Fresh Profile: Housekeeping Jobs

Published on 2008-08-19

Looking for a widely available, stable job that requires few job-related skills? You might consider housekeeping jobs, which the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says will increase by 14% through 2016.

The main duty associated with housekeeper jobs is the cleaning and straightening of the interiors of residential and commercial institutions using different kinds of cleaning materials, equipment, and tools. This may entail cleaning floors, windows, and bathrooms; taking out the trash; dusting; sweeping sidewalks; minor repairs; or some combination thereof. Depending on where they are employed, housekeepers' duties beyond cleaning vary. At hospitals, for example, housekeepers might have to make beds in addition to disinfecting and sanitizing medical equipment and supplies. At hotels, housekeepers often deliver rollaway beds, cribs, pillows, towels, etc. to guests' rooms. In a private residential setting, housekeepers may hold full or part time jobs in service to a single family. Their responsibilities can include cooking, dishwashing, making beds, grocery shopping, laundry, and even childcare, making the position similar to nanny jobs in some respects. Personal assistant jobs might also involve some housekeeping.

Housekeepers should expect somewhat variable hours, sometimes working in the evening or on weekends. For this reason, housekeeping can make ideal student jobs. This line of work requires a fair amount of physicality (and thus good health) to operate machinery and clean large and/or uncomfortable spaces. Housekeepers may incur noise, dirt, trash, and other unpleasant conditions. Cleaning materials and equipment require care to avoid injuries, although some cuts, bruises, and sprains may be inevitable, as housekeepers are on their feet all day lifting, pushing, and bending. For housekeepers who are in contact with other staff or customers, good communications skills are helpful. Dependability, a good work ethic, the ability to get along with others, and the ability to follow directions are also valuable traits.

Most skills are learned on the job, although some housekeepers have high school diplomas, and supervisors may have college degrees as well. New housekeepers may learn from experienced housekeepers how to perform routine duties effectively. Supervisors can earn professional designations through the International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA), which serves professionals who work in large facilities such as hospitals and educational institutions. The IEHA offers two certification programs, the Certified Executive Housekeeper and the Registered Executive Housekeeper. Each designation requires formal degrees, training, and passing grades on exams, in addition to ongoing testing every three years.

Because the turnover rate is relatively high for this occupation (some people view housekeeping work as temporary jobs that provide income while they are looking for other positions; others are drawn to work opportunities that offer better pay and potential for advancement), the BLS anticipates numerous openings for housekeeping jobs, especially in the residential sector and at facilities for the elderly. Job seekers may find employment listings in the "Personal Care & Service" category of Fresho.com. With free job posting, free resume posting, quick job searches, Fresh Alerts, and RSS updates, Fresho.com is the place to find housekeeping positions in your area.