Topic: Time and Motion Study in Housekeeping Management

Topic: Time and Motion Study in Housekeeping Management

Introduction:

Time and Motion Study is a systematic technique used to analyze and improve work processes to enhance efficiency and productivity. In the context of the housekeeping department, Time and Motion Study can be a valuable tool to  optimize cleaning procedures, allocate resources effectively, and ensure the smooth functioning of operations. The study involves the careful observation, measurement, and analysis of tasks performed by workers to identify areas of improvement and eliminate wasteful practices.

Example: Housekeeping Cart Setup and Restocking Process

 

Objective: To optimize the setup and restocking process of housekeeping carts to reduce time and improve efficiency.

Steps in Time and Motion Study:

 

1. Select: Choose the task or process for observation, in this case, the housekeeping cart setup and restocking process.

2. Record: Observe and record the details of the current process:

   a. List all the items typically stocked on the housekeeping cart, such as towels, linens, toiletries, cleaning supplies, etc.

   b. Record the sequence of steps taken by the housekeeping staff to set up and restock the cart before they begin their cleaning rounds.

   c. Measure the time taken to complete the entire setup and restocking process.

3. Examine: Analyze the recorded data to identify inefficiencies or potential improvements:

   a. Look for any redundant or unnecessary items on the cart that could be eliminated.

   b. Identify any back-and-forth movements or time wasted in searching for items.

   c. Note if the cart layout can be optimized for easier access to frequently used items.

4. Develop: Propose a more efficient method for setting up and restocking the housekeeping cart:

   a. Rearrange the layout of the cart to ensure the most frequently used items are easily accessible.

   b. Standardize the quantity of items stocked to avoid overstocking or frequent refills during rounds.

   c. Consider using color-coded bins or compartments for better organization.

5. Install: Implement the new method and provide training to the housekeeping staff:

 

   a. Train the staff on the optimized cart setup and restocking process.

   b. Communicate the benefits of the new method, such as time savings and improved workflow.

6. Re-measure: After implementing the new method, conduct a Time Study again:

   a. Measure the time taken to set up and restock the cart using the new process.

   b. Compare the results with the initial Time Study data to determine the effectiveness of the changes.

 

Result: The Time and Motion Study may reveal that the optimized housekeeping cart setup and restocking process reduces the time required by, let's say, 20%. This means the housekeeping staff can spend more time cleaning and attending to guests, leading to improved productivity and guest satisfaction.

 

By applying Time and Motion Study techniques to housekeeping processes, hotels and hospitality establishments can continuously improve their operations, reduce waste, and enhance overall efficiency in providing quality service to their gue sts.

 

Work Study:

 

 

Work study is the systematic examination of the work process to determine the most efficient and effective way of carrying out tasks. It consists of two main components: Method Study and Work Measurement.

 

1.     Method Study:

 

Method Study involves analyzing the existing work methods and processes with the objective of finding better alternatives. The following steps are involved:

 

   a. Select: Identify the task or process that needs improvement, such as room cleaning, laundry handling, or guest service.

   b. Record: Observe and record the details of the current process, including the sequence of steps, tools used, and time taken.

   c. Examine: Analyze the recorded data to identify non-value adding steps, delays, and inefficiencies.

   d. Develop: Devise and propose a more efficient method that eliminates unnecessary actions and reduces wasted effort.

   e. Install: Implement the new method and provide training to the staff for its successful adoption.

   f. Maintaining : making sure that the implemented method is adopted successfully.

SELECT - The job to be studied

 

RECORD - All available data

 

EXAMIN - Each fact critically (for purpose place)

 

DEVELOP -The best available method

 

INSTAL/IMPLEMENT - The development method

 

MAINTAIN - The installed method

 

Example in Housekeeping: Method Study can be applied to the process of making beds in the housekeeping department. By analyzing the current method, housekeeping managers may discover that certain steps can be eliminated, or the order of tasks can be optimized to reduce the time required for each bed-making process.

 

2. Work Measurement:

Work Measurement involves quantifying the time taken to perform a task accurately. This helps in setting standard times for tasks, determining labor requirements, and evaluating worker performance.

1. SELECT THE TASK TO BE MEASURED:

In this initial step, you choose the particular task or activity that you want to measure. It could be any activity performed within a process or a specific job in a work environment. For example, in the context of the housekeeping department, the task to be measured could be making a bed, cleaning a room, or vacuuming the corridors.

2. DEFINE THE METHOD OF DOING THE TASK:

After selecting the task, you need to clearly define the method or procedure that the worker should follow to complete the task. The method should be well-documented and standardized to ensure consistency during the measurement process. For instance, in the case of measuring the time it takes to clean a room, the method might include a checklist of tasks to be performed in a specific order.

 

3. BREAK INTO ELEMENTS:

This step involves breaking down the selected task into its individual elements or basic motions. Each element represents a specific movement or action required to complete the task. Breaking the task into elements helps in accurately measuring the time taken for each sub-task. For example, in the bed-making task, elements could include tucking in the sheets, fluffing pillows, arranging the bedspread, etc.

 

 

4. MEASURE WORK INVOLVED:

Once the task is broken down into elements, you measure the time taken for each element separately using appropriate timing techniques. This could involve using a stopwatch, time-tracking software, or other timing devices. The goal is to accurately record the time taken by the worker to complete each element of the task.

 

WORK MEASUREMENT

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SELECT THE TASK TO BE MEASURED

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DEFINE THE METHOD OF DOING THE TASK

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BREAK INTO ELEMENTS

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MEASURE WORK INVOLVED

 

Techniques involved in Time & Motion Study:

1. Pathway Chart:

This technique involves studying the path taken by a worker while performing a task. A floor plan of the work area is drawn to scale, and the worker's motion is marked using a thread. The length of the thread gives an idea of the distance covered. The goal is to find the simplest and shortest route to complete the task, reducing unnecessary movements and energy expenditure.

 

 

2. Process Chart:

Here, a detailed study of the entire process involved in completing a task is carried out. The flow of activities is closely examined, and the time taken for each step is recorded. Unnecessary movements and steps are identified to be eliminated in the final process adopted.

 

3. Operation Chart:

This technique helps one track down all wasteful expenditure of time and energy in all activities the technique requires a detailed study of all the smaller activities making up a work process. The movements of the two hands are studied in great detail and a fine analysis shows where in the lob delays are occurring.

 

4. Micro-Motion Film Analysis:

Using a timing device, every activity of the worker is filmed in detail, with a focus on finer movements of the hands and other body parts. The analysis helps identify areas where changes can be made to carry out the task more efficiently.

 

5. Cyclography:

In this technique, a bulb is attached to the worker's body, and as they move during the task, the path taken is illuminated and captured by slow photography. The resulting film reveals how smooth and rhythmic the movements are, guiding the worker to make necessary adjustments.

 

 

 

 

6. Chronocyclography:

Similar to cyclography, this technique involves filming the activity with small lights attached to the worker's middle finger. The pattern or movement is recorded and analyzed to identify unnecessary or arrhythmic movements that can be eliminated or improved upon.

 

 

These techniques are valuable tools in process improvement, particularly in fields where time, efficiency, and movement optimization are crucial, such as industrial settings, manufacturing, and housekeeping management. By using these techniques, organizations can identify and eliminate wasteful actions, leading to increased productivity and better utilization of resources.