Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

A room attendant performs the actual cleaning of guest rooms, bathrooms and public areas. A housekeeper is typically a supervisory role that oversees room attendants and ensures quality standards. Under the Hospitality Industry Award, room attendants are classified at entry to mid-levels, while housekeepers are at higher supervisory levels.

Question 2

What award covers room attendants in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Most room attendant 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 room attendant?

Accepted Answer

Under the Hospitality Industry Award, room attendants typically fall at Level 1-2 for entry-level positions, with progression to Level 3 as experience and responsibilities increase. See our Hospitality Award pay rates guide for current rates.

Question 4

Should I include pay rates in a room attendant 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 plus penalties.' Check the current Hospitality Award rates for guidance.

Question 5

What qualifications do room attendants need?

Accepted Answer

Formal qualifications aren't required for entry-level room attendant positions. Key requirements include attention to detail, physical fitness, reliability, ability to follow cleaning procedures and willingness to work independently. Previous cleaning experience is desirable but not essential.

Question 6

Do room attendants need any certificates?

Accepted Answer

No certificates are legally required for basic room cleaning duties. However, basic training in chemical safety is important. Some properties provide on-the-job training in cleaning techniques, product use and safety procedures. First aid certification may be preferred but is not mandatory.

Question 7

What experience should I look for in a room attendant?

Accepted Answer

For entry-level positions, look for any cleaning experience (domestic, commercial or hospitality), physical fitness, attention to detail and reliability. For experienced roles, look for hotel or accommodation cleaning experience, knowledge of cleaning products and equipment, and proven ability to meet time targets.

Question 8

Can I hire room attendants without experience?

Accepted Answer

Yes, room attendant is often an entry-level position in hospitality. Many hotels successfully hire and train room attendants without prior experience. Focus on attitude, reliability, physical fitness and attention to detail. Provide comprehensive training on your property's cleaning standards and procedures.

Question 9

Should I hire casual or permanent room attendants?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your property's occupancy patterns. Many hotels use a mix — permanent room attendants for base-level staffing and casuals for peak periods, weekends and holidays. This provides stability while maintaining flexibility for fluctuating occupancy. See our guide on casual vs permanent employment trends and simplify employee management with HR software.

Question 10

What penalty rates apply to room attendants?

Accepted Answer

Under the Hospitality Industry Award, penalty rates apply for: Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and early morning starts. Room attendants often work weekends when hotels are busiest. 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 room attendants?

Accepted Answer

Under the Hospitality Industry Award, the minimum engagement for casual employees is typically 2-3 hours per shift depending on circumstances. However, room attendant shifts are usually longer to allow adequate time for room cleaning. Check the award for specific requirements based on employment type.

Question 12

What should I include in a room attendant employment contract?

Accepted Answer

Key elements include: position title and classification level, employment type (casual/part-time/full-time), hourly rate, applicable award, reporting structure, main duties, 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 room attendants?

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 staff visibility of their upcoming shifts.

Question 14

Can I adjust room attendant hours based on occupancy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this is common in hotels where occupancy fluctuates. Casual employees provide flexibility for this purpose. For part-time employees, ensure minimum hour guarantees are met. Clear communication about variable hours during recruitment is essential. Use rostering software to manage fluctuating staffing needs efficiently.

Question 15

What breaks are room attendants 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 scheduled appropriately during the shift. Use break planning tools to support compliance.

Question 16

How do I allocate rooms to room attendants?

Accepted Answer

Allocate rooms based on attendant experience, room types and floor assignments. Typically, experienced attendants can clean 12-16 rooms per shift depending on room size and property standards. Consider using housekeeping management software to track room assignments and cleaning progress throughout the shift.

Room attendant job description