By Camilla Yang
•
18 March 2025
As New Zealand transitions from the bustling summer months into autumn’s shoulder season, the hospitality industry faces fluctuating occupancy rates that directly impact housekeeping operations. With fewer guests checking in, but an ongoing need to maintain high cleanliness standards, hotels need to adjust staffing levels and workflows to match demand while keeping efficiency high. Here are a range of tips to help you resolve the cleaning staff fluctuations. Understanding the Shoulder Season Shift The shoulder season is the transition between peak and off-peak travel, presenting both challenges and opportunities for hotels. With lower occupancy rates, this period offers the perfect chance to shift focus toward deep cleaning and facility maintenance in preparation for the next busy season. Staffing adjustments also become essential, ensuring a balance between operational efficiency and labour costs. Instead of seeing this time as a slowdown, hotels can leverage it as a strategic window to refine operations and optimise workforce management, ultimately setting the stage for long-term success.