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Home » “Hotel housekeepers are the soul and backbone of a hotel” – Global week of action for hotel housekeepers is celebrated again
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01.12.2025 13:54

“Hotel housekeepers are the soul and backbone of a hotel” – Global week of action for hotel housekeepers is celebrated again

Global week of action for hotel housekeepers highlights the irreplaceable role that hotel housekeeping professionals play in keeping hotels running. Three hotel housekeepers share what motivates them in their work and how appreciation can be shown.

Global week of action for hotel housekeepers is celebrated during the first week of December, 1–7 December. Throughout the week, we celebrate hotel housekeepers who keep operations running smoothly and make guests’ stays pleasant.

We interviewed three skilled professionals in the sector, who talk about their work and their views on the appreciation of hotel housekeepers.

Nearly 30 years of experience in hotel housekeeping

Carita Ruohoniemi has worked as a hotel housekeeper at Sokos Hotel Kimmel in Joensuu since 1998 — a total of 27 years. Ruohoniemi also serves as a workplace trainer, onboarding new employees.

— There are two employees at reception who have been here even longer than I have, and then I’m the next “mummy”, she laughs.

According to Ruohoniemi, Pohjois-Karjalan Osuuskauppa PKO has been a flexible employer over the years. Flexibility works both ways, and in-house cleaners enjoy good staff benefits. Team spirit at Kimmel is strong, and employee turnover is relatively low.

— Senior management and the reception staff know who we are. If someone doesn’t know who I am, I’m surprised! I’ve worn a tiara at work for years and I tell the guests that this is my “kingdom”. Here you can be yourself, and humour goes a long way. The hotel is a bit like a second home to me, Ruohoniemi says.

Ruohoniemi values the independence of the work. No one breathes down your neck, and working in pairs is also enjoyable. She emphasises the importance of protecting the profession’s title.

— Our job title, hotel housekeeper, is becoming an endangered species, and I want to hold on to it.

Carita Ruohoniemi at work in Sokos Hotel Kimmel.

“My work affects the guests’ comfort, and that motivates me every day”

Edwin Estuye, who works in luxury hotels in Helsinki, has been a hotel housekeeper at Siskon Siivous for over five years and now also serves as a team leader.

— I truly enjoy the nature of the work. Hotel housekeeping gives me a sense of discipline, routine and responsibility. Seeing a room completely clean, organised and ready for the next guest gives me pride. I know that my work contributes directly to guest comfort and positive experience, and that motivates me every day.

Niina Pappinen, who works at Sokos Hotel Vaakuna in Joensuu, agrees. Pappinen primarily handles restaurant cleaning but also helps out on the floors.

— It makes me feel good when I can do something for the customer. When you’ve done your job well, you hope it comes across to the guest.

Pappinen points out that the work is physically demanding, which is why good occupational health care is essential. At PKO, she says, this is well taken care of. In the sector more broadly, pay is the area most in need of improvement.

— Pay is low and raising it would attract a new generation to the sector. For us long-timers, age is starting to show. There are fewer young people who want to work in the cleaning sector, but the work still needs to be done by someone, Pappinen says.

Ruohoniemi echoes her colleague.

— The work is heavy. Considering how much we do, the pay could be better.

“When you’ve done your job well, you hope it comes across to the guest”, says Niina Pappinen.

Showing appreciation for hotel housekeepers

According to Estuye, appreciation can be shown to hotel housekeepers by a simple gesture of recognizing their work, showing respect and understanding the effort that goes into maintaining cleanliness. Hotel staff can also support housekeepers by communicating clearly and recognizing that cleanliness plays a major role in guest satisfaction and hotel’s reputation.

So how can guests show appreciation for hotel housekeepers? Pappinen and Ruohoniemi offer easy tips.

— A simple word like thank you is important. Thanks from guests are motivating, and you’re almost taken aback because you’re not used to hearing it, Pappinen says.

— You can leave a tip! When the euro came, tipping decreased. Hotel housekeepers are the soul and backbone of the hotel. If we went on strike, no one else would have work, Ruohoniemi sums up.

Edwin Estuye sends his greetings to colleagues across Finland: “Be proud of your important and valuable work!”

To mark the Global week of action for hotel housekeepers, Estuye sends his greetings to colleagues across Finland.

— Be proud of your important and valuable work, which often takes place behind the scenes. We create safe, clean and welcoming spaces for guests every day. Continue your work with pride, keep learning and stay positive. Always remember that our role in the hospitality sector is essential. Happy Hotel Housekeepers’ Week to all of us!

Text: Pauli Unkuri.

Keywords:

hotel and restaurant industry international cooperation property services sector

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