Housekeeping Operations: Lessons from a Former Executive Housekeeping Manager
Ashley Vallee shares her expert perspective on optimizing housekeeping operations and best practices for staff retention.
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Episode Summary
In this episode, we’re checking in with Actabl’s own housekeeping expert, Ashley Vallee. Now a Senior Project Manager for Actabl’s BI onboarding team, Ashley previously thrived as an Executive Housekeeping Manager. Drawing from her hands-on experience, starting as a housekeeper herself, she shares valuable insights on housekeeping operations, best practices, staff retention, and building a positive team culture.
I found great success just by listening. So many of my housekeepers used that open door policy and sometimes it was to talk through their struggles that were revolving around work, but sometimes it was a listening ear for personal struggles as well."
Ashley highlights key retention strategies, including recognizing employees, fostering open communication, and leading by example. She also discusses how starting with the basics and then adding small gestures—like leaving extra towels for large groups or a sweet treat for a family you met in the hallway—enhances guest experiences and boosts team morale.
An expert in housekeeping operations, she emphasizes the importance of collaboration across departments and creating efficient processes, ultimately improving both employee retention and guest satisfaction. Her top takeaway for housekeeping managers: be present, support your team, and build a culture of appreciation.
Meet Ashley
Ashley Vallee's passion for hospitality began early, as she started her journey in the industry as a housekeeper and breakfast attendant while in high school. She quickly realized that the path she initially thought she would take as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer was not where her heart truly lay. This realization led her back to the hospitality industry, where she navigated through various roles, successfully managing teams, optimizing operations, and ensuring the highest standards of service.
Ashley made it a point to learn as much as she could about each role, ultimately thriving as the Executive Housekeeping Manager in State College, PA. She lives nearby with her husband, Justin, their two daughters, Abigail and Mackenzie, and their two dogs, Henry and Chloe. In 2022, Ashley joined ProfitSword as an Implementation Specialist, transitioned to a Project Manager, and now serves as the Senior Project Manager for Actabl's BI Onboarding Team.
