Reviewing Housekeeping Operations

I had a great question last Friday… How would you review a housekeeping operation?

Here are some of the steps I said would be important in reviewing their existing housekeeping operations or developing new outsourcing initiatives.

Two key phases of review include:

Analysis

  • Interviews with administration/housekeeping/staff
  • Facility inspection
  • FTE analysis
  • Existing support contracts
  • Departmental policies & procedures
  • Review of housekeeping requirements
  • Budget review
  • Review of supplies & equipment

Scope

  • Physical auditing process
  • FTE determination
  • Training requirements
  • Contractor performance expectations
  • Quantifiable & measurable performance requirements
  • Quality control processes
  • Benchmarking
  • Selection of qualified contractors and contract type
  • Work loading

These are first steps, and make a great start. Contact me if you want to discuss this further.

With over 27 years in Healthcare Environmental Services (ES), I lead with a belief that attitude drives outcomes. As a Regional Director at MultiCare Health System, I oversee multi-site ES operations with a focus on people-first leadership, infection control, and operational excellence. I champion a Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) not as a slogan, but as a leadership principle. I believe positivity is contagious, and as a leader, I set the tone. Through consistent, uplifting communication, I create environments where ES teams feel empowered to be helpful, proactive, and proud of their impact. For me, development is a choice, and I invest in training, huddles, and coaching that energize teams, helping them thrive in their current roles and grow toward what’s next. My approach to high standards isn't theoretical, it's practical. Just like we notice when a hotel room is clean and fresh, patients and families immediately sense a space that’s been cared for. Through standardized protocols, team accountability, and a shared mission, I help create clean, safe, and healing environments that directly enhance patient experience and staff well-being. It's a privilege to lead teams that play such a vital role in the patient journey, and to help elevate the perception and performance of ES professionals across our system.

What do you think?