With summer travel starting there are many dynamics to consider in order to best prepare your team. Since our clients have properties in all regions of the US, preparations vary based on weather, school schedules and other factors.
Advance Planning
Advance planning is critical when it comes to added stock of supplies, your staffing plan and seasonal uniform changes.
Get an earlier start on inventory of supplies. Since many of these may need additional budget approval and have longer lead times, you don’t want to find yourself running out of items such as; cribs, rollaway beds, room linen and pool towels.
If you haven’t begun pulling your extra pool and deck furniture out from storage for an inspection and deep cleaning, it is definitely that time. Even though resort properties may have a busy pool deck all year around, it is very common to need more to accommodate the summer crowds.
As the temperatures begin to rise, it is time to determine the appropriate summer HVAC “comfort” settings with your facilities team. We want the first impression at check-in to be a comfortable and welcoming experience. In addition, determine the best placement for your window treatments. As we welcome more sunlight and warmth, keeping draperies closed a bit more will assist in cooling down the room throughout the summer.
Review your uniform par levels for departments requiring a seasonal change, to ensure your associates are looking and feeling their best.
Staffing Plan
Prior to the start of the season, it is crucial to plan accordingly for the higher volume of business. It’s important for the leaders to communicate adjustments early so associates can make arrangements outside of work as well. Extra support will be needed in rooms, public areas, and food & beverage outlets to accommodate summer travel. Some areas to consider;
- More frequent public restroom checks and monitoring of high traffic areas
- Providing extra support in the laundry department to expedite additional guest room, pool, and food & beverage linen demands
- Accommodating additional food & beverage covers and extended outlet hours
- Anticipate extended time needed in guest rooms. Since the summer season typically has higher guest counts and a longer length of stay, this usually requires additional servicing time
- For our clients’ resorts and coastal properties, ideal weather conditions usually prompt later checkouts, so if the weather is cooperating schedule staff accordingly for late services. I find starting some associates an hour later helps cover the late checkouts
- Since we offer transportation for team members in many markets, this period may require more frequent stops
Many of our associates have children on school breaks as well, so we try to be as accommodating as possible to allow them necessary time with their families. Sometimes a slight shift on their schedule is a big help during this period.
Setting Your Team Up for Success
Just before the crowds arrive, everyone should be well informed on how they can best contribute to your operation. As we know, in order to be successful with the influx of transient business you must adjust your usual agenda and methods of cleaning.
Be sure your daily pre-shift meetings include these important reminders and everyone is well-informed of the special activities and events happening at the property and surrounding areas. Keep daily events posted and copies readily available for your staff members.
Prepare all the extras for multiple guests and families; items such as extra pillows, blankets, rollaways and cribs. Many of these requests come in during the afternoon and evening hours so be sure to have them “delivery ready” and staged in convenient locations.
Be proactive by delivering extra items during regular services to accommodate multiple guests. In addition to stocking items for guest requests, there are a few to consider as part of the daily service such as; increased linen pars, soap and shampoo. Also, be sure to stock extra paper products in public area closets.
Most importantly, don’t lose sight of your repeat customers that may be visiting during this period.
For many of, the influx of travel may have begun with the spring break travel, but as the country is returning to normal, families and transient business will only increase throughout the summer. It is important to continue discussing the unique needs of travelers during these periods.
