Housekeeping practices and adherence to standards in Mbarara hotels

Abstract

The study assessed housekeeping practices and adherence to standards in selected hotels within Mbarara City, Uganda. Recognizing the critical role housekeeping plays in promoting guest satisfaction, hygiene, and regulatory compliance, the study sought to examine three key objectives: to assess the housekeeping practices implemented by hotels in Mbarara, to evaluate the level of adherence to established housekeeping standards and regulations, and to identify the challenges faced by housekeeping staff in maintaining these standards. A cross-sectional research design was adopted, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods. Data was collected from 80 respondents through structured questionnaires, interviews with housekeeping managers, and non-participant observations. The findings revealed that most hotels in Mbarara prioritize cleanliness and follow standardized cleaning protocols, particularly regarding high-touch surfaces and post-pandemic hygiene practices. There was also a strong indication of compliance with both local and international housekeeping regulations, supported by regular inspections, supervisory feedback, and staff training. However, the study also uncovered several challenges affecting the consistency of housekeeping service delivery, including high staff workload, limited cleaning materials, inadequate training, time constraints, and communication gaps. Despite these barriers, hotels showed general commitment to meeting required standards, though implementation of sustainable waste management practices and regular audits remained inconsistent. In conclusion, the study recommends the recruitment of more housekeeping staff, regular training sessions, improved resource allocation, enhanced supervisory support, and the integration of eco-friendly housekeeping practices. Areas for further research include comparing rural and urban hotel practices, exploring the impact of staff training on performance, and assessing guest satisfaction linked to housekeeping quality.