Got employees? Then you have labor costs!

Over the past several weeks, the Operations and P&C team have been working with many locations across the RRI West portfolio to support their efforts in reducing their overall labor costs and control overtime.  What has evolved are some very key takeaways that all GMs should be doing to help control overall labor expenses, including, but not limited to:

• Scheduling

  • Create consistent schedules that meet the needs of the business.  For example, housekeepers might not need to begin until 9am or later, based on your typical guest departures.

  • Based on the many states that we operate in and meal and break laws, you may be able to require a 30 minute, punch out break for housekeeping.  This not only ensures you are in control of their schedule, but it also simultaneously gives them a perhaps needed break, ensuring they are not slowing down towards the end of their shift. 

  • Have Laundry start later than HSK dept. Laundry can also stock your carts, rather than HSK.

  • Call someone off if HSK has less than 13 rooms to clean.

  • Inn with HH, have HH take some rooms each day to clean in addition to other duties.

    
    

• Tracking MPRs

  • Your Ops team has rolled out the MPR chart to all locations.  This tool allows you, next day line sight into what’s actually happening at your property. 

  • The more involved you are in reviewing this information with your teams, the more engaged they will be in their own results. 

  • Train your team on what MPRs are, why they are important and how and why they are tracked.

    
    

• Control and limit overtime

  • Use efficient task distribution and workload management to ensure tasks are completed within regular work hours.  

  • Review your timecards daily to monitor employee punches, address “milking the clock” situations, and see who might be approaching overtime.

  • FD doesn’t have to stick to a 7-3, 3-11 and 11-7 schedule as well. We heard that is reason for OT being used.  Need help?  Reach out to P&C to discuss.

    
    

• And finally, Be Engaged: your true key to success in controlling labor!   

  • Are you aware of what your employees are doing? 

  • Are they aware of their efficiencies and areas of opportunity? 

  • Are they consistent in clocking in and out so you can know exactly where you stand?

  • Do you have all employees assigned to the right department and have secondary departments available for them to accurately clock into? (email Sarah Quintero for help).   

  • Have you asked your own staff what they can do to be more efficient?

To help support you in your efforts to control labor and OT, you will be receiving an Approaching Overtime Report each Thursday, starting next week, September 26th, that will provide you notification of any GSR that has more than 30 hours in that week. (before Thursday’s shift).  This will allow you to make any needed adjustments before the end of the given workweek.. 

September is National Suicide Prevention Month

We Can All Prevent Suicide

Understanding the issues concerning suicide and mental health is an important way to take part in suicide prevention, help others in crisis, and change the conversation around suicide.

Hope Can Happen

Suicide is not inevitable for anyone. By starting the conversation, providing support, and directing help to those who need it, we can prevent suicides and save lives.

We Can All Take Action

Evidence shows that providing support services, talking about suicide, reducing access to means of self-harm, and following up with loved ones are just some of the actions we can all take to help others.

Crisis Centers are Critical

By offering immediate counseling to everyone that may need it, local crisis centers provide invaluable support at critical times and connect individuals to local services.

Know the Risk Factors

Risk factors are characteristics that make it more likely that someone will consider, attempt, or die by suicide. They can't cause or predict a suicide attempt, but they're important to be aware of.

• Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and certain personality disorders

• Alcohol and other substance use disorders

• Hopelessness

• Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies

• History of trauma or abuse

• Major physical illnesses

• Previous suicide attempt(s)

• Family history of suicide

• Job or financial loss

• Loss of relationship(s)

• Easy access to lethal means

• Local clusters of suicide

• Lack of social support and sense of isolation

• Stigma associated with asking for help

• Lack of healthcare, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment

• Cultural and religious beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma

• Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and Internet)

Know the Warning Signs

Some warning signs may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If you or someone you know exhibits any of these, seek help by calling the Lifeline.

• Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves

• Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun

• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live

• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain

• Talking about being a burden to others

• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs

• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly

• Sleeping too little or too much

·       Withdrawing or isolating themselves

·       Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

·       Extreme mood swings

Where to go for HELP!

·       CALL 988!  That will connect you to the National Suicide Hotline immediately!

·       Utilize RRI Wests Employee Assistance Program – It’s FREE and available to all employees and their dependents. 

o   Visit liveandworkwell.com (enter the Guest Access Code LIFEBENSVS) Click on Benefits and Services >> EAP or call 1-866-302-4480 to speak with a counselor or schedule an appointment, 24/7/365.

·       Crisis Text Line: Test HELLO to 741741

·       Reach out to your primary care physician.  

Most of all - don’t be afraid to reach out if you or someone you know needs help. Learning all you can about mental health is an important first step. 

Check out the links below for more information:

https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Warning-Signs-and-Symptoms 

https://988lifeline.org/ 

https://988lifeline.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Suicide-Risk-Assessment-Standards-1.pdf?_ga=2.152399674.2024244582.1663358375-263656793.1663358375 

September is National Preparedness Month: Are You Ready for a Disaster?

National Preparedness Month, sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and held annually in September, is a good reminder that natural and man-made disasters can strike at any time. It's important to have a planned response when you're at work, on vacation or on the road.

In 2022, 69,473 weather-related events resulted in 813 deaths and 1,718 injuries. Winter weather, heat, floods and hurricanes resulted in the most deaths that year, according to Injury Facts.

The National Safety Council offers safety tips specific on preparing for earthquakes, floods, hurricanes and tornadoes, and how to minimize fire risks.

Federal agencies, like Ready.gov and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration also are valuable resources for emergency preparedness. When you face a natural or man-made emergency, try to stay informed through radio, TV or the Internet. In some cases, however, cable, electric and cell phone service will be disabled, making communication nearly impossible. The National Safety Council recommends the following general precautions that apply to many disaster situations:

• Make sure at least one family member knows first aid and CPR

• Download the FEMA app for resources, weather alerts and safety tips

• Have a family communication plan in place; all members of the family should review and practice the plan

• Have all family members' and other important phone numbers written down or memorized

• Have an emergency kit in your car and at least three days of food and water at home

• Be sure to store all important documents – birth certificates, insurance policies, etc. – in a fire-proof safe or safety deposit box

• Know how to shut off utilities

For more information and to read thru specific preparation for natural disasters such as: earthquake, flood. Hurricane, tornado, and fire. Please click the link below!  Be safe everyone!

https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/emergency-preparedness/emergency-preparedness-home