This month, we have the pleasure of diving into the inspiring journey of Sushma Dahal, the esteemed Executive Housekeeper at Crowne Plaza Doha Westbay. Sushma's career in the hospitality industry is a testament to hard work, dedication, and a passion for excellence.

Sushma's journey commenced at the prestigious OBEROI group of hotels in India, where she began as a housekeeping room attendant. Since then, she has adorned her career with experiences from renowned properties like Leela Palace Udaipur, Hilton Garden Inn New Delhi, Ista Hotel (rebranded as Hyatt Pune), and Sheraton Grand Bangalore. Her tenure at these esteemed establishments not only honed her skills in housekeeping operations and management but also instilled in her a deep understanding of hospitality's nuances.

In 2013, Sushma embarked on her international journey, starting as an Assistant Executive Housekeeper at Crowne Plaza Doha The Business Park. Through her relentless pursuit of excellence, she ascended to the role of Executive Housekeeper at Crowne Plaza Doha Westbay in 2018. Throughout her illustrious career, Sushma has prioritized continuous learning, leadership development, and staying abreast of industry trends, all of which have been pivotal in her journey to success.

One of the highlights of Sushma's role is the opportunity to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures, a facet she cherishes dearly. However, she also acknowledges the challenges inherent in her position, particularly in maintaining impeccable cleanliness standards while leading a diverse team of housekeeping staff.

Driven by her passion for hospitality and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Sushma's career trajectory is marked by her unwavering commitment to creating memorable experiences for guests and fostering a positive work environment for her team. Her dedication to implementing sustainable cleaning practices and prioritizing the use of eco-friendly products underscores her commitment to responsible stewardship.

As we delve deeper into Sushma's insights, we'll explore her approach to training the cleaning workforce, her preferred cleaning products, and her invaluable advice for aspiring professionals venturing into the world of housekeeping.

How did you begin your career, and how have you grown since then?

My journey in the hospitality industry began at the OBEROI group of hotels (Trident Hotel) in India as a housekeeping room attendant. Since then, I've had the opportunity to work with esteemed properties like Leela Palace Udaipur, Hilton Garden Inn New Delhi, Ista Hotel (rebranded as Hyatt Pune), and Sheraton Grand Bangalore, where I gained valuable experience in housekeeping operations and management. Moving to Doha in 2013 marked the start of my international career, starting as an Assistant Executive Housekeeper at Crowne Plaza Doha The Business Park and eventually becoming an Executive Housekeeper at Crowne Plaza Doha Westbay in 2018. Throughout my career, I've focused on continuous learning, leadership development, and staying updated with industry trends to excel in my role.

What is the best part about your job?

The best part of my job is the opportunity to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Each day, I meet guests with unique stories, and I take pride in providing them with exceptional service and ensuring their comfort during their stay.

What is the most challenging part about your job?

One of the most challenging aspects of being an Executive Housekeeper is maintaining high cleanliness standards while leading a diverse team of housekeeping staff. Ensuring consistency and attention to detail across different areas and shifts requires effective communication and coordination.

What drives your career?

My career is driven by a passion for hospitality and a desire to create memorable experiences for guests. I am motivated by the opportunity to lead and inspire my team, implement innovative solutions, and contribute to the success of the property.

The best housekeeping practices you follow

I believe in fostering a positive work environment through fair treatment, ongoing training, and providing the necessary tools for the team to excel in their roles. I also emphasise regular inspections, attention to detail, and personalised guest services.

Sustainable cleaning practices you implement

Implementing sustainable cleaning practices is important to me. I focus on minimizing waste, using eco-friendly cleaning products, and promoting energy efficiency within the housekeeping department.

Your take on training the cleaning workforce

Training is essential for the success of the cleaning workforce. I believe in continuous training programs that enhance skills, safety awareness, and professionalism. Empowering team members with the right knowledge and resources enables them to deliver exceptional service.

Cleaning products that you currently use

We prioritize the use of eco-friendly and effective cleaning products in our operations. Currently, we use Diversey's cleaning products, known for their quality and sustainability.

Your advice to youngsters who are starting their journey in housekeeping

My advice to young professionals starting their careers in housekeeping is to stay curious, be proactive, and embrace every opportunity to learn and grow. Develop strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a passion for delivering exceptional service. Building positive relationships with colleagues and guests will be critical to your success in this rewarding industry.