housekeeping service model , our housekeeping staff are also upskilled in pathogen COVID-19 cleaning which includes enhanced bed hygiene, deep cleans and pathogen disinfection.

Q3: When is outsourcing in the hospitality industry relevant?

Outsourcing short term labour hire gives hotels the flexibility that is needed to respond to unpredictable increases in occupancy demands, giving them peace of mind knowing that their hotel rooms are ready for future guest arrivals.

Even though short term labour hire solutions are pricier, the advantages for the hotels are limited commitment and flexible modelling when compared with fixed full-service models.

The hotels we work with can always contact their ahs representative for support when they require changes to their labour requests in line with the hotel’s demands and needs.

Q4: How do I access short term labour housekeeping solutions?

To access ahs hospitality’s short term labour housekeeping solutions, simply get in touch with our Business Development team . From there, we can create a personalised solution that aligns with your hotel needs and specific service standards with a contract written up.

Once you have signed your contract our committed and trained team will visit the hotel to perform a safety review and site inspection so that our housekeeping service team are ready to assist under the hotel’s guidance.

Moving forward you can employ our housekeeping team for as little as four hours and utilise these services at any point throughout the length of your contract, providing your hotel with a security blanket for those sudden peaks in occupancy.

ahs hospitality are Australia and New Zealand’s leading provider of outsourced housekeeping with people at the heart of all we do.

Spotlight on our Brisbane Office

Sat, 30 Oct 2021 10:18:09 GMT

Spotlight on our ahs hospitality Brisbane Office

Our Brisbane-based Human Resources team scouts for talent and provides ongoing support to our housekeeping operations across Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Led by Chris Pascoe, this close-knit team have kindly offered us a sneak peek into their day-to-day lives and the culture of their Brisbane team as part of our 'Spotlight On' series.

Meet Our QLD Human Resources Manager

Zara Fahey is our friendly Human Resources Manager based in our Brisbane HQ.

Zara loves the variety her role offers as she is often jumping from working at home, to working in the Brisbane office, to visiting hotel sites.

From placing housekeepers into hotels in Darwin to attending site meetings on the Sunshine Coast, her day is never boring.

What are the QLD/NT Operational Teams’ responsibilities?

The Queensland and Northern Territory Operations team provides support to our on-site hospitality teams across NT, North QLD, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast. It’s a role that requires juggling many balls at once as their duties range from client management, participating in site meetings and audits, and training and development.

What is the culture of the Brisbane team?

The QLD / NT team have always been a very close-knit team, often bonding over our love of food. We adapt very well to change and take things in our stride. Despite predominantly working from home for the last 18+ months we share positives from our week in our weekly team meetings, and share both our personal and work goals with each other. On the days we get together in the office we often have lunch together which is really enjoyable.

What’s your usual day-to-day in the Brisbane office?

Each day varies for me depending on my workload and where I am working. At the moment I am completing interviews and mobility assessments on the Gold Coast, working from home, and working from the office.

The first thing I do each morning is make a cup of tea and check my emails so I can address the most urgent tasks and prioritise my day. Cindy, our HR Coordinator, and I then have a catch-up to discuss what we have on for that day and from there we dive straight into the world of HR and recruitment.

What do you like most about the Brisbane office?

It’s great to share our office with a combination of business units that make up Chandler Macleod Group, our parent company. We have CMPI, our marketing team, and Peoplebank located near us in the office. Everyone is always happy to see each other and have a catch up which I really enjoy. The office is also located in a great spot in the Brisbane CBD, with many great lunch (and shopping) options. Our team especially enjoys celebrating birthdays and other occasions at a delicious dumpling restaurant!

Meet Our QLD Human Resources Coordinator

Cindy Gil Mora is our positive Human Resources Coordinator who supports our Queensland and Northern Territory housekeeping teams.

Cindy is a people person, which means she is in the right job. A lot of Cindy's work involves helping candidates navigate their way through onboarding and into employment with ahs hospitality.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I really enjoy having such a diversity of tasks, I am learning something new every day, building on my skills and knowledge.

What makes your team unique?

I feel very lucky to be in such a great team, everyone is very supportive, my team is always available to help me improve in my role. I am so glad to have Zara as my mentor, working with her has been a great experience.

What’s your usual day-to-day in the Brisbane office?

I have coffee or tea before I start working, I then complete interviews/MAT tests, and then work on my tasks for the day. If my team is in the office, we all have lunch together.

What do you like most about the Brisbane office?

Our location is great and the facilities are amazing. I like that we have bathrooms with shower and fresh towels, so I can get ready for work after going to the gym.

Our Brisbane Office

Situated on Edward Street in the hustle and bustle of the Brisbane CBD, our Queensland office is easily accessible and surrounded by amenities. This makes visiting our Brisbane office convenient for hotel operators wishing to have a one-to-one about our hospitality services or for candidates interviewing for a position at one of our hotels across Queensland.

If you would like to contact our Brisbane office or enquire about housekeeping services for Queensland or the Northern Territory, get in touch with us today .

If you enjoyed learning about our Brisbane team, then check out the first installment of our 'Spotlight on' series. Spotlight on Our Sydney Office introduces readers to our busy Sydney office and the NSW operations team that call it home.

Meet Leanne Graham, Our Executive General Manager

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 10:28:54 GMT

Interview with Hospitality Leader Leanne Graham

ahs hospitality are excited to announce the appointment of Leanne Graham into the role of Executive General Manager.

Starting out as an Executive Housekeeper herself, Leanne has over 20 years of experience working within major hotel chains and contracted service companies.

We sat down with Leanne to learn a little more about who she is and how she plans to lead.

Introducing Leanne Graham

Q1. What three words would best describe you?

Integrity, good communicator, and caring

Q2. What appealed to you about becoming the Executive General Manager for ahs hospitality?

I love housekeeping - the housekeeping team is always the heart of the hotel and that's the team that taught me how to be a leader. I also believe my experience in hotels and contracted services positions me well to add value to the ahs team.

Q3. As someone who began her career as an Executive Housekeeper, what do you think are the most important drivers for a successful housekeeping team?

Teamwork and compassion. Housekeeping teams are often such a diverse team that face many unique challenges. With that I’ve found having empathy, being collaborative, and creating a cohesive and supportive environment, will get your teams through the toughest of days.

Q4. We have heard you have quite an impressive academic record, what did you study at University?

Wow, who is telling you those secrets?! I have studied a Masters of Business at the University of New South Wales and am also a graduate of the Australia Institute of Company Directors. Currently, I am studying a Bachelor of Laws at University of New England.

Q5. What is your leadership style ?

I like to be very connected to the business and part of the team - so collaborative and supportive. I am also very clear on accountability. Everyone has a role to play and they need to hold up their end of the bargain. Most importantly, you must have a sense of fun in the team.

Q7. If you had to pick one spirit animal, what would it be?

That's easy - a dog. Preferably my beautiful Oscar who we have unfortunately just lost. Their sense of loyalty and compassion is second to none.

Q8. Once global travel reopens, where is the first place you’ll visit?

New Zealand. I miss the mountains and I need to see my Grandma, my best friend, and my goddaughter. From a holiday perspective I think Fiji, I need to lie on a beach without anything to do and have someone bring me mojito's!

Q9. Anything you would like to add?

I am so thrilled to be back in the hospitality sector. Our industry is filled with a certain type of person that is giving of themselves and full of heart. Most importantly, I can't wait to get out and about and start meeting our teams in hotels. They are the ones doing the hard work each day and I look forward to getting to know them.

To learn more about Leanne or to connect with her on LinkedIn check out her bio here .

Recruiting and Retaining Talent - Q&A with Ben Kazakoff

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 12:01:33 GMT

Recruiting and Retaining Talent in Hotel Hospitality

Many in our industry reflect longingly on the days when a job post in hospitality would be met with a flood of applications from suitable candidates. Our General Manager of Human Resources, Ben Kazakoff , is too busy focusing on the future to dwell on the past.

Since March 2020 Ben and his team have been building out incentives, maximising efficiencies, and getting creative with talent sourcing strategies to navigate the challenges of the current labour market.

Insights From a Hospitality Talent Expert

We spoke to Ben, an expert in recruitment and retention, to get the low-down on the latest advancements his team has been implementing in the hope it can help our industry partners searching for solutions to this challenging talent market. So, let’s get stuck in…

Q1: In your experience, how has the labour market changed?

The labour market has changed significantly since the start of the pandemic. We used to see an influx of applications for any role advertised, mainly coming from international students; since then, we have seen a dive in applications and consequently, our industry is now competing to attract and retain local talent.

Q2: What technology has ahs hospitality invested in to increase retention and optimise labour?

One innovation we are introducing to our business to optimise labour is Tanda. Tanda is effectively a time and attendance system however the features included within the system will enable better utilisation of our workforce.

There will be efficiencies for our team members including the ability to view rosters, apply for leave, and update personal details across multiple devices. Our team members will also be able to opt into any additional shifts that may be offered.

For our managers, it allows them to roster shifts, cover shifts, and communicate with team members from their smartphones. Freeing them up to further support our team members and ensure day-to-day operations are running smoothly.

Another cloud-based software we have recently launched is Bullhorn. This mobile recruiting program lets our talent sourcing team view, edit, and add candidate and placement data. We have also integrated software called Idibu that allows us to post on multiple job platforms from one portal, increasing our reach, and a number of applications. These platforms have already increased efficiencies within our recruitment process and, once we have gathered more data, it will allow us to better monitor and optimise our spend.

Lastly, we have rolled out across our company is ahs learning, our new LMS (Learning Management System). Adopting the award-winning Absorb software we have developed a custom learning platform for our team members to login and access mandatory and essential courses as well as or policies and resources.

ahs Learning provides all our team members, across different sites nationally, an easily accessible learning and development platform to ensure we maintain our standards and they feel confident and safe in their role. This platform works cross-device so our team members can stay mobile, and our courses prioritise Occupational Health and Safety, onboarding essentials, and compliance.

We are looking to give our team members a career in hospitality, by offering formal industry-recognised qualifications as we strive to change the mindset of people, so they remain in our amazing industry.

Q3: What incentives do you offer to support recruitment and retention?

At ahs hospitality we benefit from being a subsidiary of Chandler Macleod Group, this means we have access to greater rewards and incentives for our housekeeping team members. One of these incentives is access to the MyDiscounts platform. MyDiscounts gives each of our team members discounts from some of their favourite retailers. From everyday shops to one-off purchases, these savings are an additional incentive to join our team .

We also have the Chandler Macleod Group ‘Recognition for You’ program. This allows our team members to recognise and nominate one another based on their ability to uphold the company’s values. By receiving a nomination, they are provided with a certificate that includes the reason why they were nominated, and they go in the draw for a quarterly financial reward of $250.

To further drive retention our Operations Managers and State General Managers also lead team-building and on-site recognition activities such as morning teas, regular catchups, and celebrations for anniversaries, holidays, and observances. Activities like these support recruitment as our team members make a large number of referrals if they feel they are part of strong team culture and appreciated for their hard work.

The days of simply posting to a job board and waiting for the applications have gone. A greater emphasis is being placed on referrals and being creative about where we source talent from - and then retaining that talent.

How to Apply for a Job with ahs hospitality

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 12:25:35 GMT

How to Apply for a Job with ahs hospitality

Do you want to apply for a job with ahs hospitality, but you’re not sure what to include? Or how to make your resume stand out from the rest? Or how to even submit your application?

Well, we’ve got you covered. Hear directly from our recruiters on what they look for in job applications and read the three simple steps you can follow to apply for a job with ahs hospitality.

First things first, have you got all the information included in your resume that our recruiters are looking for?

What to Include on Your Job Application

We spoke to some of our top talent sourcing representatives across the country to get their “musts” for any successful applications.

Here’s what they had to say...

Lisa Mason - Recruitment and Training Manager - Victoria

“I have four things that stand out for me when reviewing an application. Firstly, career objectives – tell me why I should hire you. Secondly, your key competencies should be outlined in your previous employment experience to reflect any transferable skills you may hold. Thirdly, your key interests, I want to know what drives you. Lastly, your email address (and please keep your email address professional).”

Zara Fahey – Human Resources Manager - Queensland & Northern Territory

“I value honesty and a candidate that is reachable. It can be very time-consuming having to attempt to contact a candidate multiple times and so unfortunate when they haven’t provided current contact details. It means we could be missing out on hiring the perfect candidate and the perfect candidate is missing out on joining our team.

I like to see as much relevant and current information about the applicant as possible. This includes a current phone number, email address, suburb, availability, and mode of transport. This assists the HR Coordinator greatly as they often have multiple shifts available across various locations.

Applications stand out for me when they are brief, accurate, and to the point. Shortlisting candidates can be time-consuming so it’s very important when a resume jumps out at you at the very beginning.”

Jonothon Cross – Human Resources Coordinator – Western Australia

“Include anything that qualifies as relevant experience - whether it is in a cafe, hotel, or a full-time parent, all experience is good experience! Also, your availability, if you have a valid license, and any training to make your application stronger and stand out from the rest. Lastly, show your enthusiasm to work - this is key in our industry. Previous experience is great but having the drive to do well will stand out!”

Winnie Steele – Recruitment Coordinator – New South Wales

“I like to see applications that show an understanding and genuine interest in the position that they are applying for. It is also important to include a resume with correct personal information, clear work/study history, and a cover letter. For me, a standout application would be one that can show how their previous experience aligns with the skills required for the position that they are now applying for.”

3 Steps to Apply for a Job on the ahs hospitality Website

So now you know what to include on your application, how do you submit your application? It’s as simple as following these three simple steps…

1st Step: Visit our Website

Go to our website ahshospitality.com.au
Hover your mouse over ‘Jobs’ so a dropdown menu appears
Select ‘Job Search’ under that dropdown

2nd Step: View our Jobs

Now you should be on the page ahshospitality.com.au/jobs
Scroll down and view the jobs
Filter your job search by selecting options in the left-hand panel, you can filter ‘Business Sections’, ‘Contract Types’, and ‘Locations’

3rd Step: Apply for a Job

Click ‘Apply Now’ on the job you wish to apply for
Put in your first name, last name, email address
Attach your resume
Click ‘Apply’

(You can also apply with Seek or LinkedIn)

Step 4 (optional): Register to Track Your Application and Get Job Alerts

Click ‘Sign Up’
Fill in your details
Now you can follow the prompts to:
Create job alerts
View Saved jobs
Browse and apply for suggested jobs
Upload your CV

It’s that easy! Once you’ve applied for a job our Human Resources team will be in touch if you are successful in moving onto the next stage of the application process.

If you are considering working with ahs hospitality why not explore a bit more about our culture and learning and development opportunities by clicking here . You can also find out what we value and learn our history by visiting our About Us page .

We wish you good luck with your application and we hope to be welcoming you into the ahs hospitality family soon!

Spotlight on our Sydney Office

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 14:28:47 GMT

Spotlight on the ahs hospitality Sydney Office

Our Sydney team has been hard at work talent sourcing, placing and supporting our housekeepers across our NSW hotels. With labour shortages due to closed borders, finding and onboarding new ahs hospitality team members has been our priority.

While growing our ahs hospitality family is always important, our Sydney office are also dedicating the time to nurturing our current hotel clients and welcoming new hotel partners into the fold. If you wish to enquire about our outsource guest services contact us directly.

To provide a sneak peek into daily life within our Sydney office we spoke to some of our valued team members who keep the office running like a well-oiled machine.

Meet Our NSW Operations Manager

Matthew Bird AKA ‘Matt’ is our friendly Operations Manager based in our Sydney HQ. With a portfolio of hotels across New South Wales regional and metropolitan locations, Matt is often spotted running to, or from, site visits.

Matt also spends his time on building out and the delivery of projects to improve efficiencies and processes. We spoke with Matt in more depth about his place in our Sydney support office.

What are the NSW Operational Teams’ responsibilities?

The role of New South Wales operational team is to provide leadership and support to our teams in multiple sites across state. This includes client management, as well as building out our compliance, training, processes, and resourcing.

What do you like most about the Sydney office?

George Street is a great location, in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. It provides accessibility and it is a modern environment that speaks to our clientele. It is also important to note that we have a fantastic and cohesive operations team in NSW, that makes the working environment so much more enjoyable.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

It is very collaborative. We support each other, we all regularly have a laugh together, we bounce ideas off each other, and we all bring something different. We also always emphasise honesty and transparency within our team.

What is the culture of the Sydney team?

Meet Our Human Resources Manager (NSW/ACT)

Sarah Stewart is our always conscientious and welcoming HR Manager. Sarah leads her NSW team which includes, the “lovely Winnie”, who looks after the recruitment for all the housekeeping teams for NSW and ACT along with many other HR tasks. The “very efficient Melissa” who helps both the NSW and QLD teams out with admin and, finally, two diligent and hard-working interns, Raphael from Blue Mountains International Hospitality School and Viet Ha from The International College of Management Sydney.

What’s your usual day-to-day in the Sydney office?

A typical day for me may include providing our Operations Managers with support or updates on what is happening in their portfolios, meetings with ahs hospitality hotel team members, and implementing project work.

There is always a lot ‘on the go’ and I like to get involved, from compliance tasks to building our housekeeping talent sourcing strategies and solutions. Working in the hospitality industry you need to stay flexible as your day will never go as planned.

What do you like most about the Sydney office?

The people. I like having a diverse mix of business units altogether. I don’t know everyone in the office, but I enjoy being able to touch base and keep updated with news from other areas of the business.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love the diversity in my role, working with a great team of people, and the autonomy I am given to achieve business goals.

What is the main purpose of your team?

Officially - supporting the operations and hotel teams through all aspects of the employee lifecycle while minimising risk and maintaining compliance for the business. Unofficially – lawyer, psychologist, event planner, teacher, detective, peacemaker, career planner! Life is never boring on our team.

So, that is a sneak peek at our Sydney office! If you want to learn more about ahs hospitality and our housekeeping workplace culture click here. Otherwise, keep an eye on this space as we continue to spotlight our support teams across Australia.

8 Hotel Hacks & Housekeeping How-Tos

Wed, 26 May 2021 01:41:46 GMT

8 Easy Hotel Housekeeping Tips and Tricks From Our Housekeepers

Ever had a messy mishap, struggled to get it out, and thought “how do housekeepers do it?”

We spoke to our team of dedicated housekeepers to get the low down on all their hotel hacks from removing red wine stains to getting your bathtub sparkling. Find the answers to these top DIY questions direct from our talented team of housekeeping professionals.

Hotel Hacks FAQs

1. How do you remove wax from carpet?

If you’ve dropped candle wax on the carpet, you might have been struggling to remove it and are about ready to give up. Well, our housekeepers have some helpful hints, firstly grab yourself an iron and some white paper, next heat the iron (make sure the steam function is turned off), finally place the paper over the wax and then press with the hot iron (be careful not to burn the carpet). This will melt the wax making it much simpler for you to remove.

2. How do you remove gum from carpets and other surfaces?

It may feel like there’s no coming back from red wine being dropped on a fresh white carpet, but before you give up our housekeepers have an easy tip. Try sprinkling salt all over the stain, give it a few minutes to absorb, and then soak with water.

3. How do I get red wine out of carpet?

4. How do get your bathroom spotless?

Get your bathroom sparkling with some simple ingredients. Our housekeepers swear bicarb soda and vinegar mixed together scrubs away just about everything in a bathroom, while toothpaste is great for removing marks from bathtubs.

5. How do you remove the smell of smoke from a room?

Some hotel guests, just like some house guests , may ignore the “no smoking” signs . If this has happened to you, our best tip is to sprinkle some vanilla essence in a bowl to hide that smoky smell.

6. How do you remove stains from curtains?

To remove stains from your curtains or any sheer fabrics we use, what we affectionately call the ‘magic sponge’ (AKA Chux Magic Eraser) and “Abra kadabara” it will disappear before your very eyes.

7. How do you remove makeup stains?

If you are trying to get makeup, such as foundation, out of clothes, carpet, or bedding our housekeepers suggest a few different approaches. Some say to try using liquid soap, others claim dish detergent is the fix, while the rest suggested shaving cream will do the job. Whichever solution you try, make sure you use a cloth before you start rubbing off any trace of makeup on your fabric and linens.

8. How do housekeepers tidy so fast?

We have been asked this by people who complain they spent the weekend making their home spotless. Our housekeepers responded saying they’re efficient because of procedures and routine that keeps them on task. We take this further, reminding you they are professionals in room servicing and as they gain experience, like in any job, they are able to do their job quickly without sacrificing on quality.

We hope these hotel hacks have been helpful in dealing with any frustrating stains, marks, or bad odours you have had the misfortune of coming toe-to-toe with.

If you have any further housekeeping related queries or wish to get in touch about our services please contact us today.

What are the advantages of outsourcing hotel services?

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 15:16:12 GMT

Outsourcing in the hotel industry can provide an economical and logistical solution for many boutique and luxury hotels.

Compared with in-house, established and industry recognised outsourcing service providers often have a greater infrastructure, processes and resources for their service delivery as they specialise in their respective services.

By focusing their expertise and resources on a singular service, outsourced providers build out their deliverables for clients, providing a more comprehensive and cost-effective solution.

Top 4 advantages of outsourcing hotel services:

Increased resources
Optimised processes
High level of concentrated expertise
Less in-house administration and operational work

Why outsource housekeeping services?

The demand for housekeeping services in hotels can be particularly inconsistent. We witnessed this during the COVID-19 pandemic when many hotels were faced with having to reduce their workforce and once the industry was re-invigorated, and occupancy rates increased, hotels were then faced with sourcing challenges.

By outsourcing housekeeping services, hotels mitigate more of these risks while also gaining the many advantages that outsourced housekeeping services provide.

What are the benefits of outsourcing housekeeping?

For hotels who choose to outsource their housekeeping services, they can benefit from the latest housekeeping technology and systems, a fully-trained and flexible workforce set to meet occupancy rates, a decrease in compliance accountability for hotels, and less operational work for management.

Top 5 advantages of outsourced housekeeping:

Increased cost-efficiencies
Flexibility with labour hire
Access to industry-first innovations
Decrease liabilities for hotels
Peace-of-mind for management

Why outsource your housekeeping with ahs hospitality?

ahs hospitality are the first, and the leading, outsourced housekeeping service provider in Australia and New Zealand. ahs hospitality have obtained the latest in housekeeping technology, have assembled an experienced leadership team , can boast access to HR, legal and payroll services for all of their clients, and are able to offer a guarantee of compliance .

The advantage of outsourcing HR functions for housekeeping services is that it allows hotels to mitigate risk; as ahs hospitality manage and guarantee compliance across work rights, Occupational Health and Safety requirements, contractual requirements and the Fair Work Act.

Focusing on transparency, ahs hospitality have launched a client app to provide real-time operations data for each client. The systems and processes ahs hospitality have established provide their clients with a seamless, regulated and simple method to outsourced housekeeping.

ahs hospitality are a cost-effective option, offering short-term labour hire (as little as 4 hours per shift) to allow hotels to fill sudden workforce gaps. ahs tailor their service models to meet their clients needs and save on expenditure.

To find out more about ahs hospitality’s outsourced housekeeping services contact us today.

Leaping into Hospitality in 2021

e9d3130d@Shazamme.com (Shazamme System User) — Fri, 19 Feb 2021 15:49:53 GMT

What’s our plan for 2021?

Reset, refocus and reengage with our industry.

Our approach has our teams working collaboratively and creatively to re-think how we engage with hotels in this new age of hospitality .

Working with technology in 2021

We are looking to technology and our people to lead us through 2021. We intend to continue integrating the latest hospitality innovations to complement our labour force. New technology often brings fears of people becoming obsolete. Our approach is to have a balance that prioritises efficiency, safety and focus on overall guest service and satisfaction.

We are in a ‘people’ industry, with that in mind we know our strategic approach to 2021 is to find the perfect combination of a piece of technology accompanied by a smiling face.

To learn more about how technology is re-shaping our industry see the Evolution of Housekeeping featuring insights from our own Executive General Manager, Kylie Maxwell.

Working with people in 2021

While the future looks bright for hotels, as occupancies rise along with confidence in domestic travel, we still foresee challenges in keeping employees engaged. Building trust while adopting a more agile and creative approach to our workflows can be challenging. At a time when staff are looking for reassurance and consistency, their employer is required to constantly adapt to a changing landscape. In 2021 ahs hospitality will be focused on fine-tuning our processes while continuing to prioritise compliance, safety and satisfaction. Having structured processes while also maintaining an agile approach will ensure our employees feel both secure and engaged.

Working with partners in 2021

As prospective new clients and our partners look to become more streamlined, we see an opportunity to adapt our tailored models to respond to new industry demands. We also see potential markets and avenues for businesses in different areas of the country previously unexplored - as Australians call out to “travel here this year” our great outdoors and our hotel clients respond. Regional areas that were once only moderately busy are now becoming hives of activity over the holiday periods, leading to hotels experiencing unprecedented fluctuations in occupancy making labour challenging to anticipate. We provide support where there are labour gaps and we will work with clients to smoothly integrate our services into their workflow. We intend for our hotel partners to have a predominantly automated experience, requiring little management from their side once their housekeeping team is mobilised within their hotels.

With a solid business plan and foundation in place, we are excited to see 2021 as a year of growth not only for our own business but for owners, operators and the hospitality industry as a whole.

Housekeeper of the Year 2020: Sharleen Wells

e9d3130d@Shazamme.com (Shazamme System User) — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 16:03:46 GMT

ahs hospitality were proud to have 21 of our team members recognised as finalists at the HM Awards 2020. In one of the industry's most challenging years, there were so many working within the hospitality industry that deserved recognition for their fortitude and determination throughout the pandemic period.

When the winners were announced we were all so delighted as two of our Housekeeping Managers from our 21 finalists were called out. Firstly, Christian Tapia was highly commended by our industry for his hard work throughout the year, and then Sharleen Wells was awarded the highest accolade as Housekeeper of the Year 2020.

Our Hotel Management Award Winner

Sharleen Wells achieved this accolade due to her resourcefulness and hands-on approach to leadership. We caught up with Sharleen to find out how she felt about winning the award and what this past year has meant for her:

1. What was your reaction when you found out you won housekeeper of the year 2020?

My reaction was one of disbelief and pride. My team are the true winners of this award, so in saying that I was extremely happy our work was recognised.

2. How did you celebrate your achievement?

With my hotel still operating there hasn’t been a chance to celebrate just yet, but I plan to celebrate with the team in the new year.

3. How did you start your career in hospitality?

My career in housekeeping started in 2002 at a Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport, I was hired as a public area and room attendant. I started working for ahs hospitality in 2009 at the Hotel Grand Chancellor. Over the years I have worked at The Cullen , Quay West Suites, Ibis Styles Kingsgate Hotel and Best Western Melbourne City Hotel.

4. What was your experience working in hotels during the Australian bushfires and Covid-19 outbreak?

My experience of working during the pandemic outbreak has been a humbling one. Ibis Styles Kingsgate Hotel took on the accommodation services for the homeless in Melbourne. These were not our usual clientele and we needed a lot of adjusting, our rooms were often found dishevelled, and our guests were sometimes intimidating and unpredictable. My staff needed an ear to listen, a shoulder for comfort, a break for clarity, or even just time to adjust. My job has remained the same but the way I handle and manage things has changed.

5. What are your top tips for housekeepers hoping to become Housekeeper of the Year in 2021?

Work with your team, lead by example, and lastly... expect the unexpected.

6. What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy meeting different people daily and knowing that I am responsible for a fantastic team.

7. What was the most challenging part of your job during 2020?

The most challenging part of my job during 2020 was ensuring the safety of my team and understanding the needs of our guests who may have never stayed in a hotel before.

8. What was your most memorable workplace moment from 2020?

The most memorable moment was when my team showed up to work with food and cakes to acknowledge a guest's birthday. Seeing my team accept these people and treat them like humans has been priceless. Ibis Styles Kingsgate Hotel used to be the people’s palace and in 2020 it went back to that.

Recognition and Reward

We reflected on the Housekeeper of the Year nomination submission for Sharleen and found these two testimonials from Sharleen's Managers:

“She loves the daily challenges of managing both properties and consistently strives to achieve ahs’ high-quality standards. Even when working under very high-pressure situations, she consistently delivered a standout performance. Her empathy, patience and great sense of humour were invaluable throughout challenging times.”

Ilonka Verwey, Operations Manager, Victoria

“She is a great trainer and is always focused towards developing her team to achieve success both personally and professionally. She has built strong relationships and is well-respected among hotel management, staff, guests and all her colleagues.”

Mika Verosaari, General Manager for Victoria & Tasmania

Sharleen has maintained her attentive, resourceful and supportive nature, during very trying times. Sharleen and her team have dealt with challenging situations with competency and control. She has been a hands-on leader, often on the frontline helping fellow colleagues and leaders with emergency situations.

Sharleen has been outstanding this year and we at ahs hospitality are proud to call her our industry's Housekeeper of the Year for 2020.

Want to learn more about becoming Housekeeper of the Year? Read our interview with Agnes Kapani-Voly, our Housekeeper of the Year for 2019.

Adding Simple Festive Touches for Your Guests This Christmas

e9d3130d@Shazamme.com (Shazamme System User) — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 17:32:06 GMT

How to add festive touches to your guest room this Christmas Holiday Season

The festive season is a time for happiness, joy and surrounding ourselves with our loved ones. Whilst the Australian holiday season is a far cry different from that of the northern hemisphere, it doesn’t mean that we can’t put a little summer into Christmas without compromising on tradition.

When thinking of the holiday season, the first memories that come to mind are usually based on experience. These experiences come from the excitement of getting on an aeroplane, being in a different city or location and most importantly, the thrill of the luxury hotel experience. At Christmas time however, many of us choose to spend it in our own homes with family and friends, so we say why not bring the holiday home?

For those of you entertaining guests over the festive season, “Christmas Housekeeping” should not be something that ties you down. Here at ahs hospitality, we asked some of our housekeeping experts what they would do to add those festive hotel touches to their homes this holiday season.

With such a variety of answers, hints and tips we have consolidated everything into our one-stop shop, housekeeping guide.

Good Housekeeping Christmas Guide

When creating an optimal guest experience, it is important to consider the senses. Often overlooked, but arguably the most crucial elements to consider when preparing a guest room, involve sight, sound and smell.

Sight

In most cases more is less, this means some of the best hotel touches in your own home can be as simple as a well-made bed, soft plush towels, well placed festive homewares and hotel styled bathroom amenities.

The Bed

Our summer calls for light and comfortable bedding. Perfecting those corner folds can be difficult, but the hot tip from the ahs hospitality team for the perfect bed is well-placed pillows (lots of them), coupled with a plush Z folded duvet. The Z fold sounds complicated but simply calls for you to fold the duvet back on itself then a further backward fold midway up the bed. It creates a beautifully plush pleat similar to that of a well turned down bed in a hotel.

Festive Homewares

Don’t break the bank at Christmas with expensive ornaments, some of the best homewares can be found online, but nothing makes it feel more like Christmas than an oversized nutcracker or mini-Christmas tree on the bedside. Other touches include small decorations added to folded bath towels and by far the most popular housekeepers treat, a chocolate to enjoy before rolling into bed.

The Bathroom

Be honest now, have you ever stayed in a hotel and taken the luxury amenities home? We don’t expect you to answer right away, but this is a simple solution to have your bathroom looking like that of a hotel. For those who prefer a more eco-friendly and local approach, many of our favourite brands now offer larger luxury products, so you can refill and reuse small bottles for your guests.

Sound

There is no better way to add the sounds of Christmas than with a curated playlist. If you have a wireless speaker, share the festive cheer and welcome your guests to their room with sounds of the season. Build your playlist through your favorite streaming service and place it on the bedside table; give your guests access to your playlists so they can contribute their own festive tunes.

Smell

Many of us feel a sense of comfort when we walk into a room and can smell the tones of Christmas and summer. The consensus amongst the ahs hospitality team was that to complete the full luxury hotel experience in your home, scent is everything.

Do your research on the most suitable scents for your home. With a variety of options and price points, sometimes the simplest candle burners, diffusers or rooms sprays can have your home filled with the smell of Christmas in no time.

2020 has proved how important our surroundings are, from office to classroom and castle to kingdom. Overall, it’s the little touches that complete the big picture and here at ahs hospitality, our team love sharing their hints and tips to create your very own luxury experiences at home. From our entire team at ahs hospitality we wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy holidays!

Sudima Hotels: Investing in Business Growth Without Sacrificing Values.

e9d3130d@Shazamme.com (Shazamme System User) — Wed, 25 Nov 2020 18:13:02 GMT

Sudima Hotels: Investing in Business Growth Without Sacrificing Value

25 November 2020

Sudima Hotels in New Zealand prove they don’t take their eyes off the horizon as they continue to push forward initiatives to build their business, hotel brands and improve their community.

Sudima Hotels have been in business in New Zealand for over 20 years. They have four hotels operating across New Zealand, with three more hotels in the pipeline, destined for Auckland, Queenstown and Kaikoura.

Speaking with Les Morgan, Chief Operating Officer at Sudima Hotels New Zealand, he confirmed Sudima’s continued dedication to the growth of the business and of their many environmental and social initiatives.

Their commitment to progress has been highlighted as they have recently entered a new housekeeping partnership with ahs hospitality New Zealand . Sudima found ahs hospitality's values aligned closely with their own, creating strong foundations for this new partnership.

When looking to find the right housekeeping business partner we found strong communication at all levels with ahs, including at senior level, and found a sense of professionalism.”

- Les Morgan, Chief Operating Officer

“We are excited to be starting this partnership, sharing our goals and demonstrating our values. We have already taken the steps to transition our team members across, and we look forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership with Sudima Hotels.”

- Kylie Maxwell, Executive General Manager

Sudima’s investment in the growth of their business has not undermined their investment in their social and environmental initiatives as Les went on to tell us of current goals and activities.

Les shared that throughout these challenging times, Sudima Hotels have been uncompromising in their values and stayed focused on “doing the right thing” through their sustainability and accessibility objectives.

Sudima Hotels strives to ensure they are “practicing what we preach”.

“We demonstrate our values, and sometimes this is hard to do, but we are committed. One example is being carbon neutral; this is a great achievement.”

- Les Morgan, Chief Operating Officer

One initiative Sudima Hotels continue to explore is their journey to CarboNZero, to reduce carbon emissions at Sudima Auckland airport. Another environmental priority for Sudima Hotels is to become single-use plastic free, having recently become the first group of hotels in New Zealand to discontinue using plastic straws.

In addition Sudima Hotels have partnered with Lab-Be to support increasing global accessibility to New Zealand’s services, products, employment education and the broader economy.

We see a bright future for Sudima Hotels, in collaboration with their parent company Hind Management, they continue to invest in the growth of three additional New Zealand hotels and continue full steam ahead with potential acquisitions within Australia.

The Evolution of Housekeeping – A Webinar Featuring Guest Panelist Kylie Maxwell

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 18:40:31 GMT

The Evolution of Housekeeping

In the 3rd installment of the Knowcross webinar series, our own Kylie Maxwell joined moderator Nikhil Nath, Founder & CEO of Knowcross, as well as lineup of distinguished panelists to discuss the future of housekeeping and hospitality.

The expert panelists included:

Kylie Maxwell , Executive General Manager, ahs hospitality
James Walkden , Area Director of Operations Australia, New Zealand & Pacific, Marriott Hotels
Kenneth Low , Hospitality Veteran & Past Vice President Hotel Operations at MGM Cotai, Macau
Martin Hurley , General Manger, Lancaster Bangkok

Hospitality Webinar Highlights

To save you time we selected some of our favourite housekeeping highlights and listed them below.

Forecasting Occupancy for Australia & New Zealand

During this post-covid age it is difficult to anticipate future occupancy, yet reassuringly Kylie Maxwell and James Walkden reported similar predictions of:

50% slide in the middle of next year
60-70% increase in the following 12 months

Impact on Labour Felt Internationally

Adaptability appeared paramount as the expert panelists discussed how they shuffled services and labour to not only adjust to new covid regulations, but to retain employees. The panel highlighted:

Efforts to re-structure and re-skills their workforce
Challenges in retraining and repurposing current employees to provide alternatives services, while retaining standards
Loss of overseas contract workers
Potential threat of losing valued employees to other industries due to the lack of working hours available

Changes in Housekeeping Processes

As an authority on housekeeping services, Kylie said ahs hospitality’s first approach was to consult with an infectious disease expert to ensure their housekeepers comply with covid safety regulations. New service protocols were brought in and then aligned to each hotels preferred approach. This also meant new equipment and a new approach to training (and re-training).

James Walkden detailed a top down approach, illustrating how Marriott would elect a Cleanliness Champion at a senior level, who communicated processes and requirements. This was then adapted into webinars, digital learning platforms, and then a list of expectations and processes to be achieved at different levels of the businesses. Marriott would also ensure they collaborated with partners like ahs hospitality to confirm their processes aligned.

Balancing Safety, Comfort, Quality & Aesthetics

‘Necessity is the mother of invention’, was James Walkden’s response. James detailed how Marriott Group took its global learnings to re-evaluate their services, amenities, and room inclusions. Marriott made the move to sacrifice some of their soft furnishings in lieu of hygiene and efficiency, as cleanliness and hygiene re-positioned itself as the primary focus.

Martin Hurley delved into the challenges of maintaining 5 star services when new processes are to be adhered to, such as the hotel’s restaurant now having to deliver their meals in plastic containers to the doors of guests rooms. He highlighted the importance of staff adapting and still prioritising guest experience.

Technology to Re-shape an Industry

The panel discussed how technology would play a key part in the evolution of the hotel industry, the main talking points included:

The opportunity for robotics in cleaning public spaces
The use of Knowcross systems and platforms to automate compliance with new brand standards
The evolution of certain job roles, for example many of the duties by a coordinator might be extradited with the introduction of more contactless technology, leaving more time to focus on operations
The use of mobile keys, hotel branded mobile apps for contactless services and the potential for essential high-touch items like compendiums to go digital

Cleaning Products in a New Age

The panel discussed and responded to questions around cleaning products, including:

The value and effectiveness of electrostatic sprays as disinfectants for pathogen cleans in large public spaces
The importance of a TGA approval and fostering a strong and transparent relationship with your chemical partner
Prioritising employee’s comprehension of their new training, equipment and processes was another essential element for success
Recommendations for proper testing of new cleaning chemicals to ensure no residue is left

The Evolution of Housekeeping webinar streamed live on Thursday the 10th of September. You can watch the entire recording by clicking here , alternatively you can read our highlights above.

If you wish to learn more about ahs hospitality’s outsourced housekeeping services, please contact us .

A Bright New Partnership

e9d3130d@Shazamme.com (Shazamme System User) — Sat, 29 Feb 2020 19:28:35 GMT

A Bright New Partnership

01 March 2020

Our Executive General Manager for ahs hospitality, Kylie Maxwell, was in Nepal in November 2019 familarising herself with their new partner, Nepal’s Skill Campus.

The agreement facilitates students from the Skill Campus to work with ahs hospitality as paid interns for 6 months (currently there are a number of students employed by ahs in Queenstown, New Zealand ).

These paid internships are providing Nepalese hospitality students with invaluable experiences and opportunities to work in large international 4-5 star hotels. Landing this unique internship allows them to not only gain the hands-on experience required to complete their course, but provides them with the unique opportunity to work abroad.

The first intake of students started with ahs hospitality in June 2019, providing great benefits both for students and ahs hospitality.

Kylie spoke more on this partnership in an interview for a local Nepalese Newspaper. We have since had this article translated, please scroll down to read the interview in full.

1.Why did you come to Nepal?

I have been running ahs hospitality across Australia and New Zealand for a long time. During this time, we built a good relationship with the Skill Campus in Nepal. Through these ties we were able to develop a paid internship program and today proudly employ Skill Campus students through our New Zealand team. I made the decision to visit Nepal so I could learn more about the students, the campus, and the environment that our interns begin building the foundations of their industry knowledge. Plus, I get to experience Nepal first-hand, an added bonus.

2. How did you find Nepal’s hospitality?

Very welcoming, I am very happy to be here. The Skill Campus has also been very welcoming and I am impressed with the quality of education from the Skill Campus. While this was already evident from the strong performance of students who have joined our New Zealand team, touring the campus provided further insight into the Campus’ offerings.

3. What is the benefit of completing an internship overseas compared to in Nepal?

Gaining experience in abroad provides an opportunity for students to test their hospitality skills and knowledge under different conditions than they are used to. This internship is just one part of a student’s hospitality course, but by completing it overseas students show they are capable of operating within an international market in the future.

It is always good for students to travel to foreign countries, like New Zealand and Australia, and learn more about foreign nations and their hospitality industry.

By inserting themselves in a foreign environment they open themselves to learning new industry skills, life skills and gaining experience within a foreign nation’s work culture. Accordingly, it is important to experience how different countries and different hotels operate.
New Zealand and Australia are also host to a larger supply of international hotels, providing students with an opportunity to build their skills to a world class standard. They can bring what they have learnt back and apply it in Nepal, or utilise their new skillset in hotels overseas.

4. What new plans do you have in pipeline?

The tourism industry is constantly evolving and growing. We plan to increase our intake of students from the Skill Campus, fostering a stronger partnership. The students we have employed through Skill Campus have exhibited a hardworking mentality and friendly approach. I now view this as a common mindset among Nepalese people after meeting the warm locals on this trip.

At ahs hospitality we have seen how this positive attitude results in a positive experience for guests. We anticipate a bright future not only for our current interns, but for future students of Skill Campus that strive for hospitality experience abroad.

5. And your last thoughts?

Nepal is very beautiful, the potential for growth within the tourism industry is very high here. In my opinion, studies around hotel management are very valuable in Nepal. I highly praise Skill Campus’ work in providing comprehensive education and training in hotel management. Lastly, based on this trip, I intend to provide more opportunities for Nepalese students to gain internships with ahs hospitality and study abroad.

Success Story - Meet Kirsty

e9d3130d@Shazamme.com (Shazamme System User) — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 19:13:51 GMT

Success Story - Meet Kirsty

17 October 2019

ahs were so impressed by not only Kirsty's enthusiasm and drive to succeed, but also in her challenge to gain employment so we wanted to share her story with you.

Please see below the recent feedback from our client:

Here is Kirsty's ahs Success Story in her own words:

I was a young stay at home mother of two for 10yrs, once both my children started school I wanted to jump back into the workforce, with all my previous certificates outdated and no recent experience or references I applied for literally hundreds of jobs but rarely would I receive a response and had not been offered a single interview.

I was then placed into a six months work for the dole placement where I spent several days scraping paint off the outside of a scouts shed with a chisel in the summers heat.

By this time, I'd almost lost any hope of being anything other than a "homemaker". I felt as if no one was ever going to give me the chance to prove myself as an important employee.

Then a week later as I was about to be placed onto Newstart allowance an opportunity through Max Employment arose to do two weeks theory and work placement with the ahs team and I excitedly accepted.

All they wanted to see was that you WANTED to work. I put my hand straight up and just to be given that initial opportunity was uplifting for me after so long!

I put in my all, through training and placement. Then I received a phone call while I was actually sitting in a Centrelink appointment. It was Kerry calling to let me know I had got the job! I started with ahs on the 15th of Aug 2016.

Once I started, I immediately wanted to do and be more. I was given the chance to learn all areas of cleaning from public areas, houseman, special cleans, spring cleans - you name it I learnt it. I was also put forward to do a train the trainer short course, all this just boosted my motivation to grow and learn.

Around the 1yr mark my manager asked if I would like to be trained up as 2IC as the position was becoming available and my name had been mentioned by a couple of our team members. I was shocked! But I took the bull by the horns and ran with it. It was around a year later my manager was ready to embark on her next chapter in life and I was offered the chance to apply for the MANAGER role at The Chancellor on Currie.

As of the 1st of Feb 2019, I took over the management role and my life has been turned around. The hotel is thriving and my team are settling in with all the changes.

I cannot thank Kerry and the ahs team enough for giving me that initial chance when nobody else would. It has changed not only mine, but my families lives for the better. I now look forward to the years to come.

Kirsty's story is inspirational, a prime example of how hard work, determination and ambition are a powerful combination.

If you're looking for work and feel you have the same drive as Kirsty, then Apply Now with ahs hospitality .

Q&A with Michael Bourne from Pro-invest

e9d3130d@Shazamme.com (Shazamme System User) — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 18:36:54 GMT

Q&A with Michael Bourne from Pro-invest

10 October 2019

We sat down with Michael Bourne, Group Director of Operations at Pro-invest Group, to discuss his experiences with outsourcing and working with ahs hospitality.

Q1. Across Australia and New Zealand how many properties does Pro-invest have in it’s portfolio?

A: We have 4 operating hotels, 2 opening in the next 6 – 7 months, 1 opening in 11 months, 3 others under construction and 2 more new builds about to be announced.

Q2. What benefits does the Pro-invest Group see in outsourcing?

A: The key benefit in outsourcing for us it that it enables us to focus our attention and expertise on what we feel are the core elements of running successful hotels.

In saying this, I am not suggesting housekeeping is not a vital part of our success; quite the contrary - it is a vital element, however by successfully outsourcing to a professional, reliable and aligned partner - our skill set does not need to be orientated to managing the details of housekeeping on a minute to minute, hour to hour, day to day basis.

Q3. ahs hospitality has formed a strong relationship with Pro-invest Group through partnerships in your Holiday Inn Express properties. Why have you found them to be a suitable outsourced housekeeping partner?

A: Strong business relationships are built by sustaining mutually beneficial outcomes. Mutually beneficial outcomes are achieved through open and frank discussions regarding not just what needs to be achieved but the way in which it is achieved.

We have that understanding with ahs and this means we are aligned in what we do and how we do it. Once this alignment is achieved you can tackle the inevitable changes and challenges together in good faith.

Q4. Brand standards and guest experience are paramount to the success of your hotels; how well has ahs managed these areas?

A: The results are there; we have passed every brand audit conducted on our operating hotels and our cleanliness scores as rated by our guests are well above average.

Q5. What projects are on the horizon for Pro-invest Group?

A: As mentioned earlier, we have 6 projects currently under construction with 3 opening in the next 12 months. We also have a highly active development team looking for additional sites.

Over the next few years our portfolio is set to exceed 20 hotels.

If you’re interested in learning more about leveraging the benefits of outsourcing reach out to the team at info@ahshospitality.com.au or call them on 1800 026 036.

This interview was published in Executive Housekeeper, please click here to see the full article on page 19.

Top 3 Traits That Make a Leader

e9d3130d@Shazamme.com (Shazamme System User) — Sun, 11 Aug 2019 18:11:34 GMT

Top 3 Traits That Make a Leader in Hospitality

11 August 2019

How do we value leadership?

What distinguishes good leadership from great leadership? This is a question that has been strongly debated through modern times.

Strong leadership in organisations is vital to remain financially competitive, maximise the employee experience, and to achieve organisational goals.

In an increasingly VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous) world, there has never been greater need for leaders who are able to:

Create a shared vision
Foster collaborative relationships
Demonstrate authenticity
Offer individualised consideration for their employees

The Case Study: An Employee's Perspective

Chandler Macleod undertook research last year which extends the leadership success paradigm by focusing on the specific factors which are attributed to successful leadership.

Gaining an understanding of such leadership success factors has implications for organisational development in areas such as recruitment, leadership development, and of notable importance for diversity and inclusion efforts.

What did we find out?

'Culture & Staff Engagement', 'Vision & Future Focus' and 'Relationship Building' are pivotal to employee perceptions of leadership success.

Our research found that a leader’s willingness and capacity to drive and shape culture is paramount to their perceived success and effectiveness. This was by far the most frequently reported leadership success factor by employees.

Comparing the Hospitality Industry

When we filtered down to our candidates in the hospitality industry we found a 'Customer Focus' surpassed 'Relationship Building'. While this is not overly surprising given the value of the guest experience is so deeply engrained in hospitality employees, it does illustrate how what we value in our leaders can change across industries.

Does Age Make a Difference?

The hospitality industry has a diverse workforce and therefore ensuring that your supervisors and leaders are cognisant of this is really important for successful culture management.

For example, the younger the worker, the more important it was for their leader to place importance on their personal presentation to be perceived as successful. The older the worker, the more important it was for their leader to focus on the company’s financial success to be perceived as successful.

Culture and staff engagement was reported as the top success factor amongst all generations. While acting with integrity was reported as the second most important success factor for Baby Boomers and Gen X, it did not even appear in the top three success factors for Gen Y and Gen Z. Instead, millennials reported a stronger preference for their leaders to display strong relationship building skills.

3 Questions Every Successful Company Should Be Asking:

In the fast changing world of hospitality it is important to assess and re-assess how your leaders are performing and where they could improve.

Given the changing expectations from guests and retention challenges, you must consider how willing and capable your leaders are.

If you're unsure of where to start, we recommend asking yourself these three questions:

How are you managing your culture and engagement?
Are your supervisors and leaders building great relationships with their people?
What strategies do you have to ensure an adaptable work culture that meets your diverse needs?

Not Just A Housekeeper

e9d3130d@Shazamme.com (Shazamme System User) — Fri, 17 May 2019 17:17:37 GMT

Not Just A Housekeeper

17 May 2019

Working as a housekeeper in a service oriented industry means that a guests experience is all they get in exchange for the money they’ve spent. They don’t pay to sleep in a hotel and get to keep the bed, or the towels or the painting on the wall when they leave. They walk out with the same belongings they walked in with (hopefully), except their wallet is a little lighter and the money has been replaced with the memory of the experience they had.

This means that sometimes in our roles we need to wear different hats to ensure our guests have a memorable experience for the right reasons. It’s our opportunity to go above and beyond to show the kind of people we are isn’t limited to the work we do.

One of our team members at Atura Blacktown, NSW got a special mention for the difference they made to a guest stay over the Easter weekend…

“Over the Easter weekend my partner and our 2 children stayed at your hotel. From the moment we walked through the doors we were not disappointed. We were greeted by a super professional staff member who explained the hotel and what you had to offer.

Our room was lovely, the sofa bed was made up and it had everything we needed. It was spotlessly clean. And the toiletries smelt lovely too.

Obviously with 2 children the first stop was the pool, a bit cold for adults, but they had a ball. Then they spotted the table tennis, then the pool table, the giant connect 4, the arcade game, the painting & drawing set up, the computers and the video room playing Disney moves all weekend. It was a child's dream.

Included in our package was breakfast, not exactly what I was expecting. Keeping in mind we got a super deal, $121 a night. So I thought breakfast would have been, cereal, a loaf of bread and some jams and stuff. Not a full buffet breakfast with everything we could have asked or wished for. The staff continued to be lovely, always chatting to the kids and making us feel most welcome.

Easter Sunday rolled around, the Easter Bunny visited our room and the kids were super excited, nearly as excited as I was as we walked out our room to find 2 little baskets of chocolates at our door. What a lovey touch.

I would also like to add, my son lost a front tooth while we were there, we put it on the bench, for the tooth fairy, but the cleaner was so thorough that it disappeared. Anyway the tooth fairy left a note for my son to catch up with the cleaner, the cleaner was lovely and horrified they had taken the tooth, but played along and said the tooth fairy had visited and left this note and money for him. He was thrilled and tells everyone the story of how the cleaner took his tooth to give to the tooth fairy.

I will be staying at your hotel again, we all had a ball, it was just fantastic! The pub up the road and the drive-in next door, what a location. Obviously with two 6 year olds, we visited both the pub, who had free kids meals on Good Friday, and we spent Sunday night at the drive-in. It was a special get away...”

This is a wonderful reminder for all of us that it doesn’t take a big, grand gesture to make a good experience a great one. We should put ourselves in our guests shoes (not literally, please!) and remember to treat others the way we’d like to be treated. Whilst we may be an outsourced provider, this example is a great reminder that we’re all on the same team and every one of us have the power to make a difference.

ahshospitalityau

Sustainable Cleaning Starts with Small Changes

Small changes, meaningful impact

Driving efficiency through smarter resource use

Supporting ESG goals through everyday operations

Progress through partnership

Building Stronger Teams Through Inclusion in Cultural Diversity Week

At ahs hospitality, Cultural Diversity Week is an opportunity to reflect on what truly makes our teams strong: the people, perspectives and experiences that come together every day across our operations.

Creating a Culture Where People Feel Valued

Supporting Our People at Every Stage

Diversity in Action, Every Day

Move-In Ready: A Complete Cleaning Checklist for Student Living

With February here and new students preparing to move in, student accommodation providers are entering one of the busiest times of the year. Tight turnaround windows, high occupancy and rising expectations mean every room and shared space needs to feel clean, fresh and ready from day one.

Hospitality in 2026: What Hotels Expect From Housekeeping Partners

With ongoing labour challenges, rising guest expectations, and increased focus on sustainability and risk management, housekeeping has become a core driver of overall hotel performance.

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So what will define a strong housekeeping partnership in 2026?

1. Operational Agility During Peak Periods

2. Technology-Enabled Housekeeping Operations

3. Consistent Cleaning Standards and Quality Assurance

4. Compliance, Safety, and Risk Management

5. Sustainable Housekeeping Practices

6. Creating Deeper Guest Connections Through Housekeeping

Looking Ahead

6 Fun Ways to Celebrate Christmas With Your Housekeeping Team

1. Host a Festive Morning Tea or End-of-Shift Celebration

2. Decorate Christmas Tree Together to Build Team Spirit

3. Celebrate Cultural Diversity with a Shared Lunch

4. Hold a Fun and Budget-Friendly Secret Santa

5. Create Fun Team Activities

6. Recognise Achievements and Share Goals for the New Year

Preparing for Summer Peak Season: Getting Hotels, Commercial Spaces, and Student Accommodation Ready

Safe Work Month 2025: Be Prepared. Be Safe

October is Safe Work Month, and at ahs hospitality, it’s our time to pause, reflect, and celebrate what truly keeps our teams strong: safety.

Throughout the month, we’ve focused on a new topic each week, exploring how small, everyday habits can make a big difference and help us create a safer workplace for everyone.

Housekeeping Week 2025: Celebrating the Heart of Hospitality

Your Spring Guide to Deep-Cleaning Hotels and Commercial Venues

Fight the Flu with Confidence: Smart Cleaning for Hotels, Homes & Offices

As temperatures fall, flu season begins to set in, making it more important than ever to stay on top of cleanliness and hygiene. Whether you're managing a bustling hotel, working from a shared office, or keeping your home safe for loved ones, effective cleaning is your first line of defence.

At ahs hospitality, we understand the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy environment all year round. Here’s how you can boost your cleaning routine this flu season across different settings.

Inside ahs hospitality: How Our Teams Stay Energised During the Cold Season

Winter brings cooler mornings, shorter days, and a few extra challenges for those working in hospitality. At ahs hospitality, our teams continue to deliver exceptional service across hotels and accommodation sites, even when the temperature drops.

So how do we stay energised, healthy, and motivated through the colder months? Here’s how our people keep the winter blues at bay while staying focused and connected on the job.

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Powering Up the Day with Morning Briefings

Staying Active and Alert

Prioritising Health and Hygiene

Celebrating Effort and Keeping Morale High

Supporting Each Other Through the Seasons

ahs hospitality Commits to Workplace Safety and Prevention of Sexual Harassment

Housekeeping Secrets: Create a Spa-Like Retreat at Home with Hotel-Inspired Cleaning

Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion at ahs hospitality

Last week marked Cultural Diversity Week, and at ahs hospitality, we believe our people are our greatest strength. We're proud to highlight the diverse, inclusive, and people-centred culture that makes our workplace truly exceptional.

5 Easy Tips to Keep Your Workspace Clean and Refreshing

Housekeeping 2025: Emerging Trends Shaping the Future of Hospitality

Housekeeping 2025: Emerging Trends Shaping the Future of Hospitality

5 steps to get your home Christmas ready to impress your guests

1. Declutter your home

2. Deep clean the bathroom

3. Add festive touches throughout home

4. Bring out the Christmas tree

5. Create the ultimate Christmas playlist

Your complete guide to understanding housekeeping labour hire

Your complete guide to understanding housekeeping labour hire in the accommodation industry

How housekeeping labour hire works

Where housekeeping labour hire can be used

When housekeeping labour hire can be used

ahs hospitality’s safe work practices recognised at the National Safety Awards of Excellence 2024

ahs hospitality’s safe work practices have been recognised at the National Safety Awards of Excellence 2024

ahs hospitality are proud to share that we have been announced as a finalist at the National Safety Awards of Excellence under the category ‘Best Continuous Improvement of a WHS Management System’.

Why is working safely in hotel housekeeping important?

What inspired us to improve our WHS Management System?

5 Signs Your Hotel Should Consider Outsourcing Housekeeping Services

5 Signs Your Hotel Should Consider Outsourcing Housekeeping Services

1. Your housekeeping department is experiencing staff shortages or high turn over

2. Your hotel is experiencing cost pressures and rising operational costs

3. Your hotel is finding is difficult to find skilled workers

4. Your hotel guests are demanding sustainable hotel practices

5. Your hotel is experiencing inconsistent housekeeping services

The Importance of Promoting Mental Wellness in Hotel Housekeeping