Burnout behind the front desk?
Pros and cons of living onsite as a Motel Manager
Managing a motel or an accommodation business is a fantastic vocation. When taking over a new property the excitement and passion is high, a wonderful adventure and future await.
Most motels offer management or owners the opportunity to live onsite in a comfortable apartment/house. Living onsite has many benefits and when considering a property with onsite accommodation the initial thought of living onsite is exciting and makes logical sense, especially with the current housing crisis.
The managers or owners are there to attend to the guests and there is no commute to work, a win win for everyone. However, it is important to think about the bigger picture in relation to day-to-day operations and lifestyle choices.
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Here are few areas to consider when starting out or considering a property as an onsite manager or owner.
Family set up vs accommodation provided
Whether you are a couple, single person or family, the accommodation provided will have an influence on whether the property is right for you. Obviously, a family of four is not going to suitable for a small house, however a young couple ready to take on the accommodation world would be better suited for the small abode.
With work and home life being in close quarters it will be extremely important there is enough space for everyone. This means for work and down time, separate and together.
Reception hours & after-hours check-in procedures
While living onsite, managers or owners will be easy access for inhouse guests. It’s important to remember, this does not have to command 24/7 access. Having structured reception hours as well as procedures for guests arriving late at night will go a long way to maintaining strong customer service.
This may seem a little backwards, however providing excellent service for eight hours a day will go further than moderate service for more than 12 hours a day. Emergency situations are completely different. Part of the reason there is onsite management is to assist in the event of an emergency. Fresh batteries for a TV remote control at 1am may not necessarily register as an emergency.
Setting the boundaries may be hard in the beginning, however it will work to the owners or manager’s favour in the long term.
Outside activities
Maintaining or continuing the activities that provide enjoyment outside of the workplace is important for everyone. This could be a physical activity, community involvement or a team sport. Being able to disconnect from work when you don’t have the commute can make things more challenging which makes having an external outlet or activity even more important.
A simple walk at the end of the day can really help relieve the stresses and ease the mind.
Relief management
Everyone needs time away from work and when living onsite this can be more than challenging. When taking on a new property, one of the first things to look at is when to take time off. Current staff may be able to assist in this area, as they will know the property and be able to assist sooner rather than training someone new. Starting from one afternoon a week building up to a week or more over time will reap its rewards. For couples it can also be beneficial to have time managing the property individually so that one is not reliant on the other for day-to-day operations.
Separation of home and work
When living at a motel there is a high probability that the accommodation provided will be a version of one of the guest rooms or will have similar furniture. The accommodation you live in needs to be a place to relax and refresh outside of work so that you are ready for the next day.
For this reason, it’s a good idea to have items of furniture for you in the space, so that you can feel comfortable and at ease. Small things such as different towels and bed linen will also help the mind and body to separate work and home life allowing you to relax more after a hard day.
The harsh reality is that burnout is very real in the accommodation industry and the likelihood even higher for onsite managers and owners. Taking small steps to ensure regular breaks are taken and everyone is happy in their new setting, will support the vision, longevity and success in your new business.
Emily Stephens, Founder and Managing Director of The Accommodation Project, has been working in accommodation operations for over 20 years. Starting as a receptionist, she has worked her way through the ranks in different types of accommodation both overseas and in Australia to now operate an apartment hotel with her husband in a beautiful coastal town in Victoria. Combining her passion for the industry and wanting to help and support fellow operators, The Accommodation Project was created. Building on the confidence and proficiency of newcomers so that all properties find their place in an ever changing and exciting sector.
