Working Conditions and Work Safety Culture of the Housekeeping Department in Budget Hotels - By Swetlana Sarkar

We’ve all heard the slogan “Don’t be safety blinded, be safety minded.” This principle applies to every aspect of our lives, including the workplace. In the hotel and hospitality industry, where employees work around the clock, proper care, protection, and a strong safety culture are essential.

The hotel industry is often characterized by low wages, long working hours, and low job security. Employees, particularly those in the Housekeeping department of budget hotels, frequently encounter unwelcome behaviors, such as guests leaving rooms in disarray, damaging property, and keeping bathrooms unclean.

Every employee has the right to work in a safe and secure environment. The goal should be to provide employees with safe and healthy working conditions, fair wages, reasonable working hours, and job security. Unfortunately, employees in the Housekeeping department often work under suboptimal conditions.

For example, motivation for housekeeping staff remains low due to the ease of hiring temporary or contract employees, part-timers, and others. Housekeeping is a critical department responsible for daily cleanliness and maintenance, yet the health and hygiene of these employees are often neglected. Public area attendants and guest room attendants frequently work with inadequate equipment and harmful cleaning agents, such as toxic chemicals like ammonia and chlorine. Additionally, they are exposed to infectious pathogens due to the nature of their work.

In some places, housekeeping staff are paid based on the number of rooms they clean. This practice places additional pressure on casual workers, who often endure poor working conditions and remain silent due to their vulnerable employment status.

It is crucial to improve the work culture and safety conditions within the Housekeeping department, particularly for casual workers in budget hotels. Providing hygienic and safe working environments is not only a necessity but also a right for these employees.