Celebrate International Housekeepers and Environmental Services Week

Yesterday was the start of International Housekeepers Week (IHW) and Environmental Services Week (EVSW). Have you thanked our housekeeping and cleaning workers today?

Although this year’s event is toned down due to the pandemic, that doesn’t mean your company or facility can’t commemorate its hard-working housekeeping and EVS staff. Michael Patterson, executive director of IEHA, a Division of ISSA, plans to celebrate the week by posting daily messages to thank cleaners via social media and IEHA’s intranet. He suggested several way facilities can honor their housekeepers and EVS staff.

“A thank you from management and staff goes a long way,” Patterson said. “A different specialty treat, such as a breakfast or lunch every day, and tangible rewards at the end of the week will tell workers how important they are to everyone.”

One hotel chain is celebrating the outstanding contributions of its housekeepers through a contest. Days Inn Canada announced that until September 22, hotel general managers can nominate their housekeeping associates for the “Great Service Deserves to Be Recognized” contest.

Housekeepers can be nominated based on their accomplishments, guest and/or co-worker feedback, and their contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nominees will have a chance to win prizes including a mattress set and gift cards.