By Sotirios C Ikonomou


During the COVID-19 crisis, I joined the housekeeping staff and cleaned rooms. 

That's right. 

I'd take my tie and expensive suit off, I'd fold them neatly into my bag, then wear simpler clothes and vacuum, dust and change the sheets. A proper part of the housekeeping staff. 

Then I'd wear my suit again and head to my office to fulfil my duties as the hotel's Director of Operations. 

I've been asked if I was at all embarrassed. 

But the truth is that I couldn't have been prouder. 

I had the opportunity to become a part of and get to know the housekeeping staff in a way I couldn't have otherwise. I met the team daily, heard their phone calls to their families and spent time with them. 

I couldn't have done it without "getting my hands dirty". 
It made me think about all the staff members we tend to forget. Whose faces disappear for us in the fast-paced world of hospitality. 

And so, one day, I had an idea. I would make those people's inner selves shine. To make sure that they were noticed. 

Being a photography buff, I set up a professional studio in the training room and asked the housekeeping staff to bring something they love from their personal life. Something that mattered to them. 

They were hesitant, but everyone wanted to participate after the first couple of photos. 

These portraits were hung at the main department office, and the entire hotel's staff could see them without their uniforms and for who they were. 

They felt important. Present. 

This project is essential to me on a personal level. It's my way of showing them my appreciation. But it's also proven to do much more on a professional level. 

It has instilled an organizational culture where employees are heard and their personalities matter. It has also assisted in tackling the employee turnover issue that has been rising since the COVID-19 outbreak. Furthermore, it has strengthened employee motivation, performance and commitment. 

Because everyone wants to be seen and heard, and it's our responsibility as managers to know that people are greater than the organization's sum.

#hospitality #opportunity #motivation #organizationalculture #change #inspiration #management





















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