CME Exclusive | Rethinking the Housekeeping Workforce

 

In this CME Exclusive, Gerlie Peneyra Matias, Cluster Director of People and Culture, Novotel and ibis World Trade Centre & ibis One Central, Regional People and Culture Operations Taskforce, Sub-Saharan Africa - PME Brands (concurrent assignment), explores what it takes to attract, develop and retain the people behind hospitality operations.

 

Filed under
Videos
 
October 8 2026
 
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The competition for housekeeping and cleaning talent is growing across the Middle East. But is recruitment alone enough? 

The conversation covers:

  • Why salary alone cannot solve retention
  • Making housekeeping a career with real growth opportunities
  • The role of technology, training and career development
  • Why employee experience matters as much as guest experience
  • What the industry must prioritise over the next 3–5 years

Gerlie also shares her personal journey from starting as a cleaner in the UAE to becoming a People and Culture leader, and why “where you can start should never determine how far you can go.” ▶️ Watch the full CME Exclusive.