Question 1

What is the difference between a housekeeper and a room attendant?

Accepted Answer

A housekeeper is typically a supervisory role responsible for overseeing cleaning standards, inspecting rooms and managing room attendants. Room attendants perform the actual cleaning. Under the Hospitality Industry Award, housekeepers are classified at higher levels reflecting supervisory responsibilities.

Question 2

What award covers housekeepers in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Most housekeeper positions are covered by the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 (MA000009). This award applies to employees in hotels, motels, serviced apartments and similar accommodation businesses. Always verify which award applies to your specific property.

Question 3

What classification level should I use for a housekeeper?

Accepted Answer

Under the Hospitality Industry Award, housekeepers typically fall at Level 3-4 or above depending on supervisory responsibilities and team size. Housekeeping supervisors with broader responsibilities may be classified even higher. See our Hospitality Award pay rates guide for current rates.

Question 4

Should I include pay rates in a housekeeper job description?

Accepted Answer

Including indicative pay rates helps attract suitable candidates and sets clear expectations. You can reference the applicable award rate or use phrases like 'Award rates based on experience and qualifications.' Check the current Hospitality Award rates for guidance.

Question 5

What qualifications do housekeepers need?

Accepted Answer

Formal qualifications aren't always required, but a Certificate III in Hospitality or Cleaning Operations is desirable for supervisory housekeeper roles. Key requirements include experience in cleaning operations, attention to detail, knowledge of cleaning products and safety procedures, quality assurance skills and ability to supervise staff.

Question 6

Do housekeepers need any certificates?

Accepted Answer

No specific certificates are legally required for basic housekeeping duties. However, knowledge of chemical safety and MSDS is important. First aid certification is often preferred for supervisory roles. Some properties may require specific training in laundry operations or infection control procedures.

Question 7

What experience should I look for in a housekeeper?

Accepted Answer

Look for candidates with experience supervising cleaning staff, conducting room inspections, managing linen and supplies, training new staff and maintaining quality standards. Previous experience in hotels or accommodation is valuable, particularly experience with housekeeping management systems.

Question 8

Can I hire housekeepers without hotel experience?

Accepted Answer

Yes, particularly for entry-level housekeeping positions. Candidates with cleaning experience from other industries (healthcare, facilities management) can transition successfully. Focus on attention to detail, reliability, understanding of cleaning standards and supervisory skills. Provide comprehensive training on hotel-specific procedures and standards.

Question 9

Should I hire casual or permanent housekeepers?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your property's occupancy patterns. Permanent housekeepers provide consistency for core shifts and quality control, while casuals offer flexibility for weekends and peak periods. Many hotels use a mix — permanent housekeepers for supervision and casuals for additional cleaning support. See our guide on casual vs permanent employment trends and simplify employee management with HR software.

Question 10

What penalty rates apply to housekeepers?

Accepted Answer

Under the Hospitality Industry Award, penalty rates apply for: Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and early morning starts. Casual employees receive a 25% loading instead of leave entitlements. Use award interpretation software to calculate rates accurately.

Question 11

What are the minimum shift lengths for housekeepers?

Accepted Answer

Under the Hospitality Industry Award, the minimum engagement for casual employees is typically 2-3 hours per shift depending on circumstances. Part-time employees also have minimum shift requirements. This ensures employees receive reasonable compensation for attending work. Check the award for specific requirements.

Question 12

What should I include in a housekeeper employment contract?

Accepted Answer

Key elements include: position title and classification level, employment type (casual/part-time/full-time), hourly rate or salary, applicable award, reporting structure, main duties including supervisory responsibilities, work location, typical shift patterns, physical requirements, and any uniform requirements. Use our digital employment contracts to simplify this process.

Question 13

How far in advance must I provide rosters to housekeepers?

Accepted Answer

Under the Hospitality Industry Award, rosters must be provided at least 7 days in advance. Changes within this period require employee agreement unless due to unforeseen circumstances. Using rostering software helps support compliance and gives housekeeping staff visibility of their upcoming shifts.

Question 14

Can I require housekeepers to work split shifts?

Accepted Answer

Split shifts are allowed under the Hospitality Industry Award, but specific conditions apply including minimum break periods between shifts and appropriate compensation. This is sometimes used in housekeeping to cover checkout and check-in periods. Support compliance with award requirements and communicate expectations during hiring.

Question 15

What breaks are housekeepers entitled to?

Accepted Answer

Under the Hospitality Industry Award, employees working more than 5 hours are entitled to an unpaid meal break. Paid rest breaks also apply based on shift length. Breaks should be taken at appropriate intervals during the shift. Use break planning tools to support compliance.

Question 16

How do I manage housekeeping coverage during peak checkout times?

Accepted Answer

Schedule additional housekeeping staff during peak checkout periods (typically mornings) to ensure rooms are cleaned promptly for new arrivals. Use rostering software to schedule overlapping shifts and ensure adequate coverage for inspection and quality control.

Housekeeping supervisor job description