Housekeeper Duties
Don’t get caught up in stereotypical attitudes about housekeepers. The position is by no means the bottom rung on the job ladder, nor should it be brushed off as a menial job, the last resort for people who are unskilled and uneducated.
The truth is, housekeepers are energetic, detail-oriented and highly motivated. They are valued workers who perform an indispensable service in both private dwellings and commercial enterprises.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that, according to 2008 data, housekeepers earn a median hourly wage of $9.13.Building Cleaning Workers. Although many would consider this rate low for a job that may entail strenuous labor, seasoned and proficient housekeepers who work for the same employer for a long period of time may earn more than that and depending on the workplace, may benefit from generous tips.
Because of the demands of the job, a career is housekeeping is not a good choice for someone with physical limitations or someone who lacks energy and focus. A housekeeper must be capable of following directions. Upon employment, a housekeeper is presented with a list of duties and perhaps some direction on which chores should be handled first and how much time should be spent on each. Some of these tasks may be unpleasant. Housekeepers must be willing, and physically able, to perform all tasks thoroughly and efficiently, without procrastination. But a good housekeeper doesn’t just follow a checklist; he or she knows how to prioritize and is adept at making workday adjustments to handle emergency tasks and unexpected challenges.
A housekeeper must know the technical aspects of the job, such as which cleaning products work best on specific surfaces and how clothing should be pre-treated to remove troublesome stains. In addition, after working for a client for a prolonged period of time, a housekeeper should be expected to anticipate the client’s needs and be pro-active, without being asked, to see that the needs are expertly met.
In addition to fulfilling day-to-day duties, a housekeeper’s personal behavior on the job must be above board. Work duties may put the housekeeper in constant contact with valuable personal belongings. The housekeeper must be able to handle this temptation and be respectful of others’ property. The housekeeper should not walk off with a valuable bracelet, should not rummage through a purse, should not pick up loose change and should not pilfer a bar of soap or roll of toilet paper.
A housekeeper should be just as respectful of the client’s reputation. In the course of performing work tasks, the housekeeper will overhear phone conversations, observe behaviors and may even be called upon to be a confidante. The housekeeper should never indulge in gossip about the employer.
A willingness to work hard, a commitment to customer service and a demonstration of integrity in all circumstances are keys to building a solid reputation as an excellent housekeeper.
