Confronting Disrespect and Inefficiency: My Experiences with Hotel Staff

I was once a hotel maid, and working in the hospitality industry came with its fair share of challenges. One experience stands out particularly in my mind - the struggles with a fellow employee named Stacey, who consistently tried to avoid doing her fair share of work.

The Struggles with My Colleague, Stacey

One morning, I walked into my workplace and was greeted with the news that my boss, Tom, had assigned a different amount of rooms for my colleague, Stacey. According to Tom, she would only be responsible for six rooms, while I was left with a tasking 15 rooms. This was my first confusion - why would Stacey, who had not worked the previous day and had a history of leaving early, be given fewer rooms than me?

My response was sharp and direct. I did not hesitate to question this unfair division, pointing out that Stacey was consistently avoiding her share of work. I explained that I was consistent and faithful, arriving at work every day, no matter the circumstances. However, when Tom looked at me and said, 'You are here everyday, but you decided to be here every day,' I realized that the responsibility wasn’t entirely on me. He went on to say that whether I chose to be there or not was up to me. Determined to not tolerate disrespect and unfair work division, I presented him with two choices - either she took some of my rooms to balance the workload or I would leave. Tom reluctantly agreed to divide the workload evenly and we both went about our day, with the understanding that Stacey was deeply upset about this decision.

Despite this agreement, Stacey did not adhere to the terms set for her. She worked her way into a deep mood and, much to our detriment, left the 6 rooms she was assigned unfinished at the end of the day. This was not the first time Stacey had left work unfinished, nor would it be the last. We both had to extend our work hours to complete her share of rooms, which added to the stress and frustration.

The Impact on the Team

The situation with Stacey was just one of the many challenges our team faced during this period. Similar issues extended to another colleague, the bus boy, who also displayed a pattern of irresponsibility and inefficiency. These recurring problems highlighted the need for better management and communication within the team, which often led to stress and dissatisfaction among us.

A Better Dream for the Future

Reflecting on my tenure as a hotel maid, it’s hard not to dwell on the moments of frustration and inadequacy. However, it also offered me insights into the importance of responsibility and teamwork. While the team dynamics were far from perfect, my experience taught me invaluable lessons, such as the significance of standing up for what is right and the power of teamwork in overcoming individual shortcomings.

Now, as a former hotel maid, I dream of a better working environment where fairness and respect are the norms. In the current job market, where hospitality plays a crucial role, it is essential for employers to acknowledge and address the needs of their staff to foster a positive and efficient working environment.

Conclusion

Working in the hospitality industry, particularly as a hotel maid, can be both rewarding and challenging. These experiences have shaped my viewpoints on the importance of equity, respect, and effective management. While dealing with such challenges can be frustrating, they also highlight the importance of teamwork and mutual understanding in creating a positive work environment.