Every year, numerous significant achievements and contributions are recognized with dedicated days, weeks, or months of celebration. Therefore, it is only fitting that we extend our appreciation to the dedicated and hardworking cleaning professionals who play a vital role in our lives. International Housekeeper's and Environmental Services Week is observed during the second week of September annually, and this year, it falls on September 10th to September 16th.

The inception of Housekeeper's/EVS Week dates back to 1981, courtesy of the International Executive Housekeeping Association, commonly known as IHEA within the cleaning industry. This annual celebration serves several important purposes. One of its primary objectives is to showcase how the diligent efforts of professional cleaning and environmental services (EVS) personnel have a positive impact on patient care, the well-being of building occupants, and the broader public. It highlights the continuous demands placed upon these professionals by the individuals they serve and their employers. Furthermore, this event serves as a poignant reminder to recognize the accomplishments of EVS, cleaning, and janitorial professionals and express gratitude for their invaluable contributions.

Facility managers in commercial buildings throughout the country take this opportunity to honor their teams. They organize special events, implement recognition programs, and present tokens of appreciation as gestures of gratitude for the exceptional work performed by their staff.

Here’s a glimpse at some of these celebrations:

Bab Al Qasr Hotel & Residences, Abu Dhabi

In commemoration of International Housekeeping Week, Bab Al Qasr embarked on a heartwarming journey to celebrate and express gratitude to our invaluable housekeeping colleagues. This week-long festivity was an opportunity to recognize their dedication and hard work that keeps our establishment shining. 

A knowledge-filled adventure 

To initiate the festivities, a captivating and educational quiz was organized. This quiz combined elements of product knowledge with a dash of amusement, providing our housekeeping team with a chance to display their deep understanding of our esteemed establishment. 

Unity through cake 

What celebration is complete without cake? The week began with a heartwarming cake-cutting ceremony, uniting all Heads of Departments (HODs). This symbolic gesture emphasized the unity and collaboration that are the cornerstones of Bab Al Qasr's success. 

Racing towards Victory 

The competitive spirit soared during a thrilling relay race competition. Teams of enthusiastic colleagues tested their agility and teamwork in a spirited dash towards victory. This event not only ignited excitement but also underscored the importance of seamless teamwork. 

Blindfolded bed making 

One of the most captivating moments of the week was the blindfolded bed-making challenge. This unique and entertaining event showcased the exceptional skills of our housekeeping colleagues. Making a bed perfectly, even blindfolded, left everyone in awe. 

The grand finale 

In a grand finale, we hosted a spectacular party replete with delectable snacks and treats. This event was our way of extending our heartfelt thanks to our diligent housekeeping team for their unwavering commitment and dedication. 

Rewards and gratitude 

Last but certainly not least, we showered each housekeeping colleague with a multitude of gifts as tokens of appreciation for their active participation throughout the week. These tokens were a small reflection of the immense gratitude we hold for their unwavering contributions. 

In the spirit of recognizing our dedicated team members, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sajan, Assistant Housekeeping Manager, for his unwavering support throughout. Your contributions have been invaluable, and we appreciate your commitment to our team's success.

While International Housekeeping Week may have concluded, the spirit of appreciation, unity, and camaraderie continues to thrive at Bab Al Qasr. Our housekeeping team isn't just the backbone of our establishment; they are our heroes. We pledge to celebrate their exceptional efforts year-round, knowing that their dedication ensures that Bab Al Qasr always shines brightly. 

IHG Hotels, Dubai Festival City
In a world where comfort and luxury are paramount, there exists a silent army, tirelessly working behind the scenes to ensure every stay is exceptional. They are the housekeepers—the unsung heroes of hospitality, who turn ordinary moments into unforgettable experiences. It’s a job often taken for granted, but at IHG Hotels at Dubai Festival City, we understand the dedication and hard work that our housekeeping team brings to the table.

Housekeeping is a demanding profession, often overshadowed by the glitz and glamour of the hospitality industry. Yet, it’s the meticulous efforts of our housekeepers that transform a mere hotel room into a home away from home. International Housekeeping Week, observed from the 10th of September, offered us a golden opportunity to express our profound gratitude to these extraordinary individuals.

A red-carpet welcome for our heroes

To kickstart the celebration, our leadership team gathered at the housekeeping office on the first day, rolling out the red carpet for our colleagues. It was a heartfelt gesture, a warm welcome for the champions who make our guests; stay comfortable and memorable every day.

Team-building and fun-filled days

The festivities continued with a series of team-building activities that allowed our housekeeping team to unwind, connect, and understand the importance of teamwork while having a blast. Winners were celebrated, and the spirit of camaraderie flourished.

Embracing diversity and positivity

On the third day, we encouraged our team to reflect on their peers and appreciate the diversity within the department. Each member wrote down the name of a colleague they admired and highlighted one outstanding quality. This exercise aimed to foster inclusivity and a perpetual appreciation for each other’s strengths. The individual receiving the most likes was awarded a special prize.

Towel artistry: A show of masterpieces

No Housekeeping Week would be complete without showcasing the creativity of our talented housekeepers. An awe-inspiring display of towel artistry took place, leaving us in awe of the true artists within our team. Choosing a winner from such a stunning array of artwork proved to be an exquisite challenge.

A grand finale

As the week of festivities drew to a close, we celebrated with music and a delectable spread for our dedicated team. Prizes were awarded to all the winners throughout the week, and certificates of

appreciation were presented to acknowledge the unwavering commitment of our housekeepers to maintaining the highest standards in our rooms and public spaces.

“At IHG Hotels at Dubai Festival City, we firmly believe in the transformative power of gratitude and recognition. International Housekeeping Week offered us a unique opportunity to cast a well- deserved spotlight on our housekeeping team—the true architects of unforgettable guest experiences. Their dedication and commitment are the secret ingredients behind the scenes, turning everything they touch into something truly extraordinary. Here’s to our unsung heroes!”, remarked Thomas Schmelter, Area General Manager at IHG Hotels at Dubai Festival City.

J5 Hotels - Celebrating Dedication and Creativity

On September 15, 2023, J5 Hotels transformed into a hub of excitement and gratitude as we celebrated International Housekeeping Week with unparalleled zeal. This year, our celebration was a testament to the dedication and creativity of our exceptional housekeeping team.

Blindfold bed making competition:

The day kicked off with a unique and thrilling "Blindfold Bed Making" competition. Team members, blindfolded, raced against the clock to make perfectly neat beds. The precision and teamwork displayed were awe-inspiring. Laughter and cheers echoed through the hotel as the participants showcased their skills in a truly remarkable way.

Towel art workshop:

Creativity knew no bounds as our housekeeping team gathered for a "Towel Art Workshop." With expert guidance, they transformed ordinary towels into delightful works of art. These towel sculptures, from swans to elephants, demonstrated not only their housekeeping skills but also their artistic flair.

Various competitions:

Throughout the day, various competitions like "Fastest Room Cleaning" and "Spotless Mirror Challenge" added to the festive atmosphere. These contests not only showcased their proficiency but also fueled a healthy spirit of competition and camaraderie.

Team building activities:

In the spirit of unity and teamwork, we organized team-building activities that reinforced our commitment to working together harmoniously. The trust-building exercises and group challenges brought our team closer, fostering a deeper sense of belonging.

Appreciations and recognitions:

Of course, International Housekeeping Week was all about celebrating our remarkable team. They received heartfelt appreciation from guests and management, with personalized thank-you notes and tokens of gratitude. It was heartwarming to see the smiles on their faces as their hard work was acknowledged and celebrated.

Awarding certificates:

The pinnacle of our celebration was the awarding of certificates to our housekeeping team members for their outstanding contributions. These certificates serve as a testament to their dedication and commitment to excellence.

Grand dinner and refreshments:

As the day came to a close, our team gathered for a grand dinner filled with delicious refreshments. It was a time to relax, unwind, and savor the moment, surrounded by the warmth of their colleagues and the appreciation of the entire J5 Hotels family.

In conclusion, our celebration of International Housekeeping Week at J5 Hotels on September 15, 2023, was a grand spectacle of appreciation, creativity, and unity. It was a day when our exceptional housekeeping team took center stage, showcasing their skills and unwavering commitment to providing a memorable guest experience. We are immensely proud of their achievements and look forward to another year of raising the bar in the world of hospitality.

Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach

International Housekeeping Week, established in 1981 as the International Housekeeping and Environmental Services Week, has grown into a global tradition honoring housekeeping professionals' dedicated efforts in maintaining our "home away from home." Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach recently celebrated this event with a spectacular showcase of creativity, skill, and teamwork.

The festivities kicked off with "Glam Up Day," where teams transformed their workspaces into visual masterpieces adorned with colorful drapes and sparkling ornaments. It was a vivid and imaginative start to the celebration.

Competitive spirits soared during the "WOW, I am Proud of My Trolley" competition.

Housekeeping Heartists turned their cleaning trolleys into artistic wonders, reflecting their pride and commitment.

Creativity reached new heights in the Towel Art Innovation Competition, with housekeepers creating intricate towel sculptures that added elegance to guest rooms.

In the spirit of excellence, Diversey conducted a specialized Chemical Knowledge Training session, ensuring a safe and hygienic environment for guests.

The Product Knowledge Quiz tested Heartists expertise and encouraged continuous learning and improvement. The "Best Groomed Housekeeper Competition" emphasized personal grooming, reflecting Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach's professionalism and attention to detail.

The grand finale was the Bed Making Competition, where Heartists displayed their swiftness and precision, blindfolded, in preparing guest rooms. Excitement filled the air as they passionately contended for the cherished title.

As the week concluded, the champions were joyously honored, spotlighting their skills, dedication, and outstanding teamwork.

Swissotel, Makkah

Every year, we observe Housekeeping International Week to recognize, honor, and acknowledge the unseen contributions of the housekeeping hero’s. We consider International Housekeeping Week as a chance to show how we appreciate and value the support of the Housekeeping team. Housekeeping team is the backbone of the hospitality field. That is why we give special appreciation to them. We celebrated that with a variety of activities and events to show our appreciation for our hardworking housekeeping team.

We set up a Housekeeping International Week banner and a manager's committee who can judge the winner of competitions. 

We kicked off the week with a challenge of blindfold bed making, next five days we hosted a team-building activity for our housekeeping staff. We divided them into teams and had them compete in a variety of challenges, such as cleaning a room as quickly as possible and creating the most creative hotel bed display,  Amenities segregation, Balloon burst, Vacuum dash, Laundry folding, Cloth pressing etc.

We held a closing ceremony for International Housekeeping Week with a nice outing. We recognized our "Winners" and presented them with prizes. We also gave out awards for other categories, such as "Most Helpful Housekeeper". Housekeeping staff enjoyed dancing and swimming, taking videos and having special breakfast and lunch.

We also showed our appreciation for our housekeepers throughout the week by providing them with snacks and drinks. We also made sure to let them know how much we value their hard work and dedication.

The entire week was filled with positive energy and enthusiasm, and it served as a great morale booster for our housekeeping team. Their dedication and hard work are integral to the success of our organization, and this celebration was a small way for us to express our gratitude to the hotel management team for delivering their own appreciation to the Housekeeping Team.