Housekeeping Attendant

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Light Duty Cleaners (6661) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Light Duty Cleaners (G931) 
• 2011 NOC: Light duty cleaners (6731) 

Duties and responsibilities vary from one place of employment to another but, in general, housekeeping attendants:

• sweep and mop floors or vacuum carpets
• dust and polish furniture, and keep it arranged properly
• vacuum draperies and upholstered furniture
• empty ashtrays and garbage containers
• sort, count, mark and fold linens
• make beds or change bedding
• scrub, disinfect and polish bathroom fixtures
• replace towels, soap and other supplies
• report damage, theft and articles they find to the executive housekeeper or supervisor
• observe precautions required to protect hotel and guest property
• keep storage areas and carts well stocked, clean and tidy.

In hotels and motels, housekeeping attendants may clean lobbies, halls and banquet rooms as well as guest rooms. They generally are responsible for:

• cleaning carpets and floors
• shampooing carpets and upholstered furniture
• hanging draperies
• changing light bulbs
• collecting soiled linens and garbage
• receiving and storing linens
• moving furniture.

In some establishments, housekeeping attendants may be responsible for setting up banquet and meeting rooms, or making minor repairs.

Housekeeping attendants work shifts that include weekends and holidays. They are required to push, pull and lift items weighing up to 20 kilograms.

Housekeeping attendants need to possess:

• good health and stamina (to maintain a rigorous pace of manual work)
• good grooming and conservative appearance (their presentation reflects on the establishment)
• a friendly attitude
• good attention to detail
• good communication skills
• an ability to work co-operatively with a variety of other employees.

They should enjoy having clear rules and guidelines for their work, and using cleaning equipment.

Housekeeping attendants are employed in hotels, motels, clubs and dormitories. Employment may be seasonal.

With experience, housekeeping attendants may move into other jobs in the tourism industry. Those who have supervisory experience and a high school diploma (or are willing to upgrade their education) may advance to executive housekeeper and management positions.

Housekeeping attendants are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 6731: Light duty cleaners. In Alberta, 81% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Business, Building and Other Support Services (PDF)
• Accommodation and Food Services (PDF)
• Health Care and Social Assistance (PDF).

The employment outlook (PDF) in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions)
• size of the occupation.

Over 30,500 Albertans are employed in the Light duty cleaners occupational group. This group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.3% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 702 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As housekeeping attendants form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for housekeeping attendants.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Alberta Hotel and Lodging Association website: www.ahla.ca

American Hotel and Lodging Association, Educational Institute website: www.ahlei.org

emerit website: www.emerit.ca

Tourism HR Canada website: tourismhr.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.