Kathiresan Shanmugam Recognized in Hozpitality's Best 30 Housekeeping Leaders in the Middle East for 2024
Hozpitality's Best 30 Housekeeping Leaders in the Middle East for 2024 proudly celebrates the exceptional leadership and contributions of Kathiresan Shanmugam, Executive Housekeeper at TIME Oak Hotel & Suites.
Kathiresan has consistently exemplified remarkable leadership qualities and a relentless commitment to upholding the highest standards of cleanliness and organization within the hotel. Since commencing his tenure as Executive Housekeeper on February 19, 2017, Kathiresan has demonstrated exceptional professionalism and leadership, overseeing the housekeeping and laundry departments with efficiency and excellence.
His leadership style is characterized by his ability to inspire and motivate team members, fostering a culture of teamwork and mutual respect. Through clear communication and effective guidance, he ensures a cohesive and efficient work environment. Under Kathiresan's leadership, the housekeeping department has achieved significant accomplishments.
One notable achievement is the increase in guest satisfaction scores for cleanliness, which rose from 8.6 in 2022 to 8.8 in 2023. This improvement reflects Kathiresan's dedication to maintaining impeccable standards and enhancing the guest experience. Additionally, he implemented energy-saving washing machines, resulting in a 3-5% reduction in utility costs, demonstrating his commitment to sustainability and cost efficiency.
Kathiresan also focused on enhancing staff productivity, increasing it from 17 to 18 credits through proper training and effective techniques. His dedication to staff development is further evidenced by the completion of 375 hours of training, ensuring that the team is well-equipped to deliver top-notch service.
Sustainability is a core principle in Kathiresan's approach. He successfully introduced sustainable guest amenities and plant-based water bottles in guest rooms, aligning with the hotel's environmental goals. Moreover, his efforts led to a reduction in staff turnover compared to the previous year, highlighting his ability to maintain a motivated and satisfied team.
Kathiresan has also promoted cross-training and career development, resulting in 11% of staff being cross-trained and transferred. This initiative not only enhances the team's skills but also fosters a dynamic and versatile workforce.
In addressing challenges within the department, Kathiresan has demonstrated remarkable innovation. He initiated in-house stitching of 80% of staff uniforms and converted discarded linens into dusters and face towels. His energy-saving measures, such as closing curtains and switching off kitchen appliances in vacant rooms, further illustrate his resourcefulness and commitment to efficiency.
Kathiresan's dedication to sustainability and community service is evident through initiatives such as environmental awareness campaigns, bulk amenities containers, and linen-changing programs. In terms of HR and training, he maintains a balanced ratio of outsourced and hotel staff, conducts new staff inductions, devises monthly training plans, fosters teamwork and staff relations, and ensures a succession plan and team development.
Through his exceptional leadership and innovative approach, Kathiresan Shanmugam has significantly contributed to the success and reputation of TIME Oak Hotel & Suites, making him a deserving honoree in Hozpitality's Best 30 Housekeeping Leaders in the Middle East for 2024.
Meela Seenarain
Dubai, United Arab Emirates UAE