Op-Ed: What’s the latest in housekeeping uniforms?
Liz Lycette says: Selecting the right housekeeping uniform is essential for optimising team performance
Housekeeping staff represent cleanliness, so their attire must always be neat, smart, clean, and sharp. This is no small feat, given the physically demanding nature of their job, which often involves cleaning 12 to 16 rooms or checking 80 rooms.
A good fit with moveability and breathable fabric that doesn’t retain body odours is critical. Uniforms should also be crease-resistant, even when left scrunched up at the bottom of a locker, and cost-effective, as they are washed daily and need to be durable. Pockets for storing bulky master keys and a mobile phone are also essential, as no one wants to see these items hanging off the sides of uniforms.
L&A Housekeeping & Management Consultants, in conjunction with Crestwell Uniforms from Hong Kong, recently conducted a survey throughout Australia and New Zealand to gather insights from housekeepers and managers about their team uniforms. We received more than 60 responses to nine questions, yielding interesting results. The survey respondents included 54 percent housekeepers, 22 percent general managers, 20 percent operations managers, and a few from outsourced companies.
Current overall suitability: Only two percent rated their uniforms as excellent. The majority, 86 percent, said good or average, and 13 percent rated them poor or very poor.
Sustainability: 77 percent said their uniform purchasing process follows brand sustainability, while 23 percent said no.
Delivery timings: 12 percent received uniforms within a week, 29 percent said delivery took two to four weeks, and 15 percent mentioned one to three months.
Initiating a new design: 69 percent prioritised improved comfort and safety, 65 percent alignment with brand, 53 percent considered employee feedback important, 51 percent cited lack of functionality as an issue, and 47 percent mentioned outdated appearance.
Priorities in new design: 93 percent prioritised improved ease of movement, 62 percent enhanced pockets and storage, 60 percent adjustable sizing, 50 percent durability, and 33 percent enhanced security features.
Brand image and aesthetic: 39 percent said uniform design is very important to brand image, 46 percent important but flexible, and 14 percent neutral or not important.
Material and fabric selection: 100 percent prioritised comfort and breathability, 80 percent durability, 77 percent ease of maintenance, 65 percent stain and water resistance, and 45 percent eco-friendliness.
Consultation with housekeeping team: 52.5 percent said somewhat important, 45 percent said yes, and 0.5 percent said no.
Cost vs. improvement and benefit: 49 percent said improvement should not be compromised for cost, 31 percent prioritised cost-effectiveness, and 21 percent were neutral or not very important.
So, what’s hot in the latest in housekeeping uniform designs?
While there are no significant changes in styles, there are new fabric options, including sustainable materials that can be combined to create mixed fibre fabrics.
Recycled polyester created from recycled plastic bottles is one option as is recycled fabric, processed to create new fabric.
Use of bamboo is still popular as it is a natural textile which is soft, breathable, moisture wicking, hypoallergenic. It also offers UV protection and has natural antimicrobial properties. It does shrink however and is not as durable as synthetic fibres.
Modal fabric is a bio-based fabric that is made from spinning beech wood. It is soft and easy to wear but can be more expensive. It also requires special care when washing to maintain its softness and shape.
Hemp requires very few chemicals to turn into fabric and is more durable than bamboo. Like all natural fibres it does depend on how a material is produced as to it impacts on the environment.
Lyocell is made from the wood pulp of eucalyptus trees, it is biodegradable and can be composted. The fabric is breathable, absorbent, durable and lightweight however it is more expensive.
Sorona Agile fibre is an innovative form of polyester derived from 37 percent renewable plant-based ingredients. The fibre, which was commercialised by DuPont, combines the suppleness of nylon with the bulkiness of acrylic and is stain resistant.
Finally, there is a new coating available for fabrics. Developed in Hong Kong by C-Force Biotech, BioNTex is an antiviral/antibacterial coating for fabrics. It works by creating a positively charged surface which effectively neutralises negatively charged bacteria and viruses including coronavirus for up to 60 washes.
So, look out for all these names when you check the label on any of your retail purchases, they are increasing in popularity and will also become available in housekeeping uniforms in the future.
Liz Lycette, is a veteran in the realm of housekeeping with an international career spanning more than four decades. Her roles have encompassed senior positions in some of the world’s most prestigious hotels, as well as involvement in major global events. Passionate about all things Housekeeping, Liz is the Managing Director of L&A, Housekeeping Management Consultants and the Housekeeping Columist for AccomNews.